IDENTIFYING WHAT KIND OF SERVICE IS BEING OFFERED

     It may sound like identifying the kind of service offered should be obvious, but it isn't, because the vendors always want their offering to sound to you like they will be with you every step of the way, making sure everything that needs to be done is done in order to get you the job of your dreams.  They make it sound like they will be doing things when the reality is that they will only be telling you to do it.  Once you write the check, they may send you a list of everything to be done and wish you the best.  Be very clear on what the vendor agrees to DO and what results, if any, they PROMISE  ("guarantee").  If the provider is evasive or vague on these points, or if everything they say can be characterized as "guidance," or helping YOU to do something, they are "advice-givers."  You will note that, in most cases, the provider will avoid undertaking any responsibility whatsoever for the results you get from hiring them.  Pretty scary.