If you type in “resume writers” into your search browser – you will see the first big sites to come up are fondly referred to by reputable resume writers as “resume mills”.

These are companies with a lot of writers who generally have pretty slick websites and offer cheap resumes. I have often seen resumes offered on these sites for $199 and even “executive level” resumes offered for $299. I can’t attest to the quality or authenticity of every one of these companies but if you are tempted to save a few bucks and go with one of these mills, here are a few things to think about and do before you take the plunge:

1. Generally in life, you get what you pay for. I like that my resume prices are not only a great value but I include a lot of “extras” and “bonuses” because I want my clients doing back flips about my services and I want to help them in a holistic way with their entire job search. I also offer a full money back guarantee if someone isn’t fully satisfied with the quality of my work (which to date I am happy to say I have never had to use). But I can’t and don’t give my services away for next to nothing. And I generally don’t invest in services that do because there is always a catch. I might not know where or what it is – but I know its there – either in lack of quality, lack of experience, lack of service or dependability etc…

2. Before you do anything CALL and talk to a live person. Some companies are involved in fraudulent business practices. Talk to a live person – ask some questions and trust your gut.

3. LOOK at their resume samples. Once you do that, go to Career Directors International and search for certified and/or award winning resume writers. Now look at their samples. I have so very rarely seen these samples look the same because when you are a reputable, award winning and certified resume writer your charges are in line with the market. A good – a really good resume is a critical piece of your job search pie. Its not the place to skimp. Its your career. Get the best writer you can afford. You are worth it.

4. Get realistic. Generally here is what I have seen as averages for good/great/excellent resume writers: $299 to $450 for a new grad resume, $550 to $800 for a entry to mid management resume and $800 to $3000 for VP to C level “executive” resume packages. If you are making determinations in this range – generally you are in a good spot.

If the resume service or writer seems drastically lower than the figures in #4, my suggestion to you is that you check with the major Career Services Associations, look up some members websites and conduct your own comparative analysis.

My godsister sent me the most beautiful and inspiring 6 minute video today of Patrick Hughs. I wont spoil it by sharing what it’s about except to say the power of a positive attitude and love are truly powerful beyond belief! May Patrick be an inspiration to us all – especially during those times as job seekers we feel we are swimming against the current!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg

In the past few weeks, we’ve seen numerous articles on how long it’s taking to find a new position today, the need for job seekers to be entrepreneurial and the growing trend for people to have multiple jobs concurrently.

That’s why this upcoming webinar is so darn important for you to attend. It’s about how to live, survive and even thrive in this changing economy of ours. You need to attend, even if you desperately want to return to “cubicle nation.” Why? Because it’s really about taking back control of your life again.

Sign up for free right here:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/844810859

Session Overview
The collapse of our world economy in 2009 brought tremendous hardship, but also tremendous opportunity. If no work configuration is secure, we are all self-employed. This gives us many ways to earn a living, if we just know the way to research opportunities and market ourselves as employee and entrepreneur.

Join Pamela Slim, business coach and author of Escape from Cubicle Nation as she guides you through a way to develop a career strategy that will translate to any work configuration.

In this session you’ll learn:

The starting place for any career path: a sound life plan
The critical steps to start a business
How to build a supportive tribe of supporters, peers and mentors to further your opportunities

Pamela Slim is a seasoned business coach and writer who helps frustrated employees in corporate jobs break out and start their own business. Her blog, Escape from Cubicle Nation, is one of the top career and marketing blogs on the web. A former corporate manager and entrepreneur herself for more than a decade, she deeply understands the questions and concerns faced by first-time entrepreneurs.

You can sign up here now:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/844810859

I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy new year!

My husband and I just finished our goals for 2010. It was really fun to brainstorm, dream together and get on the same page!

One of my professional goals is to help as many job seekers as I can start off Jan 2010 with clarity, action and results!

If one of your goals for 2010 involves hitting the job market – you are going to want to have a powerful resume that clearly communicates why someone should be interested in hiring you. My resume and cover letter package is a great investment already at $579, but for the month of January, I am offering a special price of $497 to my ezine readers. This is a great deal no matter where you are at in your career, but if you are an upper-level manager or senior executive, and you have seen the resume samples on my site – you know this is a serious opportunity not to be missed.

All you have to do to is follow this link: http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com/resume.php
scroll to the bottom of the page and sign up! When you check out just use the coupon code: NEWYEARS, to get your discount.

To sweeten the deal even more –I will personally email you a copy of my $79 eBook: Secrets of the Unadvertised Job Market…Revealed, for free with your order.

It’s estimated that over 85% of jobs aren’t advertised – and my eBook shows you step by step how to tap into this market! Most people think the “hidden job market” means networking and social networking. But it’s so much more than that. And I cover everything – all the strategies and everything you will need to tap the hidden job market – a perfect pairing with your newly designed resume! This isn’t boiler plate material either, in fact you won’t find this information anywhere else…and my clients tell me this book turned their whole job search around. You are going to be delighted with this bonus …I promise!

For many years I have had the honor of helping professionals all over the world reach their career goals and I want to thank all of my blogreaders for the opportunity to help you – in whatever form that is!

Here is that link again: http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com/resume.php ( *Remember – the coupon code to get your discount is: NEWYEARS.

Warmest regards,

Mary Elizabeth

P.S. Questions? Feel free to call me directly at 830-331-9398 or email me at maryelizabeth@maryelizabethbradford.com.