What is a Certified Advanced Resume Writer?

Unfortunately, many job seekers and potential clients, are unaware of the fact that resume writers can be certified and examined by professional bodies, just as nurses or engineers are for example. These resume writers are also required to undergo regular professional development and must abide by professional ethics and a code of conduct.

The Certified Advanced Resume Writer accreditation is often shortened to C.A.R.W. There are, as of April 2010 only around 11 CARWs within Australia. This accreditation is awarded by Career Directors International, the leading global membership group for Professional Resume Writers and Career Professionals.

It is for this reason I believe, that many job seekers and potential clients are not aware that Resume Writers are assessed and Certified, and that this is their assurance as to the quality of the writer’s work, as well as the fact that they are governed by a professional code of conduct (as dictated by Career Directors International).

The truth of the matter is, that anyone can decide one day to put up their shingle and declare themselves a Professional Resume Writer. This does not necessarily mean that their work is shoddy, in fact there are countless professional resume writers around Australia who produce outstanding work. My point is, that membership of Career Directors International (or CDI as we like to call it) accompanied by a qualification such as CARW, is your guarantee of not only quality workmanship but also that the customer service you receive will be of the highest standard, and that the writers industry knowledge will incorporate the latest industry developments.

Before engaging a professional resume writer, I recommend you ask these questions;

• How many years have you been in business?

• Do you hold any professional memberships?

• Can I see samples of your work?

• Have you had any of your work published?

• Do you engage in any community work in the field?

• Are you a certified resume writer?

• What would happen if things go wrong? What are your processes for handling this?

Andrea Drew, the Chief Writer and Founder of Impressive Resumes has commenced professional development, offered by Career Directors International, with a view to gaining accreditation within 6-8 weeks. This qualification (CARW) will be your guarantee of the quality of her work, and will be the icing on the cake of her 12 years experience in writing resumes and selection criteria. She has been in business since 1998, is a member of both Career Directors International and the Association of Online Career Professionals. Samples of her work are available on this website (see sample resumes page) and she has been published on various websites including ezines.com, showmummythemoney.com.au, www.employment-one.com and www.publicservicejobs.com.au.

She is also currently finalising a professional resume writing book which is due for publication in 2010. She regularly presents free resume writing seminars at her local library, and is currently making progress to attain her CARW certification.