If you’ve searched the Internet for a professional or executive resume writer lately, you’re bound to find endless choices.

How do you decide who is the best writer for you? What criteria should you use in judging a writer’s abilities? And above all, who can you trust to get you into the job of your choice?

To get the results you want (more interviews!) and maximize the ROI on your investment, look for a professional resume writer that offers:

1 - Actual Recruiting and Job Hunting Experience.

While a degree in a writing field (journalism or English) might seem helpful, the better measure of a resume writer’s expertise is real-world experience in hiring.

After screening applicants and poring over resumes for a living, most recruiters have a good eye for what works and what doesn’t.

Even better, a true resume writing expert will offer experience on the other side of the hiring table as a job applicant. Combined with formal training in resume writing, this suite of skills allows a writer to supply what you need to make your next move.

2 - Job Search Expertise & Assistance

Times have changed. An resume professional who can get solid results in 2011 must be a job search expert, in addition to possessing superior writing skills.

A strong resume is only part of today’s job hunting equation. To be successful, your new resume will need to make its way in front of the right audience.

Therefore, talented resume writers are more than expert wordsmiths: they understand that a one-size-fits-all resume strategy is not workable. They will have taken the time to learn about (and educate you on) job search techniques, rather than sending you off to scour the job boards alone.

3 - Verifiable Writing & Coaching Credentials.

Significant time and study are required to earn credentials such as the Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW), or Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW), the latter 2 of which have a high failure rate.

You'll also want to look for career coaching or social media certifications BEYOND this credential from renowned careers industry organizations, such as Career Coach Academy.

4 - Willingness to Work With You One-on-One.

If you check a writer's website and it mentions his or her "team," this means that you'll be handed off to a junior resume writer - often one without the credentials advertised.

Be sure to ask who you’ll deal with, start to finish, especially if you’re making a major investment with an expert executive resume writer.

5 – Branded Resume Samples.

Look carefully at resume samples to discern the extent of the writer’s business knowledge and effectiveness. Do all the resumes look different, or do they appear to use the same template, font, and presentation strategy?

A resume that contains your personal brand will be unique in message, format, and style.

Resume samples also demonstrate how well the writer knows your industry and career path. For example, a CIO should work with a writer who can show a focused and technology-driven strategy on a sample CIO resume.

A COO in the healthcare field, conversely, will need a resume writer that demonstrates knowledge of operations management in a sample COO resume, and professionals in technology should look for expertise in IT or engineering.

6 - Social Media Aptitude.

Like it or not, social media (especially LinkedIn) has become a huge component of a successful job search. To truly be effective, resume writers must be up to speed on the tools that you'll need to market yourself effectively.

Does your resume writer use Twitter? How about LinkedIn? Do they have a bare-bones profile, or recommendations and frequent status updates?

Check with each writer to find out if they offer tools and tips to assist you with social media.

If a writer can develop a compelling social media presence for themselves, they’ll have a better chance of assisting you with the type of campaign needed in today’s competitive market.

7 - Marketing Savvy.

Google your writer! Do you find page after page of careers industry leadership examples and accolades?

Strong resume writers will have an equally strong Internet presence and reputation.

It’s a safe bet to say that, if you can’t gain a clear picture of the writer’s competency by visiting his or her website (or from performing a Google search on their name), you’ll find that this isn't the service for you.

8 - Professional-Level Pricing

This may seem like an odd criterion, but think about it: writers who charge less than $250 are literally telling you that they either unwilling or unable to devote sufficient time to your project.

Some may simply reformat your information without an in-depth consultation, which will make your resume a mere rehash of your existing document. An in-depth interview of at least 60 to 90 minutes is critical to gathering the right data for a strong resume.

A branded resume that speaks to your strengths requires critical thinking skills to analyze your goals, plus the ability to draw out your achievements in context - all time-consuming processes that require intense collaboration.

9 - Ongoing Careers Industry Development

Just like in your career, resume writing requires ongoing training and credentialing in order for your writer to stay sharp.

A writer who possesses a single certification is often less interested in learning new techniques and learning about the changes in the job market.

Continuing development on the part of your writer benefits YOU. It's important for your writer to learn the latest strategies that will deliver results for YOUR resume.

In summary, you can find an excellent resume writer for both executive and professional resume writing needs, but you may also encounter writers who fall short of your expectations.

As your future earning power is dependent upon how strongly your resume conveys your value, it’s a good idea to vet each resume writer thoroughly. Your career success can depend on it!



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