10 Questions to ask yourself when considering paying fees to distribute your resume.

1.  Does the service clearly define the target population?

Who exactly will receive my resume.  Are they simply gatekeepers or actual hiring decision makers?

2.  Does the service make it easy to know what kind of clients would most benefit from it?

Does this service specialize in an aspect of the job search process or purport to be all things to all career seekers?

3.  Does it mention any guarantees relative to the quality of the data?

Are the fees I'm considering paying seem reasonable for the value of the data and information available to me.  Will I actually get in touch with people or find it difficult to make a real human contact?

4.  Does the service clarify detailed recipient information before the transaction is concluded?

How much of the "carrot" can I munch on before I swallow the deal whole? If I don't feel confident that I have enough to go on to make a purchase, I shouldn't do it.

5.  What is the length of contract and how long do users have access to the data?

Am I clear if there are annual or monthly fees?  Do they keep my credit information on file?  Is the length of service clearly described?

6.  What kind of “guarantees” come with the service that are in writing?

If there are no guarantees, there should be no transaction.  Nuff said.

7.  How easily can a user receive a refund?

Will I get actual dollars back or will they offer me a continuation or "do-over" of the service.  Terms and conditions should spell out exactly how refunds are obtained.

8.  What kind of contact information is provided?

If you don't know or don't feel confident in the kind of demographics given to you from the service, ask how to obtain what you think you'll need.  If it's not available, consider that fact in your final purchase decision.

9.  Are you paying for “convenience” or real research data?

There are great services that charge fees for different philosophies of job search methods.  Most effective services will strategically network you with decision makers.  It will be up to you how you utilize the information they give you.

10.  If I have a problem after purchasing, what kind of customer service can I expect?

First of all, if you didn't receive customer service BEFORE the purchase, be cautious in getting it AFTER!  The more reputable companies will brag about their customer service and you'll see it evident in their marketing and publication literature.  Don't settle for less, after all, you're paying them. 

 

In conclusion, conveniences don't equate to results unless the client is given real feedback.  Be honest with your mentality relating to your search philosophy.  Are you paying someone to do your search for you or for taking the administrative and non-productive aspects of your search away so you can focus on interviewing and NOT researching.  Be confident in asking these questions the next time you are contacted by a company to pay them a fee for distributing your resume.

Comments

[Jacob Share]

I'm amazed that people still consider doing this, except when the 'agent' has inside access to a targeted company.