We are professional resume writers and we write great resumes. You are an expert on you, your skills and your experience. Together, we can create an amazing resume that presents you in your best light.
We want to get to know you and we do that by interviewing you. When you hire a resume writer, you need to be sure that the work they do is unique and not like a template or something you could have made in Microsoft Word.
When we write resumes for clients, we think the most important step is to talk to them about their work. Without the interview, we are simply editing your resume. Would an investigative reporter write about a topic without interviewing subjects first? No. If a writing company doesn’t want to talk to you, why would you trust them? There’s always more to a candidate than what’s on their resume. People seek help because they feel they can’t capture everything about themselves on paper. Some companies will only use that to make a new resume for you, even though it’s not complete and doesn’t include everything. It makes zero sense. And well, you could have Aunt Sally, who teaches 10th grade English, to proof and edit your resume.
We take a close look at your resume, ask you some tough questions, and then create an online version of you that you can show to potential employers and hiring managers.
You’ve made the decision to invest in a professional resume writer to help optimize your resume and launch your job search This is a smart move, as a well-written resume is crucial for landing interviews and job offers in today’s competitive market
But not all resume writers are created equal. To ensure you find the right match, you need to ask the resume writer the right questions during your initial consultation.
Coming prepared with a list of probing questions allows you to properly vet the resume writer and gain key insights into their experience, expertise, and process. Read on for the top questions to ask when interviewing a resume writer.
General Questions
Let’s start with some basic questions to learn more about the resume writer as an individual:
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Tell me about yourself and your background. This open-ended question invites the resume writer to share their credentials, years of experience, and what drew them to this profession. Look for related education, training, and certifications. You want someone knowledgeable about current best practices in resume writing.
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Why did you decide to become a resume writer? Their answer will reveal their passion and motivations for this work. Look for a sincere desire to help job seekers succeed.
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What do you find most rewarding about resume writing? This provides insight into what they value most about the work. You want someone who cares deeply about getting results for clients.
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How do you stay up-to-date on the latest resume trends and best practices? The job market moves fast. It’s crucial they actively engage in continuous learning and professional development to remain highly effective.
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What sets you apart from other resume writers? Every writer has a unique approach and specialty. Listen for what makes this person stand out.
Experience and Specialization
Now let’s move into questions about their background and ideal clients:
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How long have you been a professional resume writer? Look for 5+ years of experience to ensure extensive expertise. However, skill matters more than years alone.
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Do you specialize in any particular industries or job functions? Relevant industry knowledge can be invaluable in targeting the resume.
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What types of clients have you worked with in the past? Look for experience with clients similar to you – same career level and field.
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Have you worked with other clients transitioning from my current role to my desired role? Specific experience with your career transition is ideal to tap into.
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Which skills or accomplishments would you highlight for someone with my background? Listen for good instincts around your most relevant strengths to emphasize.
Process
Now, inquire about their actual resume writing process:
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Walk me through your typical process from first call to final resume delivery. Get a clear picture of each step along the way and timeline.
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How long does it usually take you to complete a resume? Industry standard is 1-2 weeks. Beware of anyone promising unrealistically fast turnarounds.
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What information or materials will you need from me? Expect to provide your current resume, job descriptions, etc.
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Will you conduct any interviews or other research beyond what I provide? Quality writers dig deeper to uncover key facts you may overlook.
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How many revisions or drafts are included? Plan for a few rounds of thoughtful back-and-forth collaboration.
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Do you personally handle the full resume writing process? Or does anyone else support them? Details matter here.
Samples and Results
It’s smart to request examples of their work and client outcomes:
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May I see some resume samples you’ve written, especially for clients like me? Review samples to evaluate their quality.
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What results have past clients seen after using your resume writing services? Ask for specific metrics like interviews landed, offers secured, etc.
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May I have 2-3 references I can contact? Speaking to past clients provides helpful third-party validation.
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Where can I find reviews of your services online? Search for reviews on Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Pricing and Availability
Finally, cover the practical details around costs and scheduling:
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What is your pricing structure? Expect to pay $200-$500+ for a professionally written resume.
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What payment options do you accept? Look for flexibility – hourly, flat fee, payment plans, etc.
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Is there a rush fee for expedited service? If needed, find out costs for fast-track completion.
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When are you available to get started on my resume? Evaluate their current availability/bandwidth.
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What is your policy around revisions, refunds, etc.? Understand any guarantees or constraints.
Key Takeaways
Thoroughly interviewing resume writers takes time upfront, but prevents regrets down the road. Using this list of savvy questions will help you make the best possible match. Look for genuine expertise, relevant experience, stellar past results, and a collaborative process that meets your needs.
With a customized resume in hand expertly tailored to your goals, you’ll be equipped to launch an effective job search. A top-notch resume paves the way for landing coveted interviews and unlocking new career opportunities. So take your time finding the right resume writer – it’s well worth the effort!
These Are Some of the Reasons Why A Resume Writer’s Interview Is So Important
No matter how often you apply for jobs or how long it’s been since your last job, it never hurts to get some interview practice. When we interview you, you have a chance to say what you think without having to worry about botching the job interview. We will ask you questions that make you sell yourself. We’ll ask you questions that you might need to do some research to find the answers. Once researched, then you’ll have hard numbers for the ‘real’ job interview.
Creative and Collaborative Resume Writing
If your current resume presented you well, you wouldn’t be hiring us. And without getting to know you, we can’t take your existing resume and reflect your personality. Together with you, we are making a paper version of your personal brand that best shows who you are by talking to you and asking you questions.
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FAQ
What are the 3 important elements of a well written resume?
