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Resume Services and Rates – Do They Add
Up?
A resume writer has to size up a client’s professional life and career
direction in short order. It is not always straightforward – a good resume
writer will uncover accomplishments and provide consultation on career
goals. That said, it is difficult for a resume writer to answer the
question, “How much do you charge to do a resume?
Let's "listen in" on a call from a job seeker seeking to have his or her
resume "typed up."
Resume Writer: "Good morning, XYZ Resume Service. How may we help you?"
Caller: "Yes, I'd like to know how much you charge to type up a resume."
Resume Writer: "Our prices start at $225 and go up from there depending on
the complexity of the resume."
Caller: "$225! To type up a one-page resume? Wow, I didn't realize it was
that much!"
Resume Writer: "No, the typing is free."
Caller: "What do you mean?"
Resume Writer: "Yes, I know that sounds strange. But, please let me
explain. It is important for you to understand that a professional resume
service is very different from a typing service. The word processing work
that goes into the creation of the resume is to materialize the resume.
That aspect of the resume development process involves a lot of creativity
to produce a very crisp looking, attractive resume that will stand out in
a pile of poorly formatted, disorganized resumes. And honestly, that's the
easy part. Before we get to that point, we provide in-depth consultation
to ask many gold-mining questions that are specific to what your
particular job is about and what your current situation is behind why you
need a resume.
For example, are/were you . . .
* A new graduate?
* Recently laid off?
* Returning to the workforce?
* Seeking to acclimate your career from the military to civilian
workforce?
* Bored in your current job and need a change?
"More than just typists, we are qualified to answer many questions that go
beyond the resume preparation, such as how to answer tough interview
questions or how to post your resume online. If you tell us you are not
sure what type of position you are seeking, we will not be able to develop
your resume because our resumes are very focused. Like you, we want your
resume to WORK! We do not write one-size-fits-all resumes."
"Our expertise is sure to make a big difference between your getting a job
and making your next career move. We take the necessary time to understand
what you do and to obtain important information about your work history
and accomplishments. Yes, it is not just about your responsibilities. A
strong resume needs to focus on your strengths and achievements. Once we
have the right information, we organize it and develop a strategy that
often results in a format unlike the simple chronological format. When we
are done, we engage in the follow up process to review the resume and make
necessary revisions. Considering the work that goes into it and the end
result (most important), $225 (or more) is an excellent investment for
such a service."
What did you get out of listening in on this conversation? Did you only
want to hear the price, or did you find yourself interested in the value
behind the price? The answer to this question will measure how seriously
you take your career. With the stiff competition out there, your resume is
vital -- it is your calling card.
Contact a qualified resume writer who will take the time to speak with you
about your needs. Sure, money is important. You don't want to spend it
foolishly. But, there is a difference between spending and investing.
So, how much do you think you should pay a resume writer who will partner
with you to develop a resume that is going to generate many favorable
interviews, prepare you for your interview, and contribute to your
increased confidence level?
The next time you call a resume service, try something like this:
"Hi, I was just on your website and am interested in your resume services.
I'd like to know what your process is and what you would charge someone
like myself with 14 years of experience in capital equipment sales. My
background has been in health care, but I'd like to try retail or
pharmaceutical sales."
This is a great way to inform the resume writer where you are in your
career and to facilitate a positive conversation from the onset that is
not solely based on price.
Written By
Ann Baehr
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Writers
Profile
Ann Baehr is a CPRW and President of Best Resumes of New York.
Notable credentials include her former role as Second Vice President of
NRWA and contribution to 25+ resume and cover letter sample books. To
learn more visit http://www.e-bestresumes.com or see view resume samples,
visit http://www.e-bestresumes.com/resume_samples.htm
resumesbest@earthlink.net
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