Consumer Tips for Using Resume Writing Services

Copyright © 2003-2006.
Posted on Privacy Rights Clearinghouse web site with permission of Pam Dixon, World Privacy Forum
February 2003. Revised September 2005.

Consumer Tips for Using Resume Writing Services

Resume writing services charge anywhere from $100 to $800 and up for their services. Most of these businesses accept credit card payment.

1. Privacy policy. If you do not see a privacy policy posted at a resume writing service site, you should think very carefully before deciding to use the site. A privacy policy is a legal document, and it is enforceable. It does give you some legal protection. However, if you use a site without a privacy policy and then you have problems, you have no viable legal recourse regarding privacy, and can end up very frustrated.

2. Policy tips. Things to look for in the privacy policy include credit card encryption, refund policy, and an explicit statement about resume sharing.

1. The privacy policy should state that it protects your credit card transaction. The term to look for is "SSL," or "encryption."
2. The policy should state that the business will not share, distribute, or sell your resume.
3. The policy should state how and under what circumstances you can get a refund if you are unsatisfied with the results of the service.
4. If the site says it only shares your resume "with your permission," you need to get a firm definition of what permission is from the business. Does the business get your written permission? If not, then how does the business get your permission? This is a very important follow-up question for you to ask if you see the term "permission" used.

3. Locating the policy. If finding the privacy policy is a lot of work, treat this as a red flag. Look for privacy policies that are clearly and conspicuously posted on the business Web site.

4. Payment services. If a business allows you to pay with PayPal, take it up on the offer, as it gives you more ability to keep your credit card information private.

5. Web seal programs. A Better Business Bureau (BBB) Seal on the site is positive, but only if it works. Many people see a BBB Seal on a site and take it at face value. Here's how to check to make sure a seal is active:

1. Click on the Seal.
2. You should see a page pop up directly linked to the BBB site. The page will have a date, the company name, and a description of the business along with the business address and phone numbers.
3. The Seal should be current, and not out of date.
4. Please note: some browsers may not allow pop up windows. If that is the case, see below.

Problems with seals:

1. If you click on a seal and it doesn't open, this is an indication that the seal no longer is active. Or, you may have a browser problem. If you click on a seal and a dated seal with the company name does not appear, go to www.bbbonline.org and look up the company on the BBB site at www.bbbonline.org/consumer/.
2. If you click on a seal and it leads to a search page at the BBB, this too is a sign that the site is just trying to make it look like they have a seal.
3. If the site has a BBB seal but not a privacy policy, the site is in technical violation of the BBB seal program. The BBB requires that all sites with a posted seal also post a privacy policy.

If you have any questions about a seal, call the BBB and inquire about the seal's validity. Reliability Seal Program: (703) 247-9370
Privacy Seal Program: (703) 247-9336
Online Privacy Dispute Resolution Intake Center: (703) 247-9333
Fax: (703) 525-8277

6. Checklist. Here is a checklist of the things you can look at to help you make a decision about the quality of the site:

1. Does the site have a privacy policy?
2. Does the site have secure credit card payment?
3. Does the site give you a guarantee or warrantee before you buy?
4. Does the site ask overly intrusive questions? For example, does the site ask for mother's maiden name, bank account numbers, or your physical characteristics? No resume writer needs this information from you, and valid resume writing businesses will not ask for this information.
5. Does the site ask for date of birth or your Social Security number? If it does, you should not use the site, and you should report it to the FTC, (877) FTC-HELP.
6. Does the site have adequate and correct contact information listed for itself? Have you tested the contact information?
7. Does the site belong to a BBB? Have you checked the appropriate BBB for complaints against the business? www.bbb.org Does the site post an online BBB Seal? If so, is it a valid seal? www.bbbonline.org
8. If you send a privacy query to the site, does it answer with an affirmative response to you