Of all the hurdles one must leap over to get a job, perhaps the most challenging is crafting a killer resume. It's often the first thing that an employer sees and can make or break you. Sure, you could do it yourself, but there are also plenty of resume writing services available that could make your life-and your job hunt-a whole lot easier.

A quick search on Google netted a list of 382 resume writing services! So, how do you pick the right one, how much will it cost, and what can you expect as the finished product? Two good places to start to make sure you are working with a legitimate service are the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA) and the Professional Association of Resume Writers (PARW). Membership in PARW is open to any company or individual actively engaged in providing resume and career coaching services to clients. The organization also has two certification programs that further distinguish individual members, says Executive Director Frank Fox.

"Our writers prepare resumes, and offer career coaching and interview training to every imaginable career field," he says. Fox suggests that science professionals and others should contact several members to discuss rates, availability, credentials, and specific industry experience, etc. and then select the writer that he or she feels most comfortable and confident working with. As for the fee you'll pay, that depends on writer's experience and location. "Services are generally based upon an hourly rate," says Fox.

You Get What You Pay For

Janice Worthington, who runs Fortune 500 Communications and is executive Vice President of the National Resume Writers' Association, says that experience is crucial when looking for a resume writer. Ideally, on top of years of experience, the person should be certified either by NRWA or PARW. "Don't go to someone who just went into the business last week. When you are shopping for a resume writer, find out how long they have been in the business, how much employment expertise they have, and if they are familiar with the arenas that you are working in." Ask if the person has ever written resumes for science professionals before and get references. Was this person easy to work with, did they deliver on what they promised, were they caring, did the resume help them land interviews?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The same is true in the resume writing business. "Within reason, price should not be an issue," says Worthington, who also says job seekers should be wary of prices that seem too low. Most experienced resume writers start at about $250, which often includes a full resume consultation, background analysis, information gathering, rough drafts, fine tuning, and revisions." Prices can go up to $800-$900 for executive-level resumes. Worthington recommends buying a package, which includes a resume, cover letters, and career coaching, which she claims is the best deal.

When working with a resume writer, is it important to meet with them face-to-face? Not necessarily says Peter Newfield, who runs Career-Resumes.com and is the former resume expert for Monster.com. "Most of the time, candidates will be filling out a very extensive worksheet, but if that person isn't comfortable doing that, they can meet with the writer face-to-face," he says. However, meeting face-to-face will usually cost extra. Newfield's worksheet includes such questions as, "What sets you apart from others in your field?" and "What skills do you possess that you would want to highlight?"

Going Digital

Now, in addition to having a good old-fashioned paper resume, there are plenty of other formats that you can add to your job-hunting arsenal. For example, a Web resume is created in HTML and can range from simple, one-page text layouts to more complicated, multi-page creations that might include graphics, links to sound or video files, and other bells and whistles. Most science professionals can probably get away with a simple layout-just like a paper resume but online. However, job seekers in the Web industry, especially graphic designers and producers, will probably want a site that showcases such skills as Flash or other Web technology.

Some resume writers offer packages that include digital or online options. One site, resumepower.com, for example, offers a professional resume package that includes consultation and strategy sessions, a career worksheet, a resume, an electronic file, and a master copy. The site also offers a "Cyber-smart Add-on," which includes an ASCII version of your resume and a personal Web site. In today's digital world, having an ASCII resume or, better yet, your resume on the Web, can give you an edge over the competition.

At the end of the day, presentation and resume quality can make or break you. Says Worthington, "Everything and everybody is more sophisticated then they've ever been. The need for candidates to make the investment is more important than ever-especially with the tight market. The best candidate doesn't always win, it's the best performance that wins, the best presentation."

Sidebar: The Right Format

Sacha Cohen is a Washington-based business and technology writer. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Kiplinger.com, Fast Company, Oxygen's ka-Ching and other print and online publications. Cohen has been covering Internet trends and culture since 1996.

Related Reading:

Resumes in Cyberspace by Pat Criscito.

E-Resumes: How to Write, Design, and Deliver Your Resume Online by Susan Whitcomb and Pat Kendall.