Resume writers can be a weird mob. Here is some inside information which might help you chose one.
It’s 5.00pm on a Friday and your job application is due first thing Monday morning. You don’t have an updated resume and you need a targeted cover letter. Who do you call? Beats me.
Good professional writers are usually booked out a week ahead. Most won’t even return your call or email until Monday. Professional writers have a few weird, unstated rules.
Let me answer a few of the most common questions that clients have.
- Why is it so hard to get in touch with a resume writer?
If a writer is any good, they’ll be at their computer writing. They will be writing to deadline and focused on the job in hand.
Are they going to stop and pick up a ringing mobile? No. If you leave a message, professional writers will call you back within 24 hours. By far, the best idea is to send them an email.
The reason is that’s the medium resume writers work in. They see the email come across their screen as they’re writing.
Unfortunately, some writers are hard to reach because they work other jobs. For them, writing resumes and getting clients work is a secondary consideration.
Many writers don’t actually live in Adelaide. They use 1800 or 1300 numbers and the call is directed interstate. Be prepared to pay top dollar because these are syndicates. They have administration and marketing staff to pay.
- How can I check the resume business isn’t dodgy?
The best way to check a writer’s bona fides, is to look at their testimonials on their website and read their Google reviews. If they’ve got less than 12 positive Google reviews, give them a miss. If they don’t blog, that’s suspect too. They’re meant to be writers.
The other way is to check they have an ABN. You can find their business by doing an ABN search. It means they are a verified business and have to provide names, addresses and contact details to ASIC.
- How much should I pay?
How long is a piece of string? The best idea is to check out their fees on their website. Much depends on the level of seniority of the client and how long the resume will take to write or rewrite. Prices vary dramatically. Here’s a hint. Email your resume and ask the writer for a quote.