Being careful and doing your research is the best way to get the most out of a resume writing service. You’re putting your hard-earned money on the line, and you deserve the best. In order to get the perfect resume, do some research -- and ask questions!

What type of questions? We’re here to point you in the right direction. Keep reading for six essential questions that you need to ask before investing in a resume writing service!

Do I Need A Resume Writer?

Before researching various resume writing services online to see which one is best for you, you have to answer this one: do I really need a professional resume writer to begin with? With ample guides and how-to’s on the web, it’s possible to write a decent resume by yourself.

Of course, it pales in comparison when compared to real professionals who have years of experience -- but it’s still something. If you’re tight on money, it’s better to try writing your own and see what happens.

When considering the do I need a resume resume writer question, take note of these things:

1. Your general knack for writing and vocabulary.
2. The amount of time you have available.
3. The amount of time you are willing to invest.
4. The effort that you are willing to put in.

The amount of overall energy invested correlates to how good your resume ends up being. But, you’re not lazy if you don’t write your own resume. With life being so hectic, we get that not everyone has the time or energy to be able to do so. That’s one of the main reasons that resume writing services exist in the first place.

The Questions to Ask Your Resume Writing Service

Each of these questions will assist to help you gain insight and decide if the particular resume writing service is right for you. It’ll also help you weed out the bad ones.

You will be able to ask these questions through email or calling an inquiry line. For the best result, we recommend that you actually speak to a live person. It’s important to note that some of these answers may be on their website and in plain sight. We recommend that you look over their website at least briefly before asking your questions. It’ll save time for everyone.

Now, let’s dive into the 6 most essential questions to ask!

What Do You Guarantee?

One of the ways that resume writing services try to gain an edge over their competitors is by offering guarantees.

Guarantees include claims such as:

1. No 2x increase in interviews? We’ll rewrite your resume from scratch.
2. Unlimited revisions until you're satisfied with your resume.

Not only will this question help you understand what exactly you are entitled to, but also what sets them apart. Equally important, make sure to ask if there are any fine print details about their guarantees that you should be aware of.

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What is Your Resume Writing Process?

This question will help you gauge how involved you will be in the resume writing process and you can plan accordingly. It also eliminates much of the uncertainty you may be feeling when working with a brand-new service.

Even more, knowing the outline of the writing process will assure that you do not miss important milestones. These include stages like the initial consultation/questionnaire and revision period.

Also, it’s important to specifically look for a resume service that offers one-on-one time with your writer. If a service simply involves having you fill out a form and then receiving a resume afterwards, it should raise red flags. It’s nearly impossible for resume writers to craft a quality resume for you unless they really get to know your career goals and individual needs. Services that don’t incorporate this one-on-one feature in their process should usually be avoided.

Are Your Writers Certified?

This question is essential because it gives you a better idea of what you’re actually dealing with. Everyone’s a “professional” nowadays. With the names of actual certifications, you will be in much better shape.

Once you find out about the certifications, you can cross reference them to make sure they are legit. Consult databases such as the National Resume Writers Association or Resume Writing Academy.

What Makes You Stand Out from Other Services?

Pretty straightforward, but give your resume writing service a chance to sell their service to you. Find out what makes them unique and if they are worth your money. Frankly, there are tons of online resume services to choose from, so this is really the best way of narrowing down your options.

Could You Tell Me About Additional Fees?

Most resume writing companies are honest and would never spring hidden fees on you. But, it’s always safer to ask. This way, you can plan accordingly and budget without fear.

If you’re also looking to invest in resume builders or resume templates, these are services that commonly do have additional fees and monthly payments to be wary of. Often, people end up forgetting to cancel their subscription to these services and end up throwing away hundreds of dollars.

Do You Have Resume Samples?

Samples will help you understand the general quality of what you’re paying for. Along with this, it’s a great indicator of whether the company reuses the same template over and over again.

This may not be likely to happen, but resume mills do exist. Getting a generic and cookie cutter resume is not a good feeling -- and asking this question can help you avoid the scenario altogether.

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To Wrap Up

Resume writing services can be wonderful assets. They’ve helped millions of people land their dream careers, and they could help you do the same too.

However, while some resume writing services are passionate to help you achieve your goals, others are keener on stealing your money. With a little research and by asking these six essential questions, you will have better insight into what type of company you’re dealing with.

After all, you deserve to get the most out of your hard-earned money!

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