_edited.png){kind=logo}
A lot of resume writing companies are garbage. I said it.
Over the last several years, I've seen almost as many people deem themselves to be a resume writer as I have seen people start podcasts. People from all kinds of industries, roles, experience levels, etc. creating a start-up business to generate resumes at scale.
Several resume writing firms have ballooned into the Walmart of resumes, churning out mass-produced resumes in less than 24-48 hours.
I've tested several of the large resume writing services and scanned the market for examples of output from providers. And a lot of them were garbage.
Many of the companies just shuffle bullets. They take your existing resume, plug it into a new template, shuffle the content around, and then charge you $300.
They use canned templates based on your profession that are often impersonal, not optimized for your career trajectory, and lack narrative. In resumes, like any writing, narrative is persuasion. Narrative tells your reader who you are, what you do, and who benefits from your work. They draw your reader in and make them want to learn more.
Some writers have no experience partnering with hiring managers, HR teams, and leaders on recruitment. They're not nuanced enough to understand persuasion, how others read resumes, what they look for, and what is the most compelling.
Many firms never even meet you. They ask you to submit your documents and within 24 hours they send your resume with the opportunity to request a few edits and then they close the door.
The reality of resume writing is there's no "perfect way." You can send your resume to several services and they'll all tell you something different. Applicant tracking systems use different algorithms, some companies don't even have an applicant tracking system, and people still make the final call on who gets hired. People's opinions are vast and wide on what makes a "good resume." The most important part in selecting a resume partner is to find someone you align with. Find someone who treats you like a partner and listens to you, your goals, and your challenges.
I work with a lot of clients who come to me after being burned by another writer. Before you make an investment, research reviews. Look to confirm writers are certified in their practice. Meet with your potential writer and ask them questions about their methodology in resume writing, their resume style preferences, and their resume success rates.
Every client I work with receives personalized, tailored solutions based on industry, profession, job market factors, goals, and other nuances. There is no one-size-fits-all career, so why work with a resume writer who applies that approach to your resume?
I'm a Certified Professional Resume Writer from the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. That means that I've not only passed the scrutiny of a certifying body, that I'm also committed to continuing to improve in my profession. I'm also a Certified Senior HR Profession from the Society of Human Resources. Both of these credentials contribute to my ongoing success and skill in resume writing and coaching.
Comments