When applying to new jobs, it’s often necessary to create a new resume, especially if you haven’t looked at yours in a while. Some people feel confident touching theirs up, but others will want to get the assistance of an expert. Before you hire someone to spruce up your resume, it’s important to make sure you aren’t falling victim to a scam. If you do fall for a scam, you’ll not only remain without a resume but will usually lose money and/or time in the process too. Hiring a quality resume writer can make all the difference in your career; you just need to know how to find one.

Common Scams

A quick internet search for “resume writer” will pull up all kinds of options for you to pick from. Tread lightly during these searches because while they may contain some links to reputable companies or people, they will also be full of potential malware and scams. Here are some common scams to be on the lookout for:

Links to malware: When you click on a particular URL, it downloads ransomware, spyware, a virus, or some other type of malware that harms your device or network. In many cases, the malware is undetectable. If you accidentally click one of these links, disconnect your device, back up your files, change your passwords, and scan your system for malware. You can also set up fraud alerts to be extra careful. If something seems sketchy, it probably is.

Identity theft: Including certain information on your resume can create the perfect opportunity for someone to steal your information and/or identity. It is strongly advised to not include information like your Social Security number or birth date on your resume. Most of the time, this information is not necessary to disclose on a resume.

Redirects: A redirect link sends you to a completely different website when you click on it, usually after selecting from different Google search results. Although these links could contain malware, in many cases they don’t pose a threat to your device or network. Still, if you purchase any products or services from this redirect website, you’ll often be very disappointed with what you receive. The resume you get back is unlikely to meet your standards, and now you’ve lost money, too.

The fine print: Though this isn’t exactly a scam since it can be caught ahead of time, it’s still something to look out for. You should always read through the fine print before making any purchases. Some websites will offer their services for a very low cost, maybe a couple of dollars. However, once you sign up, you’re actually agreeing to a monthly fee of a higher amount. This amount will charge to your credit card automatically until you cancel it. If you weren’t aware of the fine print and aren’t actively checking your statements, it could take months or longer to catch.

Poor work: You may find a resume writer who delivers the product as promised, but their work is very poorly done. Sometimes, what you get back won’t even be usable. You’ve lost out on money and, if you’re near a deadline, precious time.

How to Avoid Scams

Avoiding scams is a lot easier when you know what you’re looking for from the start of your search. Here are some tips to keep you safer:

Research companies: What comes up when you run a Google search of a person or company that claims to write resumes? Is the information or pricing inconsistent? Are there negative reviews? Is there contact information in case you’d like to reach out to an actual person? Do as much research as you can before making your choice.
Read reviews: Legitimate companies should have reviews posted on third-party websites. Independent writers may have testimonials on their own page. Reviews from real people are one of the best ways to gauge the quality of a resume writer.
Look for red flags: A legitimate resume writing service will have a clear way to make a purchase on the website. It will give you the option to connect with a real person rather than interacting with a bot. If there are headshots of the writers, they will be consistent across multiple platforms. The website should appear very professional and put together. If any of these things are missing, they could be red flags. Another thing to note is that if the pricing is oddly high or low, it’s good to be suspicious. Steer clear of anyone who makes promises as well, such as a guarantee of employment if you utilize their services.
Conduct an interview: Once you’ve chosen a resume writer, you should be able to talk with that person and ask them questions. You may consider asking for samples of their previous work or seeing if they have a portfolio. You could also ask how many resumes they’ve completed, if they have reviews you can read, and how they got into writing resumes. Discussing pricing with them is also wise – you want to know what you’re getting for your money.
Ask for recommendations: If a trusted friend or family member has used a specific person or company to write their resume, those might be good options for you to consider. Try asking around within your circle or request recommendations on social media. Those who give you recommendations can also give you more information about what they were charged, the quality of the product they received, the turnaround time, and more. Essentially, you can get an honest opinion on a service without wondering whether or not the source is trustworthy.

Why You Should Invest in a Quality Resume Writer

Hiring a professional to write your resume might not be an option, but there are times when it becomes needed or even necessary. Here are just a few reasons why it’s smart to invest in a quality resume writer:

You’ll save time. Resume writing is time-consuming, and if you already have a busy schedule, it can be hard to get to it. If there’s a job opening you really want or a deadline to apply for some position coming up, save yourself the stress and hire someone to polish up your resume for you.
You can avoid mistakes. It’s always smart to have another pair of eyes looking at your work, even if you’re confident. Even a typo can make your resume appear unprofessional, so you want to make sure it’s perfect. If writing isn’t your forte, a resume writer can save you a lot of pain.
You can stay up to date: If you haven’t worked on your resume in years, you may not know how the times have changed. Even more so these days, resumes need to have some flair and style to them. If yours looks outdated, a hiring manager will pick up on it right away. While the content matters most, presentation is also important, which a resume writer will be able to assist you with.
It’s an investment: Hiring a resume writer is an investment in yourself and your career. No matter what your goals might be, you have more opportunities to be better off financially and personally with the right resume.
You won’t have to guess: Are you entering into a new career field or position? If so, you may not know what information is most important and what to leave out on your resume. A resume writer, however, will have research and experience under their belts. They can help you narrow down which skills, experience, and projects are most vital to talk about.
You can make it past ATS: The applicant tracking system is a program that most job applications go through before they ever see a hiring manager. Making it past ATS requires your resume to be properly formatted and optimized with the correct keywords. A resume writer can help ensure your resume makes it to the hiring manager, giving you a better chance at landing the job.

Hiring a quality resume writer is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your career.

If there’s a position you really want, but you don’t feel confident in your resume, getting someone to help you with it can make a huge difference. Everyone has different strengths, and writing might not be one of yours.

You might feel stuck in the past or just don’t have the time to devote to updating or creating a new resume. However, having a powerful resume is worth it because it can allow you to land interviews for jobs that you know would be rewarding.

This is especially true if you’re looking to move to a higher position or want to make more money. As you begin your search for a quality resume writer, remember to be wary of potential scams and trust your gut. Hiring the right person might just be what you need to land the perfect job sooner.