Professional Resume Writer - is it worth the cost?

Question

I'm in HR and think my resume is pretty good. However, especially as I am getting older, I want to make sure it stays fresh. Is it worth the cost to bring in a professional resume writer?

Anonymous · Answer

Have not used one but looked into it and seriously considered it early on in my job search process when I wasn’t getting any bites. I found profiles on LinkedIn of people in similar roles and found inspiration there. I continually tweaked my resume content and design until I started getting bites. Once I got bites, I knew it was good and stopped editing. I was invited to numerous interviews and ultimately landed a job.

Thorne Nugent · Answer

I paid for a resume writer @ Top resume and I did not get any offers $350. wasted !  The  lesson was do it myself. Resume writers use words that will not be picked up in  ATS (automated tracking software) for Human Resources. As annoying as it is to review, rewrite repeat your experience do it yourself and ask LinkedIn recruiters for help in attracting your dream role.

Alison Harris · Answer

HireClub.com has resume writing services, I think they are $150 for the refresh and they do a fantastic job, including doing an interview with you in order to ensure the positioning is correct for where you want to go.

ST · Answer

A good resume writer will only formulate effectively. Where the value for them comes in is by you having a solid understanding about what you do, who you do it for and why that gets you up everyday. Rearranging words in a generic way for a generic resume is not worth spending the money. If you're considering hiring one, make sure they are well versed in the industry in which you want to apply. Keywords and language relevant to that industry matter. Resumes should be customized for every single position.

Barb Hansen · Answer

I paid someone to re-work/re-write/re-create my resume a few years ago and it was worth every penny.  My chronological resume that I thought was good (and it had worked for me for years), stopped being effective. I needed a resume that opened doors to VP / C-suite jobs and my old one was not working. The new one did the trick. 
 
Not all resume rewrites work though, as you said above. I think I lucked out finding the right person for my needs.

Deb Strickland · Answer

I'd first start by making sure all your descriptions are written from a 'results' perspective. Maybe your resume isn't getting read because it doesn't show what you've accomplished.

Resumes should always show the results of a given project and be a quick read. Recruiters tend to spend maybe 8 seconds scanning (not reading) a resume so each bullet needs to be impactful. It needs to show results with numbers.

'Worked with sales to build follow-up emails.'

or

'Led follow-up email campaign with sales increasing engagement by 28%, exceeding revenue goals by 15%'

Rose Holland · Answer

You are better off spending your efforts networking. Join professional organizations in your field and become active.

Professional Resume Writer - is it worth the cost?

You're invited.

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