Choosing a professional to write your resume – seven questions you need to ask
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1. What are your qualifications and experience in writing professional Résumés?
A provider who simply uses a Résumé format that looks professional (laser printing and thermal binding) is no more qualified than you are to write your Résumé. The content of the Résumé is what counts, so choose a provider with qualifications and experience, preferably in marketing or human resource management.
2. Do you provide forms for me to fill in?
If you need to fill in forms, you’re basically writing your own Résumé. Walk away.Â
3. Do you provide a face-to-face consultation?
You need a face-to-face consultation to discuss all aspects of your qualifications, work history and achievements (it usually takes 1-2 hours to do a thorough job). This is where the skill of the consultant is vital in knowing the right questions to ask you.
4. What is your success rate in getting clients to interviews?
If the providers don’t know, you can assume there is no follow-up and no interest in your future success.Â
5. Can my Résumé /CV be supplied by email?
You should be able to get your CV supplied electronically for future updates and additional copies.
Some Résumé companies offer low-priced Résumés with a consultant calling to your own home. This sounds convenient, but think about it. What’s the catch? Does your solicitor come to your home when you need your will written? These companies make their money by charging you for every copy you order…. and you’ll probably need quite a few if the content is poor.
6. What do I get for my money?
Think of your Résumé as an investment and look for value for money. Regardless of whether it costs $90 or $900, your Résumé won’t get you a job if it fails to ‘sell’ your skills and achievements to the employer.
7. Do you provide any support with interview skills and jobsearch?
Good providers offer ongoing advice regarding interviews and jobsearch strategies. Your success is important to their success.
N.B. The best way to choose a provider is to get personal referrals from friends who have been happy with the provider.
Dawn Richards is a career coach and author of best selling career books ‘Selection Criteria Toolkit’, ‘Get That Government Job’ and ‘From Fired to Hired.’ For further free career resources go to www.smartstartmarketing.com.au
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Tags: marketing, money, Success Rate, Work History