Some of the most common problems employers encounter with resumes is everything from no cover letter, typos and grammatical errors, resumes that are too long or too short or the job seeker isn’t qualified for the job they’re applying for.
Over the last year, BBBs across North America recorded almost 75,000 inquiries and more than 300 complaints about resume service companies. Locally, your BBB received almost 400 inquiries about this industry.
Your BBB offers tips for finding a reputable resume service:
• Shop around and compare several resume writing companies. Request bids detailing the work to be done and cost.
• Get recommendations from friends and family. If they’re pleased with their resume service, most likely you’ll be too.
• Ask for references and call them.
• Find out if the resume service is a member of an association like the National Resume Writers’ Association or the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.
• Determine the services’ credentials.
• Ask if they understand your industry.
• Consider reputation, years of service and services provided.
• Ask about success rate for clients’ securing job interviews.
• Determine if the company offers a questionnaire and phone interview. This will help jog your memory about items for your resume.
• Get a written contract, which details the work to be completed. Be sure verbal promises are included. Don’t sign anything until you understand what is all included.
• Watch out for resume service companies offering quick job leads or using misleading statements, high pressure or scare tactics.
• Ask if the service guarantees your satisfaction with the end-product and how many revisions are you allowed.
• Don’t be afraid to say no.
Remember, watch out for resume writing scams. A professional resume company will offer writing samples on their Web site. A resume cannot be written in a few minutes. A good resume takes hours to write and the best resume writers can produce one to two a day.
You can always contact your BBB for a list of BBB Accredited resume writing services and reviews on ones you’re considering. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
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