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.

WAYYY back in 2003 I became a member of Career Directors International. By far this is one of the wisest decisions I ever made.

If you want to rise to the to the top of your industry, be the best you can be, learn ways to increase the success of your business, keep up on the latest critical career and resume trends and have the opportunity to network with one of the nicest and most supportive member-groups then CDI might be for you!

CDI seems to attract members from all areas of the Career Services industry including but not limited to:

resume writers, career and life coaches, HR executives, recruiters and more.

A few interesting CDI links here:

CDI Benefits -

CDI Member Testimonials

Join CDI

Job seekers beware. Inside the career services industry there has been a lot of negative rumblings about The Ladders…a paid job board that gives “free resume critiques” infamous for trashing even well written resumes and charging top dollar to “rewrite it for you”. Now there is a new black sheep (Fox?) on the block: Jobfox.com.

Same game, same scam and same advice…

I feel there is something especially shameful about preying on job seekers who are just trying to discern the next best moves for themselves – trying to make sure their resume is doing its job and the job search methods they employ are the right ones for them.

The Ladders has been written about extensively. Jason Alba of Jibber Jobber blogs about it here

And Nick Corcodilos rakes them over the coals here.

I found this eye opening page describing JobFox’s services. Check out the comments section here.

The BEST way to figure if your resume is doing its job in my opinion is to contact either Career Directors International or Career Management Alliance - both are big, gold standard Associations in the career services industry where a job seeker can quickly find a certified resume writer that can help them. Some of these resume writers offer free critiques and some charge a small amount for their review. There are no 100% guarantees, but by far this is the most discerning step a job seeker can take and one that serves to best shield against unscrupulous companies and practices.