How to choose a Résumé provider

A Résumé is a marketing document ‘selling’ your skills to a prospective employer ... not just a list of what you’ve done.

BE WARNED! ALL RÉSUMÉ SERVICES ARE NOT THE SAME!

ASK THE RÉSUMÉ PROVIDER THE FOLLOWING 7 QUESTIONS:

1. What are your qualifications and experience in writing professional Résumés?

A provider who has simply bought a franchise that allows them to use a particular Résumé format that looks good (laser printing and thermal binding) is no more qualified than you are to write your Résumé. The content of the Résumé is extremely important so choose a provider with qualifications 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. 

3. Do you provide a face-to-face consultation?

You need a personal consultation to discuss all aspects of your training, qualifications, work history, strengths and achievements (it usually takes 1-2 hours to do a thorough job). This is how you get depth in your application.

4. What is your success rate in getting clients to interviews?

If the providers don’t know, then they won’t be particularly interested in your future success. Providers who have the client's real interest at heart encourage their clients to let them know the outcomes of their applications. 

5. Can my Résumé /CV be supplied on disk or by email?

You should be able to get your CV supplied electronically for future updates and additional copies. Some unscrupulous Résumé companies offer cheap 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. Because the information contained in the Résumé is simply a list of what you've done, you will continually need more copies because you won't get to an interview. So, the Résumé that was so cheap to start with becomes very expensive.... and worthless. Don't fall for it!

6. What do I get for my money?

Price is only important in relation to what you get for your money. Think of your Résumé as an investment and look for value for money. For example, neither a basic 2 page ‘school type’ of Résumé for $90.00 nor a ridiculously expensive $900 Corporate Résumé, if written without expertise, will get you a job if it fails to 'sell' your skills and achievements.

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.

If you can't do this, ask to see some sample Résumés and put on your 'Employer's Hat' to examine them carefully before making a decision. If you were the employer, would you be impressed with this Résumé?

The Selection Criteria Toolkit contains examples of both comprehensive and brief Résumé formats to include with your Selection Criteria Statement. The book also covers how to 'sell' yourself in your application and put some PIZAZZ into your presentation. Click here to order your copy.