Free Resume Critique - Benefits and Cautions of the Free Resume Evaluation

Got a resume of questionable value? With the economy reeling and jobs scarce, now is not the time to crank out a resume that isn't firing on all cylinders. If you've had a friend or a family member look over your resume -- that's a good first step. However, unless one of them is a recruiter or a hiring official or a pro resume writer, such critiques are not likely very useful beyond your basic thumbs up, thumbs down.

You might be happy to know there are resume services out there that offer a free resume critique. Be careful, though. Some of these critiques are of questionable value. Many are simply ploys to get you signed up with their service, and offer little if any helpful advice.

The Free Resume Critique - Details, Details, Details

Lots of resume writing services will offer to take a look at your existing resume and make suggestions. With most companies, you can be assured that among their suggestions will be the plea to let them have a crack at re-writing your resume. Nothing wrong with that, per se. But in their evaluation, are they giving you any reasons why they could do a better job? Any details?

A good resume critique from an ethical service will provide an honest, detailed resume evaluation that identifies areas of improvement and makes practical suggestions.

The Free Resume Critique - What Else Makes For A Good Resume Evaluation?

• The critique should be in written form (most practically, via email), so you can review and study the suggestions.
• The critique should be penned by an actual, professional resume writer and not a secretary or the receptionist on the company's front line.
• The critique should not "hard sell" their resume writing services. It's OK to expect the writer to make a case for his services, but that case should be backed up by pointing out specific areas on the resume that could be improved upon, and how the writer would address those areas.
• It should be timely. A conscientious writer understands that time is of the essence in a job search.

Having your resume prepared by a professional resume service is an investment in your future. And an investment it is, with prices running from $90 to $300 or more. A good first step in deciding which company should handle that investment is to take them up on their offer of a free resume critique. You have nothing to lose, and the potential to gain a valuable insight into the company's expertise.

David Alan Carter is a former recruiter who offers in-depth reviews of the top Resume Writing Services on the Web, spelling out their pricing and giving each a star ranking. (Note: David's "Top Pick" is a resume service that offers a free resume critique via email that's fast, helpful and penned by experts.)