If you have been conducting a job search recently, you know how incredibly competitive the job market is right now. To really stand out from the masses, to win interviews, and to get the job offer, you have to give yourself every available edge possible. For those job searchers truly interested in conducting a fast, successful search, that includes a professionally written resume. Especially right now, when unemployment is so high, promoting yourself with a professionally written resume has become almost a necessity-not a luxury! But, how do you hire a professional resume writer? Not all resume writers are equal in talent and experience. How do you make your choice? Here are a few guidelines to help you. Review work samples — Would you commission a custom painting without ever having seen the artist’s work? Would you hire an advertising agency to promote a new product without having reviewed examples of past ad campaigns? Of course not! Resume writing is a craft that requires a very unique blend of creativity, writing skills, and current knowledge of the job market and constantly changing trends. True professional resume writing firms never use templates. Each and every resume they create is as unique as the individual client. While it won’t be identical to your future resume, you can still tell a lot about the quality of work produced by viewing examples of past projects. Many resume writers publish examples of their work online and a handful are contributors to published books on resume writing. Before selecting a resume writer, review their work and be certain you are comfortable with the quality, general style, and diversity of the examples. Check credentials — There are several national organizations devoted to the education and professional development of resume writers. Each of these organizations offers their own version of training and certification programs. While there are good writers who remain uncertified, choosing a certified resume writer ensures that you will be working with a trained,
