Why Hiring a Resume Writer Might Not Be the Best Choice

Why Hiring a Resume Writer Might Not Be the Best Choice

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of a Well-Written Resume
3. Customization is Key
4. The Limitations of Professional Resume Writers 4.1 Lack of Understanding of Hiring Managers' Needs 4.2 Generic and Non-Customized Resumes 4.3 Expensive Services 4.4 Questionable Quality
5. The Value of Developing Resume Writing Skills
6. Resources and Courses for Writing Your Own Resume
7. Conclusion

Why You Shouldn't Hire a Professional Resume Writer

Introduction: If you're in the process of revamping your resume, you might be contemplating whether or not to hire a professional resume writer. This article aims to shed light on this dilemma and provide insight into why hiring a resume writer may not be the best solution. As a corporate recruiter with over 20 years of experience and a professional resume writer, I'll explain why I believe it's crucial for job seekers to learn the skill of writing their own resumes.

The Importance of a Well-Written Resume: Before we delve into the downsides of professional resume writing services, it's essential to understand the significance of a well-written resume. As a recruiter, I receive hundreds to thousands of applications for each position. Your resume is essentially your first impression, and if it doesn't catch my attention within the first few seconds, you'll likely end up in the rejection pile. To increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and securing interviews, your resume needs to be optimized and tailored to each specific job you apply for.

Customization is Key: One of the major drawbacks of professional resume writers is their inability to provide customized resumes. Most resume writers will create a generic document that lacks the personalization necessary to stand out from the competition. Sending the same resume to multiple job openings significantly diminishes your chances of getting noticed. To increase your chances of success, you must invest time and effort into customizing your resume for each application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific job requirements.

The Limitations of Professional Resume Writers: While some professional resume writers may boast impressive writing skills, they often lack the fundamental understanding of what hiring managers are looking for. Their focus is primarily on creating aesthetically pleasing resumes rather than resumes that effectively demonstrate your suitability for a particular role. Their lack of experience in the hiring process can hinder your chances of making it past the initial screening done by recruiters.

Generic and Non-Customized Resumes: Many professional resume writers offer generic resumes that do not cater to the specific needs of a particular job. They may use industry jargon and impressive vocabulary to make your resume sound impressive, but if it does not align with the requirements of the position, it will not serve its purpose. Additionally, generic resumes are less likely to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), further reducing your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.

Expensive Services: Professional resume writing services can be costly, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. For most job seekers, this is simply not a feasible option. Investing such a significant amount of money for a generic resume that may not yield the desired results is not a wise decision. It is more advantageous to learn the skill of resume writing, which can be applied throughout your career and save you money in the long run.

Questionable Quality: Despite the presence of some excellent professional resume writers, there are many subpar services in the market. The lack of industry knowledge and understanding of hiring processes can result in poorly written resumes that may do more harm than good. It's crucial to thoroughly research and vet the credentials and qualifications of any resume writer before making a decision.

The Value of Developing Resume Writing Skills: Instead of relying on professional resume writers, investing time and effort in developing your own resume writing skills can be highly beneficial. Learning how to create a customized resume that aligns with job requirements will greatly increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. It's a life skill that will prove invaluable throughout your career and enable you to stand out from the competition.

Resources and Courses for Writing Your Own Resume: Fortunately, there are resources available to assist you in developing your resume writing skills. Online courses, such as the Resume Rocket Fuel course, provide comprehensive guidance on crafting effective resumes tailored to specific roles. These courses are designed by professionals with expertise in recruiting, ensuring you receive insider knowledge on what recruiters are looking for. Additionally, free resources and guides are available to help you avoid common resume mistakes and optimize your chances of success.

Conclusion: While professional resume writers may seem like a convenient solution, their limitations and cost outweigh the benefits. Investing in your own resume writing skills will prove more fruitful in the long run. By customizing your resume for each job application and understanding the needs of hiring managers, you can increase your chances of standing out from the competition and securing your dream job. Take the time to develop this critical skill and propel your career forward.