You may initially write your own resume when searching for a job. But when you apply to many jobs and receive no interviews, you may start to consider hiring a resume writing service. There are some things you need to consider when hiring someone to write your resume for you.
Pros of Hiring A Resume Writer
If you are not a strong writer and you do not know where to begin with resume writing, hiring someone to do it for you may be the answer. There are some reasons it would be a good idea to seek professional help.
Inside Knowledge of The Hiring Process
Hiring and human resources is an ever-changing industry. A resume that worked well for you 15 years ago may be very outdated now. It is not enough to add recent experience and send out your new resume. Professional resume writers know what hiring managers want to see in applicants. Not only do they know what qualifications and experience employers want, they also know how to format a resume and what keywords to use to get you noticed. They know what words and phrases are overused and outdated so your resume will be fresh and concise.
Tricks of The Trade
If you are sending out resumes but not getting any results, it may not be your qualifications that are holding you back. As many as 75% of employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These are specialized computer systems that filter out applicants based on their resume. Using keywords and formatting techniques can help get your resume through the system into the hands of the hiring manager. Resume writing services specialize in crafting resumes that make it through the screening process.
High Quality Writing
It is not always easy to get your point across in written communication, especially when you are talking about yourself and your skills. A resume writer is experienced in writing resumes that will capture the attention of the hiring manager. It is also helpful in non-traditional work situations. If you have been out of work for a while, or you are changing careers and need to establish yourself, resume writers can help. They can help get you in the door with their writing skills so you can communicate your circumstances in person at an interview.
Cons of Hiring A Resume Writer
Resume writers are not for everyone. If you are a good writer, you can craft an effective resume on your own or with a little help from articles on the internet. If you have a typical work history with no gaps and are staying within your field of experience, you may not find much benefit in hiring a resume writer. There are also other cons to consider.
The Cost of a Professional
If you are looking for a new job, you may not have extra funds to hire a professional resume writer. Some cheaper options for resume writing can start at $25. However, these services are not usually as talented and in-depth as more expensive services. If you want to hire a good resume writer that will spend time personalizing your resume, you can expect to spend $100-$400 or more. Regardless of price, none of them are free and you must research resume writers to make sure you are getting what you are paying for. This may not be an option for someone with no income.
Generic Resumes and Resume Mills
Resume writing services are quite popular, which means resume writers often must churn out lots of resumes for lots of different clients. When this happens, you run the risk of getting a generic resume that may not stand out as much as you think. Because resume writers use the same industry standards across many resumes, having a unique resume might not be something a professional can offer. If you want a personalized resume, you may be better off writing it yourself.
Conflicting Writing Styles
If you pay to have someone to write your resume, you are going to want to use it for all your applications. But it’s always a good idea to include a cover letter, even if it is not required by the company. A resume writer may include a cover letter template for you to use. However, if you need to personalize the template, or you must write your own, the writing styles of the cover letter and resume will not match. This can be a clear sign to the hiring manager that you did not write your resume and it will make you stand out in the wrong way.
There are many points to consider when deciding whether to hire a professional resume writer. It can depend greatly on the individual circumstances you find yourself in when looking for a new job. Weighing the pros and cons will help you to make the right decision for you.
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