Choose the right resume-writing service and you're on your way to job-search success.

So, you've decided to invest in your career with a professionally written resume. Before you fork over some of your hard-earned cash, make sure you find the resume-writing service that's right for you. Ask yourself the following questions before choosing the perfect service to help you land your dream job, faster.

Is this a reputable group?

How long has the organization been in business? Do they have a good reputation in the industry? Look for things like video testimonials and customer success stories that illustrate the work the group is capable of. You can also get a sense of their experience within the industry by reviewing their information in the “About Us” or “Company History” sections of their site.

Do they offer competitive pricing?

Not everyone can afford the $1000+ price tag that some companies charge for career coaching and resume-writing services. Take a look at your finances and determine what type of help you're looking for and what you feel comfortable spending. There are resume-writing services available at just about every price point.

What will I get for my money?

Ideally, you want to have some sort of free resume evaluation or consultation, which may occur before you purchase a resume rewrite, and then the right to edit a draft version before finalizing the document with your writer.

Many services will also include a customizable cover letter, a LinkedIn makeover, or some other service with their resume packages. If you haven't searched for a job in a while or don't know what to put on your LinkedIn profile, you may want to consider purchasing one of these all-inclusive packages to spruce up your entire personal brand.

Will my writer be knowledgeable about my field or industry?

While it's not always possible to find a resume writer who's worked in your industry, it is important to be on the lookout for one who has at least worked on resumes for other professionals in your line of work.

How familiar will the writer be with keywords?

Every profession has its own set of jargon, acronyms, certifications, and skill sets that describe their work and industry. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are programmed to look for these resume keywords to rank your application and determine if you're a good fit for the role.

Good resume writers should understand how applicant tracking systems work and how to optimize your resume with relevant keywords so that it's ATS-friendly.

Do they offer any guarantees?

Many professional resume-writing services will not offer any guarantees, as it's impossible to guarantee someone a job offer — there are just too many variables the writer can't control once they hand over the final draft of your resume. That said, there are services out there that will rewrite your resume for free if you don't receive 2x more interviews within 60 days of receiving your final copy.

Is this service a good fit for my needs?

Every resume-writing service works a little differently. The key is to find out how the process works with each service and determine which approach best suits your needs. For instance, if you don't have a lot of free time on your hands, you may want to partner with a service that allows you to submit all your information online and work with your writer via email. If you hate to type, don't like email, and like to do everything over the phone, an online service is probably not the right fit for you.

Remember, sometimes you need to spend money to make money. Don't think of this purchase as a cost. Instead, consider it an investment in your career. The less time it takes you to land your next job, the more money you'll earn over the course of your career.

When it comes to your job search, you want to make sure you're getting the expert help you deserve. That's where TopResume comes in.

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