FAQ & The Writique Process

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR RESUME AND CAREER SERVICE COMPANY

While previous generations of job seekers relied on unscheduled office visits and cold calls to entice potential employers, today’s candidates most often encounter Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before hearing from recruiters. Getting beyond a digital bin full of applications and in front of a hiring manager’s desk for an interview requires a well-crafted resume that markets your unique skills and accomplishments.

But before you download a resume template and try to fit all of your experience onto a two-page document, consider hiring a resume professional to help you reflect your professional history and to see your experience in a new light.

Why Should I Hire a Resume Writing Service?

Undoubtedly, you’ve kept good track of your work successes and the positions you’ve held over the years, yet writing your career trajectory in a succinct, enticing manner that highlights your skills may prove difficult, especially if you’re uncomfortable describing yourself and your accomplishments. Resume professionals are experts trained to help you tell the story of your career by representing you and your expertise in ways that attract attention from recruiters in your industry.

They know the keywords that will help your resume stand out in ATS scans, the hiring and salary trends in your field, and the action words that transform your job descriptions from task lists into records of your success. They take the time to do extensive research into both your history and your industry, freeing you to focus on your job search. Further, resume experts know what not to include on career documents and can better prioritize your experience due to their lack of personal attachment to your job record.

If you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or a professional re-entering the workforce after a few years away from regular employment, a resume writer will help you minimize potential drawbacks such as limited experience or employment gaps, drawing attention instead to your skills, attributes, and training. Rather than simply cutting and pasting your past endeavors into a new document, an expert resume writer will add transferable skills that recruiters view as assets and that will aid your transition into a new role.

How Does the Resume Writing Service Process Work?

Many resume services, including The Writique, invite prospective clients to discuss their needs and career aspirations during a consultation. Use this time to not only detail your career goals and the types of positions you’re seeking but to also ask the resume professional about document turnaround times, industries she has worked with previously, other services offered, the number of revisions included, and the prices for the services in which you’re most interested.

Once you’ve decided to proceed with an order, be sure to provide your latest resume, and prepare to offer additional information about professional memberships and certifications, job listings that pique your interests, volunteer experience, and any other pertinent topics. Most importantly, take the time to consider your unique qualifications and how they’ve benefitted your current or previous employer.

Instead of focusing solely on your job duties, determine specific, measurable ways in which your organization has improved because of your contributions. Did you increase profit margins, improve students’ reading scores, or drive more customers to your company’s social media accounts? If so, by what percentage? What strategies did you use to reach and maintain such enhancements? The more metrics you provide, the more knowledgeable and accomplished you will appear on your resume.

Finally, after receiving the first drafts of your documents, review them carefully, taking note of everything from the template to your job descriptions. If you spot any errors, wish to add or omit information, or want to know more about template options, don’t be afraid to ask—after all, this document represent you, and you should feel confident sharing it with potential employers.

When researching resume service providers, consider the following information—and don’t be afraid to ask for it if it isn’t readily available on a website:

Are the writers certified by professional entities such as the National Resume Writer’s Association or the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches?

• Do the writers have backgrounds in writing, editing, publishing, and proofreading?

• Has the service worked with other professionals in your industry? If you work in a particularly technical field, are there resume experts available that understand your responsibilities and are familiar with industry jargon?

• What measures does the service take to protect your privacy and your personal information?

• What is the turn-around time for receiving completed documents?

• Does the service provide access to reviews and testimonials from former clients?

Does A Resume Writing Service Also Write Cover Letters?

Resume professionals commonly offer a range of other career products, including cover letters, interview coaching, and LinkedIn profiles. If you purchase a cover letter as an addition to a resume or as part of a career services package, you will notice that the letter provides a less detailed view of your experience.

The cover letter’s purpose is to offer a brief, first-person summary of why you are a good fit for a specific role. It showcases some of your biggest accomplishments and allows you to pitch yourself to a potential employer. Because employers often ask for both a resume and a cover letter, the resume service you choose should offer cover letters as an option for purchase.

How Much Does A Resume Writing Service Cost?

Costs for resume services vary widely depending on a resume professional’s credentials and years of experience as well as the individual services and packages they offer. The length of your work experience, the timeframe in which you need your resume, and your professional title are just a few of the other factors that can also impact the cost of career services.

According to the National Resume Writer’s Association, the industry standard for resume pricing is 1% of the client’s salary, meaning more seasoned and higher-earning professionals will pay more for services than entry-level professionals. When speaking with a resume professional during your initial consultation, don’t forget to inquire about pricing.

Be honest with both yourself and the writers you’re looking to hire about how much you’re willing to spend, yet remember that you’re investing in your future success, and carefully consider any service offering extensive work for a low cost. Reputable, quality writers will demonstrate that they’re worth your effort and your money and will not promise extensive work for little to no investment.

Your resume is more than just paper and a list of your previous employment. An effective, professional resume is an essential tool in your job search, speaking for you before you have the opportunity to present yourself to your future employer. Hiring a skilled writer to help you promote yourself for the jobs you truly want is not a luxury, but a necessity in today’s digital and ever-changing job market. For more information on resumes and other career products, reach out to the professionals at The Writique by visiting our services page or contacting us at info@thewritique.com.