Professional Resume Services are now flooding the market due to the increase in demand, and the belief that all that is required is a computer to write a quality resume. Due to the entrance of some sub-standard service providers defining themselves as ‘Professional Resume Writers’, it is imperative to ensure that, as a client, you are getting a quality product that meets the requirements of recruiters and HR Professionals. Working with individuals that are not providing a truly professional resume service can be detrimental to your career search.

This page has been developed to help you understand and ensure that you are getting what you pay for; whether you choose Recruitment Services Resumes or other industry professionals.

From January 1 2012 the Professional Standards for Career Development were in full enforcement. Individuals that are advertising as “Professional” Resume writers are technically highlighting that as a “Professional” they are working under the guidelines and standards as defined by the Australian Professional Standards for Career Development. To do this, they must belong to one of the 12 CICA approved Australian associations for Career Development Practitioners. Individuals that are advertising as Professional Resume Writers, however do not belong to a CICA accredited association, may be in conflict of the standards and have not been assessed against the Australian Career Industry as advised by the President of CDAA. These individuals have not been assessed against the requirements to work as an accredited career practitioner in Australia.

Currently we are able to define 3 levels of service providers in the market that may be operating under the title “Professional Resume Writer”:

Professional Resume Writers – Industry Professionals

These individuals are accredited within the career development industry and work professionally both within the career and HR industries. Members of accredited organisations, such as CDAA, and not just membership bodies, such as AORCP. These individuals commit to a number of hours each year in professional development, including attending events with recruiters and human resources professionals, training courses, seminars and industry presentations.  These individuals work with clients across many aspects of career development.

Resume Writers

These individuals focus on writing resumes but may not be accredited or qualified industry professionals. Generally, these individuals have entered the market solely to write resumes however are not involved with industry professional development or may not be active within the recruitment industry. They may have been employed once and recruited individuals, but this is can be the extent of their experience. They can be lower in cost but generally will charge the same as a true professional resume writer. Some service providers have quality products but some utilise American Software Applications to develop the document – this document does not meet industry standards and is a poor representation of a resume.

Secretarial Service

Much like resume writers, these individuals are not accredited within the industry and are not recognised career industry professionals. Other services they may provide are general typing or secretarial services and they do not actively research or work within the career industry. Their knowledge and information is focussed on the format of the document, generally not the required inclusions, and may not meet the standards required by the career industry.

Professional Resume Service Provider Checklist

You know you are working with a true professional resume servicer provider by confirming the following points:

• Accredited with a CICA accredited professional industry body such as CDAA
• May be a member of a membership body such as AORCP
• Works actively within the career industry including running seminars and attends career industry events
• Can describe core components of a resume in detail to you
• Can articulate the 7 core competencies of Career Development
• Does not use software to develop your resume – your document will be written only for you
• Does not use a template to develop your resume – your document will be written according to the requirements of your targeted industry
• Provides the document in editable word format not locked down PDF format
• Can provide testimonials from previous clients
• Will provide a draft service that will allow you to work with them to personalise your document once they have developed the base structure

It is becoming a very competitive industry and many individuals are purchasing products that do not meet industry standards. Your resume is the MOST important tool within your job search and is the difference between offered an interview or not. For this reason it is important that you understand the type of service that you are purchasing and that it will meet your requirements.

As many businesses rely on their websites to promote them, individuals must rely on their resume to achieve the same success.

Please note, this information has been provided as a guide only. In no way are we stating that individuals not accredited with CICA associated bodies cannot provide a quality resume service. We are providing this information to assist consumers in understanding the importance and implementation of the Australian Professional Standards for Career Development which define professional resume writers as one of the services performed by Career Development Practitioners in Australia. These standards have been implemented to assist in increasing the level of professionalism across the industry and consumers must be aware of these standards. If you operate as a professional resume writer and wish to be accredited as a career development practitioner in Australia, visit www.cdaa.org.au for more information.

The information contained in this document is for the benefit of individuals seeking a professional resume service only including potential clients of Recruitment Services Resumes. It is not intended to discredit or critiscise the services of others in the industry.