Resume Writing Guide

1 – Certification. If you know nothing else about your writer, know that he or she is certified. While certification is not a be-all and end-all, it does suggest that the writer has demonstrated an acceptable level of knowledge in the art and science of resume writing. Certification can come in the form of either of two titles: CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer), or NCRW (Nationally Certified Resume Writer). Both hold equal weight in the industry. A third certification is worth mentioning, though don’t expect to run across it very often. CERW stands for Certified Expert Resume Writer. Issued by Career Directors International, a multi-discipline career association, the designation is reserved for resume writers demonstrating superior portfolios of work. Though rare, find one if you can.

2 – A Consultative Interview. If you’re evaluating a resume service that claims to be able to gather all the information they need about you via an online form or email questionnaire, look elsewhere. A consultative telephone interview allows the writer to plumb the depths of your work history and accomplishments, fully explore your goals, and lay the groundwork for a marketing document that will sell. Insist on one.

3 – A Look At Some Samples. The best way to know the caliper of professional you’re dealing with is to get a look at their work. That’s easy with writers; it’s all there, exposed on the printed page. A resume writer with no samples of work to show you is a resume writer who won’t be getting your business.

4 – A Guarantee. Now, guarantees in the resume business can run the gamut from the assurance that you’ll be “happy” with the end product, to a guarantee that your new resume will generate interviews within a certain time frame, say one or two months. I like the latter for one reason: most folks will see a professionally-prepared resume and deem it an improvement over their previous version, and sign off on the project. But an “improved” resume may not be enough in this job market. Better to let the market decide whether or not that freshly-minted resume is effective or lacking – by whether or not it generates interviews. If you have a choice, choose the resume service that guarantees interviews. Read the rest of this entry »