A 10-Point Checklist to Evaluate Executive Resume Writers and Determine Credibility, Trustworthiness and the Best Fit for You.

10 Ways to Know You’ve Found an Executive Resume Writer You Can Trust:

1.      Years in Business. Resume mills started popping up everywhere over the past couple years, and there have been many stories of scams. Check the length of time the company has been in business. The longer the company has been around, the more likely they are reliable. As a general rule of thumb, more than five years in business is best. The length of time in business is only one measure of trustworthiness I would not advise using it as a sole means of evaluation but keep it in mind as you consider other factors.

2.      Awards, Honors, Publications. Top resume writers will have awards, special honors or be published in resume books and on credible websites like Forbes, USNews & World Report, Fortune, Time or MSN among others.

3.      LinkedIn Recommendations – Find out who is behind the resume service. Check out the executive resume writer’s LinkedIn profile or their company page on LinkedIn. Review the profile for recommendations from clients who’ve worked with the writer. It is one of the most reliable methods of evaluation. It speaks volumes to have someone attach their name, photo and LinkedIn profile to a recommendation on the writer’s LinkedIn profile.

4.      Third Party Testimonials, Ratings, or Reviews. There are websites dedicated exclusively to the review and ratings of resume writing services. One note of caution here: be wary of bogus review sites – there are MANY bogus websites out there. If it is a website that lists a top 5 or 10 review sites but there’s no explanation as to WHO is making the ranking or reviews this is a good indication it is a scam. Look for information on the person behind the reviews. Reliable review sites usually come from recruiters and career industry professionals who know the industry and resumes.

5.      Client Success Stories and Testimonials. Look for testimonials that include the client’s full name and picture. These are the most credible. Anyone can put a fake testimonial on his or her website, but if the testimonial includes a person’s full name or even a headshot to go along with it, you can be confident its legitimate feedback.

6.      Certifications, Credentials, Memberships, BBB ratings. There are four leading resume writing certification organizations: The Resume Writing Academy, Career Directors International, National Resume Writer’s Association and Professional Association of Resume Writers. These organizations review, evaluate and test each resume writer before issuing a certification. Writers must meet certain standards to earn these credentials. Look for the following certifications: ACRW, MRW, CARW, CERW, NCRW, CPRW these are all certification that writers must prove their experience and skills writing a resume to earn. Search for signs of membership with these organizations and consider researching the company on the Better Business Bureau or look for the seal on the service’s website. If the company has a low rating with the BBB, it is a sure sign to STAY AWAY.

7.      Process – This is where fit comes in. Do you want to fill out a quick worksheet and receive a resume template with your content written in or do you want a custom-created resume based on your personal brand, job search strategy, and career goals? Do you prefer to work via e-mail, questionnaires or worksheet or do you prefer to work via telephone consultation and have someone else gather all the information and do all the writing, editing and revising? Decide how involved you want to be and your comfort level relying on the wisdom and experience of your resume writer.

8.      Samples, Samples, Samples! Not everyone shares the same opinion on what makes a great resume. The best way you can ensure your idea of a great resume matches the executive resume writer’s perception of a great resume is to review their samples. Are you impressed with their resume samples? If so, that is a great indication you will like the resume they write for you. Resume samples that are outdated, boring or poorly written indicate it would be unwise to invest in working with the resume writer. Look for someone whose work matches your expectations

9.      Thought Leadership: Check out their blog, online publications, articles on LinkedIn, and media features. Outstanding resume writers who are credible and trustworthy will be thought leaders in their industry. They’ll publish quality content that helps others on their blog, LinkedIn profile and they’ll be expert sources for top media publications. Look for thought leadership and media exposure when evaluating an executive resume writer.

10.  Pricing: The rates an executive resume writer has will be an indication of the level of time, energy and investment on behalf of the resume writer as well as years of experience and expertise. Do you want a $99 template resume written from content you provided in a questionnaire that potentially thousands other people are using (with no writer contact) or do you want a hand-crafted, branded, well-written resume that no one else has so you stand out? You’ll find resumes from $100-$2,000. The adage you get what you pay for is usually right. A guarantee is also a solid indication you’re working with a reliable executive resume writer; it shows they’re not afraid to put their reputation on the line and stand behind their work.

One last tip: Pick up the phone and call the executive resume writing service. It never hurts to speak to someone and have your questions answered to ensure they’re the right fit for you.