How to Pick a Professional Resume Writer

If writing your own resume isn't your forte, consider hiring a professional resume writer to do it for you. A professional knows how to highlight the information employers are looking for and can create a document that stands up to the competition. A resume writer is actively involved in the field of career development and can give you valuable insight into the job search process.

If you decide to hire a writer, here's how to do it:

- Find someone who will work with you to carefully phrase each line to handle your particular situation. Look out for writers who get minimal information from you and then go off and create their own fiction. You want a resume that sounds like you, not them!

- Find an expert at resolving difficult problems such as gaps in the work history, minimal education, disabilities, or whatever your issue is.

- Hire someone who encourages you to get feedback from others. The writer should be willing to make revisions and not be defensive about their work. The goal is to come up with an effective resume, no matter what the cost to the writer's ego!

- When you call the service, ask to speak to the resume writer, not the receptionist or salesperson. You want to get a feeling for the quality of work and level of concern you're going to get from the person creating your resume.

- Compare prices and be aware that resume writing is no different from other professional services - you get what you pay for. Cheap services usually produce impersonal, form-like resumes. If you can't afford a good writer, you're better off getting a book and doing it yourself.

Your resume is more than a piece of paper. It's an investment in your future. It may, in fact, be the crucial element in achieving your life's goals. Whether you write your own or hire someone to do it for you, be sure you end up with a document that gives you full credit for your work and accomplishments. The employer needs to know that you'll be a valuable member of their organization. Your resume is the opportunity for you to say just that.