There are 1000s of résumé-writing services on the Internet. Some are cyber sweatshops where college students crank out template résumés after writing their own term papers. Many others are struggling one-person businesses run by competent writers. A select group are viable enterprises founded by experts — some of them in partnerships with solid Internet enterprises.

With so many choices available, I cannot imagine how most people decide which provider to use. What I suggest you do is assess your writing service using these criteria:

1. Years of experience — at least three; let newcomers to this business practice their skills on other clients — not you!

2. Variety of packages — three to five résumé models are the minimum needed to suit a range of experience from entry-level to executive.

3. Guarantee — some level of assurance that you'll be satisfied with the result.

4. Product samples — to ensure you understand what you're buying: a product which will be your job-search ambassador.

5. Personal support — preferably with an expert on a 1-800 number.

I've come across three résumé and cover-letter writing services which are worth your consideration. (By the way, if you're wondering, "Do I need a cover letter, too?" the answer is YES.)

Each of these three companies offers a different service. Each offers unique benefits.

If you like personal service, then you'll be pleasantly surprised by e-Résumé.net. Get Started Now with e-resume.net After you e-mail them your current résumé — or a summary of your work history — they'll call you. (Or you can call their 1-800 number.) Yes, that's right — this résumé and cover-letter writing service actually calls every client before they prepare each résumé.

I know ... that may seem like a basic component of résumé preparation, but some on-line résumé providers never actually speak to their customers. With e-Résumé.net, it's part of their business model.

Their résumés start at $119 and cover letters at $50. If you're in a hurry, they will Fed-ex your package to employers to ensure one-day delivery. They offer a "Happiness Guarantee" (must be the hippies in their head office) that ensures their staff will keep working on your résumé until you tell them you're happy with it. They're also members of the National Résumé Writers Association and Professional Association of Résumé Writers. In order to maintain their membership they must maintain the standards of these organizations — another form of guarantee. They also provide on-line samples of résumé models. In summary, this is a top-tier résumé writing service — check 'em out. Get Started Now with e-resume.net

Earlier I mentioned some services are run by experts. That's the case with Professional Résumés, a unique writing service. To visit Professional Résumés Click Here. Ronan is their head guru and with his team, he's authored many e-Books, tip sheets and samplers. You can buy each separately — or get one free with your order.

Their company has 20 years' experience in résumé-writing and design. They will write cover letters for $39, résumés for $149 — or both (with a thank-you note) for $199. The résumé package includes a free e-Book, "Interview Secrets Revealed". Their service comes with a 90-day, money-back guarantee. Furthermore, you don't pay a dime until you've had a telephone or e-mail consultation with them. Yes, that's right: they're another one of those résumé providers with a human touch — and a 1-800 number. (I strongly recommend telephone — not e-mail — consultations. Have a list of prepared questions and note their answers as you discuss what they will do for you.)

Their site is loaded with information, samples and more. Nose around and you'll find plenty of free downloads. Altogether they offer a nuts 'n' bolts approach to job search methods — a value that certainly exceeds the price.... To find out more, Click Here

One of the criteria I urge you to consider when choosing your provider is their partnerships with Internet heavyweights. That's the case with Résumé Edge. They've partnered with The Wall Street Journal's, CareerJournal.com and offer a service worth your consideration. ResumeEdge: Certified Professional Resume Writers edit and write your resumes and cover letters. Get an Edge. Click Here!

Résumé Edge provides four résumé packages (entry, student, professional and executive) starting at $139.95. The price includes free web and electronic résumés and a satisfaction guarantee. They also include a seven-day follow-up service in which you can ask your writer any questions using their 1-800 number.

According to their own survey of customer satisfaction (let's face it, this could be a tad biased), Résumé Edge is doing a pretty good job, scoring a minimum of 8.9 on a 10.0 scale for every satisfaction criteria they measured. In my mind, the most important component of their survey was the length of time it took their clients to get a job offer: only five weeks for Résumé Edge customers, compared to the US national average of 13 weeks. Not bad.

They also provide about 30 sample résumés (for free) showing before and after versions with a critique of the "before" versions. This is the largest inventory of on-line free samples I've come across. That's a benefit, because if you buy your writing service from Résumé Edge you'll have a clear idea what you'll receive for your hard-earned dollars.

Résumé Edge sports a lot of other features worth checking, including 48-hour delivery, design selection, and a solid writing staff. It's worth a visit just to see their free résumé samples. ResumeEdge: Certified Professional Resume Writers edit and write your resumes and cover letters. Get an Edge. Click Here!

The bottom line: when you choose a résumé writer, ensure the service meets the five minimum criteria I outlined at the top of the page. Make sure you understand what you'll get before you buy. Above all, try to find a writing service that will present your ambitions, skills and values — and your past accomplishments — to prove you are the "must interview" candidate for the job.