4 Myths About Resume Writing Debunked

Often, when we are first approached by clients who are interested in our services, we are faced with many common misconceptions about what resume writers do and what the resume writing process is actually like. Our goal is to dispel these myths and create the best experience for you to help you get your foot in the door and land the job of your dreams.
 
The following are four common myths about resume writing and the important truths that you should be aware of before hiring a resume writing service: 

Myth #1 - The writer has never worked in my industry so they can't write my resume
 
A good resume writer has invested their time in establishing their credentials and reputation as a good writer to produce an effective resume (notice the emphasis on “good writer.”) The best resume writers are writers first. This means that they understand the conventions of modern English, grammar and copywriting. They have taken various trainings, seminars, and certifications and have equipped themselves with the expert knowledge needed to provide a well-crafted resume for their clients.
 
Similar to other professions such as doctors or lawyers, for them to provide the necessary service, the resume writer needs to be credentialed and experienced to continuously perform resume writing services.
 
While it does help if a resume writer has had exposure to a certain field, a professional resume writer does not need to have worked in a specific industry for them to write resumes. Remember they are writers first. They need to be skilled in the field of writing to do their very best work.
 
Myth #2 - I should be able to pay $50 - this is just a quick typing job
 
Developing a resume is a comprehensive process that many, who are non-resume writers, are unaware of. Numerous people are involved in the process of resume writing to ensure the client the best outcome – not just the writer but also an editor and additional support staff as well. Typically, it takes anywhere from 10 to 15 hours to re-write a resume. This can include steps such as:
 

1. Research and creative development
2. Copywriting
3. Branding and design
4. Editing
5. Re-editing
6. Quality Control

 
As such, you should beware of $50 resume writing services. As a creative and premium writing service, offered by certified and expert resume writers, higher rates are commanded, not just $50 for a quick fix or quick typing job. Your resume writer is not a typist, they are a certified and credentialed professional and re-crafting a resume to ensure it obtains results is not as simple as just the wave of a hand. The creation of a resume involves a series of steps, strategies and processes and the services are charged based upon their immense value. Professional resume writers can help you obtain an additional $5K, $10K or $20K per year! They offer a skill that can help you articulate to the potential employer that you are the best fit for the position and charge as such.
 
Myth #3 - All the resume writer needs is my existing resume to create the new document…I shouldn't have to do anything else
 
If your existing resume is not working for you then it is not a good starting point for beginning the resume writing process. Yes, we will request to take a look at it, but really the entire resume writing process will begin from the ground up to maximize your opportunity.
 
To be the most effective, the resume writer will need to initiate a discussion, help you to complete and answer questionnaires, collect additional documents, conduct industry research, and then have follow-up discussions to ensure the most important information is available to kickstart the project.
 
The interaction between the resume writer and the client has to go through a series of steps and to have a positive outcome, the resume writer and the client need to collaborate to ensure the project is a true representation of where the client is in his or her career. In short, we will need more than just your resume to get started. You will need to be involved and willing to provide additional information and details so that we can craft an impactful resume that will get you the results you deserve.
 
Myth #4 - The writer must reside in my city or state to understand my market.
 
An effective resume writing service will not limit its reach to just one city or state as it can bring the benefit of wide market exposure as a national organization. As such a company, we look at things both locally and nationally with a big-picture vision that brings value to each of our clients.
 
In winning out over the competition within the current job market, an applicant must have a resume that looks more professional and well-written and that speaks to the needs of the existing job market overall. It has to catch the attention of the recruiter, hiring manager, or employer. The one who will read it should immediately understand the specific job, field, industry, and market that the client is targeting. The resume has to be concise and straight to the point.
 
A national service with far-reaching exposure can analyze information and conduct in-depth research and craft resumes that speak to what today’s employers are searching for. This includes understanding the economy, assessing the larger impacts affecting the job market and being able to identify trends across industries. The specific location of the writer holds zero merits when it comes to the effectiveness of the resume writing process overall, and on a national scale.
 
Have you held any of these common misconceptions? To learn more about how to work with a resume writing service schedule a call today to speak with one of our career experts.
 
(P.S. Tired of spinning your wheels with your career? If you're ready to turn your resume into a hard-hitting marketing tool then try our FREE Resume Critique service today!)