Why should I have a professional company prepare my resume?

by Gary Althaus
(Waco, TX, USA)

When you post your resume on a web site, your inbox is filled with several emails and solicitations for companies that promise you that they can perform miracles with you resume, cover letter, and follow-up letter.

What are the benefits of having said companies prepare these documents? Are they worth $250-$400, or what should I expect to spend? Can you recommend a company?

My resume is currently 4 pages long, and I know the protocol of a 1 page resume. However, my work experience, one job 11 years and 6 current positions ranging from board of directors to part time paramedic/health care positions that are all current, education, professional certifications/ licenses(34 total), I am unable to fit everything on one page.

What is the protocol?

This is why I feel that I need "professional" help!

Thank you for your assistance.

Regards, Gary

Answer: Gary, so sorry I was not able to get to your question in a more timely manner. You have likely already made your decision on this by now. But maybe my answer will be helpful to future readers...

Not everyone needs professional help in writing a resume. So much depends on your own writing skills, not to mention your specific work history situation. But a professional can provide expertise and polish that only comes from the experience of writing hundreds, or thousands, of resumes over a period of years.

Professionals are expert at cutting down on the words, on using strong action words that don't sound trite. They are also up on the latest trends and hiring manager desires and will work to ensure that your resume makes the grade.

Only you can decide if it's worth spending a couple of hundred dollars on a resume, given your current financial situation.

If you are really strapped for cash, you might first try out an online resume builder like PongoResume.com. With their system, you build the resume yourself, but it's almost like having a step by step coach as you go along, with tons of templates, suggestions on wording, etc.

If you want to go with a professional, then I recommend either ResumeEdge.com or Vault.com. Both have been in business for many years and both have many positive reviews and results.