How to prepare before hiring a resume writer

1. Decide the target

Write down the kind of job you want next: title, level, industry and location. If you want to change fields, say so. A resume is not a complete life story; it is a sales document for a specific type of role. Collect three to five job postings that look like your ideal next step and share them. They show the writer which words and skills employers in that field expect.

2. List achievements, not just duties

For each past job, write what you did and what changed because of you. Duties say what the job description required, while achievements show your value. Include numbers where honest: money saved, customers served, time cut, team size, sales grown. If you do not have exact figures, estimate carefully and say they are estimates. Include projects, awards, training and promotions, and tell the writer which achievements you are proudest of.

3. Gather your documents

Send your current resume, even if it is outdated, along with any profile text, performance reviews, certificates and notes from past roles. Include dates, job titles and employer names exactly as they should appear. If you have gaps in your career or a short stay somewhere, tell the writer, who can suggest honest ways to present them clearly.

4. Think about format and screening

Many companies use software to read resumes before a person does. Plain headings, standard fonts and a clean layout usually work best. Ask the writer how they handle layout, which file types they deliver and whether they provide both a simple version for online applications and a more designed version to share directly. Local customs differ, so tell the writer which country you are applying in.

5. Protect your privacy

A resume contains personal details. Share only what is needed and ask how the writer stores and deletes your files. Do not include sensitive information such as identity numbers. Consider whether to list a full home address or only a city, and decide how much about your personal life should appear, if any.

6. Agree the process

Ask how the work runs: an intake form or call, a first draft, your feedback and final files. Agree on the number of revisions, delivery time and whether a cover letter or profile is included. Read the draft carefully for accuracy, since you are responsible for every statement. If something sounds exaggerated, say so and ask for a more modest version that you can confidently explain in an interview.

Questions to ask the writer

• Have you written resumes for my field and level, and can I see samples with personal details removed?
• How do you gather my achievements: a form, a call or both?
• How do you tailor the resume to specific job postings?
• How many revisions are included?
• Which file formats will I receive?
• How do you protect my personal information?

Budget and timing

Prices depend on career level, whether a cover letter and profile are included, and how complex your history is. Plan for a short turnaround if you have an application deadline, and tell the writer early. Remember that the resume is only one piece; allow time for networking, applications and interview practice, since a great document does not replace those steps.

After you receive the documents

Read the final resume aloud and check every date, title and number. Prepare short stories behind each achievement, since interviewers will ask for details. Keep a master version with everything, and tailor shorter versions for specific jobs by adjusting the summary and key points. Update your online profile to match, so that the resume and the profile tell the same story, and revisit the documents every year even when you are not job hunting.

Common mistakes

• Sending an old resume with no information about your target job.
• Listing duties instead of results.
• Approving a draft without checking every date and claim.
• Using one resume for very different kinds of jobs.