Good question, considering that nowadays you can find many useful resources to help you write your own resume (including many located at http://www.impressive-resumes.com).

A professionally written resume might be just what you need. On the other hand, perhaps you can easily write your own resume using a resume template or commercially available resume writing software. How do you decide which is right for you?

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you decide.

* "Do I have the time to do the job right?"

If you want to create a resume that works, i.e. one that captures the attention of a hiring manager during a 10 second initial "toss or keep" scan, you need to be willing to invest some time. Depending on your comfort level, your familiarity with resume design factors and how well you're organized, this can take anywhere from a couple of hours to several days or more.

If you have the time, energy, focus and desire to learn how to write an effective resume, you're probably a good candidate to do it yourself. If you're really not ready to devote the time and effort, you'd be better served by allowing a professional resume writer to write it for you.

* "Can I afford the services of a professional resume writer?"

If you're on a no kidding shoestring budget, writing your own resume is probably the way to go. But most people are surprised at how inexpensive and easy it is to hire a professional resume writer who can write a truly effective resume. Chances are good that there's room in your budget for a professionally written resume, especially considering that the right career step could pay back your investment a thousand times over (or more).

You've probably already spent tens of thousands of dollars on your education, (not to mention incredible amounts of sweat equity) to get where you are today. The small amount of additional money you spend on a professionally written resume may just be the best career advancement investment you'll ever make.

* "What makes a resume writer a "professional" writer?

There are several well known professional resume writing organizations through which individuals can attain professional resume writing credentials. These include the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA) and the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). Individuals who attain accreditation from these organizations have demonstrated an in depth knowledge of the resume writing process. The writers at http://www.impressive-resumes.com are certified by one or more such organizations.

* "What are some of the benefits of hiring a professional resume writer to write my resume for me?"

There are many. You'll likely save time and almost certainly money in the long run. You'll avoid making one or more of the common resume writing mistakes that so many people make when writing their own resumes. You'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your resume was "done right" from the beginning. You'll be able to devote more time to doing all the other things required of you when looking for a new job. And you'll have someone in your court who has your best career interests at heart.

* "How do I work with a professional resume writer?"

Nowadays you no longer need to meet with a resume writer in person or by telephone to conduct an interview. You can order an online resume and complete your interview conveniently on your own schedule. In fact, purchasing an online resume that is written by a professional resume writer is one of the nice things about the online world. The whole process is built around YOU. You and the professional resume writer working with you always have the option to communicate by telephone or email if additional information is required.

Copyright 2005 by Vincent Czaplyski, all rights reserved.

You may republish this article in its entirety, as long as you include the complete signature file above without modification.

Copywriter and consultant Vincent Czaplyski is founder of http://www.impressive-resumes.com, your online source for professionally written "industrial strength" resumes and cover letters guaranteed to land you an interview.