If you want to hire a resume writer, here are some inside tips from the trade.
Many resume writing companies are franchises with HQ’s based in Perth or Sydney.
That might not concern you but it’s like asking someone in Mumbai to help you get a job in Adelaide. Some of the writers are university students or blow-ins. Not fab.
If the writer says they’ll finish your resume in two to three days, read the fine print. You’ll find they’ve actually got two weeks to write it. They’ll try meet that job deadline but …. sorry.
The business must list the full name of their writers and give details about where they’ve worked. My background is on the website and on my LinkedIn site.
One writer allegedly from Adelaide, only lists her first name. No background. No company names. No profile. You’ve got to be joking.
Some will try to sell you a package (resume, cover letter and LinkedIn site).
The package helps pay for the large amount of money they spend on SEO marketing. Now you’re in the world of the ‘cut and pasters’ and ‘resume mills’. Moving on…
The writer needs writing experience. Having worked in HR won’t cut it. They need to be recruiters (or have worked in employment services) AND also be professional writers.
Ask for a sample of their work. They might not send you a final copy, but what they do send should give you confidence in their professionalism. The resume should contain results and achievements. If it doesn’t, see ya later.
Look at the testimonials. Have they included the client’s last name? ‘Bob from Brighton’ won’t cut it. Google reviews are the gold standard. If they’ve got less than 40 Google reviews, keep on shopping.
My blog is widely read. If you have any Adelaide-based resume or cover letter horror stories, please email me some examples with your experience. I will do a story for The Advertiser.