Recommend a resume writing service to me (Toronto)

[pancakeg]

(my apologies if there is a thread out there for this already. I did a few searches and didn't find anything.)

I was wondering if anyone in Toronto has used a resume writing service that they would recommend. What was the process, what did you like/didn't like, what did they give you in the end, and how much did they charge.

I was recently laid off from the public service (federal gov't) and would like to revamp my resume. Currently I know it is too long and wordy, and that the resumes you use for the feds is very different than what they'd expect in other sectors. I'm looking to go back to non-profit work (my jobs before the public service) and/or environmental sciences (my education background).

Any advice people can offer is appreciated. Obviously doing a search online for 'resume writing service' brings up a bazillion results, so I'm hoping to get a few recommendations and then narrow it down.

Thanks RFD!

[hvc]

I know this isn't the answer you want to hear, but the best resume writer is most likely yourself. I would google the skills needed for whatever job(s) you're looking for, and include points about your old jobs that include those traits (e.g. communication, accuracy, etc.). I always find that making a resume, and then getting somebody in the field (maybe a reciter?) you're interested in to review it, and give their opinion is the best bet. A good resume isn't born over night, so keep at it, and give it time between each review.

If you're looking for a good resume service, I'm sure you'd be looking in the area of $200-$500. The downside to these services is that when you begin to talk about your roll/write your cover letter, there will be a difference in your communication style. It's like getting a person to write one essay for you in university, but you write all your exams/small projects - the professor will spot the differences.

My $0.02? Google it, save your $300-300 and invest that money in something useful.

[rfder0381]

Basically agree with what HVC said, but if you're still interested in getting help you can check employment resource centres in the GTA (http://www.toronto.ca/socialservices/erc_chart.htm) and libraries for recent books on resume templates. IMO those resume writing services are a waste of money, especially for something you can easily do yourself with some hard work.