How to Find a Credible Executive Resume Firm

Graham Management Group is committed to driving the standards in the Canadian career industry.


Researching Other Canadian Executive Resume Writers?

It’s easy to find resume services that will provide discounted services. However, to get the best return on your money spent, you need to invest wisely. Ensure that you select an executive resume firm that specializes at your level and can produce something worthy of your name.

Before retaining an executive resume firm, do your due diligence:

  • First and foremost check complaints registered against the firm with the Better Business Bureau. Top Organizations are rated A+, however, a few organizations have been given F, the lowest rating. Not all firms are listed, but your best bet is to select one that has a good rating on the BBB site.

  • Ensure that they are registered as Professional Members of a valid association such as Career Professionals of Canada.  Compare the qualifications of members carefully before selecting one.

  • Check if they have at least one valid certification. The Master Certified Resume Strategist (MCRS) is the highest credential offered in Canada. The credential assures that you are working with a professional who can both strategize and develop a solid resume portfolio package.

  • Determine if you are in the market for the best product or the cheapest price. The lowest cost is not a bargain if you have a longer search or need to retain another firm to redo the resume.

  • Select a firm that specializes in your niche rather than a “one-size-fits-all” writer. Some resume writers write for entry-level professionals; others specialize in the trades. GMG’s speciality is supporting executive, management, and six-figure professionals.

  • Evaluate the content and design of the firm’s website. You can tell a lot about a company by how it brands, markets, and represents itself. If the firm's site is uncluttered and the content is well written, you’ll have a better chance of receiving a document with similar characteristics.

  • Review their samples closely. Any reputable executive-level firm should be able to provide sample peripheral documents such as cover letters, narrative biographies, networking letters, and case studies. Ensure that they are not using templates and compare them with some of our samples.

  • Make certain that you have a reasonable amount of time strategizing with your writer. Avoid working only with a typist, questionnaire, or on-line. GMG uses a three-pronged approach for resume packages: a branding session, a strategic planning homework exercise, and a resume strategy session.

  • Ask questions to ensure that you are working with a well-established, stable resume service that has solid years of experience writing for professionals at your level. A rule of thumb is to work with an executive resume firm that is well known, well reputed, and well connected in the industry.

  • Don’t expect overnight delivery for an executive resume package. Writers need adequate time to put detailed attention into your documents. Turnaround time ranges across Canada. Typically, in-demand resume firms offer a one- to two-week turnaround. Don’t sacrifice quality for rush services.

  • Ensure that the writers develop your content from scratch rather than “massaging” typical resume phrases and keywords. To be effective, your resume portfolio package must speak in your voice. The result should be an accurate, truthful, and genuine representation of who you are and what you offer.

  • Work with a firm that has some balances and checks in place. At GMG, two qualified writers ensure strategic marketability – and we formally proof your drafts before you ever see them.

  • A good resume service can produce an exemplary resume portfolio package, however, you should have the opportunity to review the drafts and suggest changes if required. The resume service you select must always be open to such changes.

Your due diligence is critical to making a solid investment. By asking questions, understanding deliverables, and selecting a solid organization, you will be in a much better position to attain your return on investment within a short timeline.

 

GMG retains the top executive-level, master-certified resume strategists in Canada.

Graham Management Group sets the Canadian standards for excellence in resume writing, interview coaching, and career transition consulting. Our writers are the first in Canada to achieve the prestigious master certification (M-Level) in all three categories – resume, interview, and career strategy.

GMG oversees Career Professionals of Canada and the Canadian certification body. We train practitioners across Canada to raise their abilities and enable them to strive to attain their certification. As founder and executive director of CPC and an outspoken advocate for ethics and integrity in the Canadian resume writing industry, Sharon Graham has personally trained and mentored thousands of practitioners who have gone on to offer outstanding services, raising the level of ethics, integrity, and expertise in the Canadian labour market.

 

Graham Management Group's products are customized specifically to meet your needs. Your investment is based on your level, the position you are looking for, and the package you select. To speak confidentially with a GMG representative, contact us directly at (866) 622-1464. Alternatively, you can e-mail your current resume to info@GrahamManagement.com and we would be pleased to provide you with a free assessment.