Does it pay off to have your resume written by a professional resume writer?

Well, I do have a vested interest in this discussion, since I have my own resume business. And I do get asked this a lot, but it's a good question.

My answer: It does pay, and it's a good investment. Reasons why:

Objectivity; many don't see their skills and accomplishments and/or are uncomfortable about talking about them. A good resume professional knows what to ask to bring out these accomplishments.

Skill: A good resume is a complex marketing tool of good graphic design and layout, and writing. Resume writers are proficient in those areas, as well as related fields such as editing, proofreading, and typography. We also possess very strong language skills (although your command of English is quite high). Most also have access to a wide range of resources, such as key words in your area of expertise.

Knowledge base: We know more than resumes; we can also help with personal branding. Many have background as career counselors or corporate recruiters.

We can also assist in the job search process. This includes cover letters and effective job search strategies, including social media such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

Many writers, such as myself, can offer a wide range of pricing options to help the client, including resume evaluations.

If you do use a resume professional, I would recommend going through sites such as the National Resume Writers Association, CDI or Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, just to name a few. Not all the ones listed are certified (I'm a member of NRWA but not certified), but all adhere to their association's standards of conduct and professionalism.