Sure, you can write your own resume or enlist the help of a friend or coworker, but there are times when you require professional assistance. A certified resume writer is a professional who has completed the required steps to become certified one of two professional organizations in his or her field. Training and testing on skills such as grammar, strategic thinking, employment knowledge, and resume and cover-letter writing are all part of the process to become a certified resume writer.
Many people seeking certification as a resume writer are freelance or self-employed resume writers. Some certified resume writers work in employment agencies, college placement offices, or outplacement firms, among the many other professionals who seek certification. The certification process is relatively new; the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches began its certification program in 1991, and the National Resume Writers’ Association followed suit in 1997.
Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) are two similar certifications offered both organizations (NCRW). A client can be assured that a professional has met a minimum standard of qualification with either certification. However, just because a professional isn’t certified doesn’t mean he or she won’t be able to create an effective resume for their clients. Some resume writers opt out of certification and instead rely on client testimonials, awards, and publication credits to demonstrate their abilities.
The NCRW Certification Program includes a study guide that covers key concepts and strategies for writing a winning resume and cover letter. Prior to testing, candidates for the NCRW certification must earn continuing education units. A sample resume and cover letter must be submitted the certified resume writer candidate, which will be critiqued members of the certification commission.
The NCRW exam is divided into two sections, the first of which includes questions about a sample resume. A writing exercise is included in the second part of this certified resume writer exam. Once a person has earned NCRW certification, he or she can keep it completing either more continuing education units or taking another NCRW exam. The CPRW test has four parts: industry knowledge, grammar, punctuation, and proofreading, strategic thinking, and a resume and cover letter writing test based on hypothetical client data.
Instead of preparing the resume yourself, you can benefit from the experience and knowledge gained through the certification process hiring a certified resume writer. Certified resume writers believe that when an individual creates his or her own resume, he or she tends to undersell himself or herself in terms of accomplishments and does not include enough details about measurable achievements.
Certified resume writers determine their own rates for writing resumes and cover letters. Some bill the hour, while others bill the resume. The rates are frequently determined the difficulty of the job; for example, a resume for an entry-level employee is not as difficult to write as one for a senior executive with many years of experience or someone seeking a career change.