Tips for Choosing a Resume Writer - Aberlene Resume & Career Services

Choose Your Resume Writer Carefully

Whom you choose to write your resume is an important decision that will impact the impression you make on hiring managers and the salary level you can negotiate.

Our careers are central to our quality of life and our ability to support our loved ones. With that in mind, here are a few facts you should know about resume writers.

Anyone can declare themselves a resume writer. This industry is not government-regulated and the background of resume writers can span from administrative support to business professional to recruiter to career counselor. Most writers have solid credentials based upon their history in employment counseling, recruiting, or human resources, but this should be evaluated carefully. The writer's background will be indicative of their understanding of the job market and their ability to help their clients.

Large online resume services rely on numerous writers. Just as the talent of each writer varies, so does the quality. Online sites often charge a large fee with a third or less of that going to the subcontracted writer, thereby reducing incentive to produce high quality work.

Not every person with a history in recruiting or human resources possesses the level of talent required to craft a persuasive resume. It is both an art and a science. The skill of writing effectively in marketing language to represent another person is just as important as understanding hiring dynamics.

Here is some basic criteria to help you in choosing a writer:

Check for credentials. Work only with someone who is a Certified Professional Resume Writer. There are reputable organizations (such as the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches) who certify writers based on exams and review of their work by qualified and seasoned peers.
Review the writer's samples. This alone will tell a great deal about the writer's talent and understanding of resume essentials. Be wary of writers unwilling to share samples. Claims of "proprietary work" seem irrelevant when you consider that writers share samples in resume publications all the time.
Look for experience that reflects an understanding of the job market. Consider how long the person has been writing resumes and whether they have done so in your career field.
Be careful in working with services that rely on multiple writers. If you do, obtain as much information as you can on the specific writer with whom you will be working.

We hope you will consider our service as we are proud that our standards are high and that we meet all of the criteria above.

In any case, be sure to keep these things in mind when making your decision.