In a highly competitive job market, many job seekers turn to professional resume writers for help. Let’s explore your options. First, you need to know that not all resume writers are created equal. Understand if you are hiring a true resume writer or engaging a resume formatter.

Resume Writer vs. Resume Formatter

Resume Writer: A resume writer is a professional who not only formats but also creates the content of your resume. They work with you to understand your unique skills and experiences, crafting a tailored resume that highlights your strengths. They typically spend time interviewing you. They will want to know if there is a shortlist of companies you would like to work for, what challenges you face in your job search, what job descriptions you are targeting, personal goals, and much more.

Resume Formatter: Many resume formatters pose as resume writers. A resume formatter, on the other hand, focuses primarily on well formatting your resume. They make sure your resume looks clean and polished. This service is suitable if your content is already strong, but you need assistance with formatting.

It’s crucial to understand who you are hiring and if they will accomplish what you need before opening your wallet.

Check their Professional Background

When hiring a resume writer, it’s essential to check their professional background on LinkedIn.

• When did they create their LinkedIn profile, and where are they located? This is important to avoid common scams. A brand-new profile could mean that you are about to hand over your information to someone who will use it for less than legal purposes.
• Connections and Network: A robust network of connections is often a sign of a well-established professional. The more connections they have within your industry, the more likely they can provide insights and recommendations that align with your goals.
• Work Experience: Is their work history and experience relevant to your job search? This can help you gauge their expertise and whether they understand the nuances of your industry.
• Recommendations: Have they received recommendations from clients like you on LinkedIn? Contact some of these people to ask what they liked, and more importantly, did not like. This will also show you if the recommendations are from real clients or part of a larger scam.
• Are they active on LinkedIn? Are they established as a go-to resource for job seekers?

While these services can create the resume that gets you that interview, they are not without risks. Let’s explore some of the risks of hiring these professionals.

1. Cookie-Cutter Resumes. A significant risk of hiring a resume writer is that some resume writers use a cookie-cutter template for all their clients. They use the one-size-fits-all approach. Hiring managers see dozens of resumes, and chances are they have seen the template, which may earn you a one-way ticket to the bottom of the pile.
2. Lack of Industry Knowledge. It is imperative that you engage a resume writer who has a deep understanding of your industry and field of work. Lack of knowledge can lead to a resume that is, well, vanilla. More importantly, it lacks the oh-so-important industry-specific keywords to get past the dreaded ATS systems. Industry-specific details can catch the attention of potential employers. They want to see you are an expert. You cannot come across as an expert when your resume is written by someone who has no clue about the intricacies of your industry. Make sure your resume writer has expertise in your field.
3. Exaggerated Content. Resume writers may include exaggerated or irrelevant content, or worse, straight-out lies. Their goal is to get you a foot in the door by trying to make your resume overly impressive. When an employer searches to verify information and finds out you “lied” on your resume, you will be shown the door. And even if you do land the interviews, you won’t be able to support the claims.
4. Privacy and Data Security. You are sharing sensitive personal and professional information. Be cautious about sharing too much sensitive information. Ask the resume writer what they do with your information. Do they sell the information to third parties? Do they store it securely to protect your confidential data?
5. Cost vs. Value. Resume writing services can be expensive. Evaluate the cost of these services versus the potential value they add to your job search. Consider whether you could achieve similar results by investing time in learning how to write a compelling resume yourself.
6. Inconsistent with Your Personality. Hiring a resume writer means relinquishing some control. It can also result in a document that doesn’t truly reflect who you are. It’s essential to be actively involved in the process to ensure that your resume truly represents your unique skills and experiences.
7. Scams and Unethical Practices. Not all resume writing services are reputable. Beware of scams or unethical practices, from data mining to emptying bank accounts. Do your research and check for reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Watch out for unrealistic guarantees—if it is too good to be true, it probably is.

In conclusion, it is essential you understand the potential dangers of hiring the wrong person to help you with your job search documents.

Hiring a resume writer can be a helpful step in your job search. Before hiring a resume writer, do your due diligence, and carefully evaluate their expertise, track record, and ethical standards.

People like Jessica Hernandez not only help with resume writing, but also teach job seekers how to be noticed by employers.

In the end, the key to a successful job search is you!