I had a potential executive resume client request a free resume evaluation this week, with a note saying, “I need the least expensive fee because money is a big issue now and I need to make an emergency change.”
Uh-uh. My I respectfully suggest the adoption of a new perspective?
You know, I’m a consumer also. I use other people’s professional services. One that springs to mind is my accountant. His name is Jerry Glickman. His firm is Shechtman, Marks in Philadelphia, PA. It’s questionable whether he’ll be thrilled that I’m mentioning him in this particular forum. In any event, I was referred to Jerry by a close friend. It was suggested to me by this friend that I had reached a point in my life and my resume practice that I needed to graduate from using the services of the typical chain tax preparer that pops up on every street corner come tax time.
So I accepted the referral and went to Jerry. It was, to say the least, expensive. But guess what: I am 120% confident that my taxes are done right. And isn’t that really the point? Let’s see: do I want a cheap tax preparer who will get my stuff done in assembly line fashion, but who knows if I’ll get audited or not? Or do I want to sit with Jerry, have him review my issues with me, give me his time, lend me his expertise, and instill confidence in me that he expertly handled each facet of my complicated (at least to me, anyway) financial matters? I’ll take Option 2.
Option 1
Option 2
Let’s apply this philosophy to other professional services. When you have a major illness, do you search for the cheapest doctor? Or do you go to the one you’re confident has the most experience and resources to manage your specific problem?
If you’re in some unfortunate situation that may require, ahem, prison, are you interested in the cheapest lawyer in a storefront shop? On the contrary, most people go for the biggest “name” out there. Think: OJ’s “Dream Team.” His dream was to stay out of jail; his dream was fulfilled.
Ladies in particular, do you insist on the cheapest hair cut? Or the best one? The one that suits the shape of your face, takes into account your hair thickness, and suits your overall style?
Get it?
So why on earth, at a time when you really and truly need a job, would you insist on the cheapest resume possible? Do you honestly think that will get you there? Am I trying to sell you a resume right now? Not necessarily. What I want is for you to see the value in a resume prepared by a real person, a certified professional, who takes the time to communicate with you and present your authentic story. That’s how you get what you really want. And that, my friends, is priceless.
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