Should I hire a resume writer?

Question

I was let go in April and I have been applying like crazy, but no interviews.  To me that's a no brainer that it has to be my resume.  I have 5 years experience in HR and a SHRM certification.  I've seen good and bad resumes, written resumes, but I wanted an expert to look at mine to see if I am doing it correctly, but is it worth it?  They are very expensive service and how do I know which ones are actually good services.  Has only used a resume writing service, if so is it worth the money?

Kelley Shields, Career Happiness Coach · Answer

Sydney has a great suggestion, to try to start with your college/career services center.  You could also try hiring almost any coach at the Muse - they are pretty strictly vetted - or I can personally recommend Jennifer Smith at the Muse. https://www.themuse.com/coaches/jennifer-smith

Serena Sheehan Sutherland · Answer

I've found success using templates & advice found online, as well.  Someone mentioned www.themuse.com -- I think that's a great resource!

Revisit your strategy to see where there are opportunities, too.   Are you being selective where you apply?  Try tailoring your resume or at least your cover letter to the role, the company.   Make a website!  Craft some content for your career profiles.  Lean into your network for introductions or recommendations and referrals.   LinkedIn lets you know if you have a connection at the company.

Good luck!

SANDRA KOPECKY · Answer

There are so many sources out there and understandably it can become confusing.  Price ranging from free to upwards of $600.  I've researched, and read, and consultant, and finally personally felt it was time to just pay someone to 'rebrand' me.    I had previously connected with the owner on linked in through mutual networks.  I absolutely love the work that they have done with my resume and LinkedIn profile.  I have just started updating my profile on sites and have begun submitting applications with the new resume and cover letter and have received 2 responses this morning.  
(https://storeylineresumes.com/) 
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynnstorey/)

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks everyone this is some great advise!

Anonymous · Answer

Some recruiting businesses also write resumes . It does cost money for the resume, but you are also part of their group of clients they try to place in jobs.  Something to consider if you are going to pay for resume writing.  I did pay for a resume to be written and wish I had known prior to doing so that recruiting services do it. I think I would have gotten a bit more personal service and quicker job leads.

Robin Stone · Answer

There are many templates on line that should be helpful. I would go that route first. Best to you!

Ebony Joyce, Career Success Coach · Answer

Some great points have been addressed. I’m a career coach and resume writer and my advise would be to work with a professional, not to hire a professional to write your resume for me. It’s should be a partnership, honestly no one can write your story for you. You wanted to be educated in the progress. There are a lot of resume writers, start with LinkedIn, work with a certified resume writer. Please remember your resume is only apart of your job search strategy.  I hope this helps!

Anonymous · Answer

In my experience having a professional to write me resume has been a game changer, she helped me change the perception I had about background and experience to aim for higher level positions. With my new resume and LinkedIn profile I've been contacted by big name companies. The interviewing process is a different story but having my resume redone was a good decision.

Elianet Oliva · Answer

I have been in the job search since January, applying to a lot of job postings and participating in a lot of virtual career fairs. At the beginning I was blaming my one page resume cause I wasn't getting the results I wanted. I hired top resume and paid around $150 for my new resume. Although it helped me understand areas that I was failing at, like being ATS (robot) friendly, having a summary and the like, it really didn't end up making a lot of difference. I have decided to use their template and rewrote my resume once again following advice from a few career gurus in linked in. I will suggest to do a search before you go with one source, I see a few career coaches that offer unlimited revisions until you get the job. Keep in mind companies are expecting you to tailor your resume to each position you apply. Hope this helps!

Anonymous · Answer

CareerForce centers offers this service for free.  They also have resume writing classes for you to learn how to do it yourself at no charge.  These are connected to the unemployment compensation programs but available to anyone.

Should I hire a resume writer?

You're invited.

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