how to market resume writing services

How to Start a Profitable Resume Writing Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 02, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a resume writing business plan., 3. develop a resume writing brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for resume writing., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for resume writing services., 8. acquire resume writing equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for resume writing, if required., 10. begin marketing your resume writing services., 11. expand your resume writing business..

When embarking on a resume writing business, conducting a thorough market analysis is crucial. This process involves understanding the industry landscape, identifying potential clients, and analyzing competitors to tailor your services effectively. Here are key points to consider:

• Examine the current demand for resume writing services, focusing on specific sectors like tech, healthcare, or finance that may have a higher need for specialized services.
• Identify the target demographic, such as recent graduates, mid-career professionals, or executives, and understand their unique needs and preferences.
• Analyze competitors in the resume writing space by reviewing their service offerings, pricing structures, and customer reviews to identify gaps and opportunities for differentiation.
• Investigate market trends, such as the increasing importance of LinkedIn profiles or the use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), to ensure that your services are up-to-date and relevant.
• Consider the potential for local versus global services, and decide if your business will operate online, offline, or through a combination of both.

Are resume writing businesses profitable?

Yes, resume writing businesses can be profitable. With the increased competition for jobs, many professionals are turning to professional resume writing services to create resumes that help them stand out from the competition. Revenue for these businesses comes from consultations, resume writing fees and commissions for additional services such as cover letters and job search assistance.

A resume writing business plan should outline your approach to assisting clients in achieving their career goals through professional and effective resumes. Highlighting your expertise in various industries can be a key differentiator. Consider these points:

• Service Offerings: Detail the range of services, from resume writing to LinkedIn profile optimization and career coaching.
• Target Market: Identify your ideal clients, such as recent graduates, career changers, or executives.
• Marketing Strategies: Develop a plan for reaching your target market through online marketing, networking, and partnerships.
• Pricing and Packages: Outline your pricing structure and any packages or bundled services you offer.
• Operational Details: Include information on your business structure, processes, and tools you'll use for service delivery.

How does a resume writing business make money?

A resume writing business makes money by charging clients a fee for their services. Clients typically include job seekers, recent graduates and those looking to make a career transition. The business may also offer additional services such as cover letter or LinkedIn profile building. An example of a target audience for an air duct cleaning business could be homeowners or commercial businesses in need of regular maintenance or emergency service. Homeowners may require this service more often due to the dust, pet hair and other allergens that can build up in the vents over time.

Building a recognizable and trusted brand is crucial in setting yourself apart in the competitive field of resume writing. Your brand should reflect your professionalism, expertise, and the unique value you offer to clients. Here are key points to consider when developing your resume writing brand:

• Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Determine what makes your services distinct from competitors. It could be your industry expertise, proprietary writing methodology, or exceptional customer service.
• Choose a Memorable Name and Logo: Select a business name and design a logo that conveys your brand's essence and is easily recognizable, fostering brand recall.
• Define Your Brand Voice and Personality: Decide on a consistent tone and personality for all your communications, whether it's professional, approachable, or innovative, to resonate with your target audience.
• Develop a Professional Website: Create a website that showcases your services, testimonials, and samples of your work. Ensure it's user-friendly and reflects your brand's visual identity.
• Establish a Social Media Presence: Be active on platforms where your potential clients might spend their time. Use these channels to share valuable content and interact with your audience.

How to come up with a name for your resume writing business?

Coming up with a name for your resume writing business can be challenging. Consider the services you offer and pick a name that accurately reflects that. Additionally, ensure it is memorable and easy to say. Finally, research to make sure the domain name and social media accounts are available. An ideal name for a resume writing business could be something like “Career Crafting Solutions” or “Writing Your Way Ahead”.

Once you have a clear plan and strategy for your resume writing business, the next crucial step is to formalize your business registration. This legal step is essential to ensure your business operates within the law, allowing you to reap the benefits of a legitimate enterprise. Consider the following points to guide you through the registration process:

• Choose a business structure that suits your needs, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation, and understand the implications of each for taxes and liability.
• Register your business name with the appropriate state authorities, ensuring it's unique and not already in use.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes, especially if you plan on hiring employees.
• Check local and state business licenses and permits that may be required to legally operate a resume writing service in your area.
• Consider the need for professional liability insurance to protect your business from potential legal action related to the services you provide.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore key resources designed for resume writing entrepreneurs, featuring comprehensive insights on market trends, operational best practices, and strategic advice for enhancing business growth:

• The National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA) : Offers ongoing education, certification, and networking opportunities for resume professionals. https://thenrwa.com
• Career Directors International (CDI) : Provides resume writing professionals with certifications, training programs, and industry research to stay ahead in the market. https://careerdirectors.com
• Resume Writing Academy (RWA) : Features advanced training and certification for resume writers aiming to enhance their craft and business success. https://resumewritingacademy.com
• Forbes Coaches Council Articles : Offers strategic business advice and valuable insights into the resume writing industry from leading coaches and consultants. https://www.forbes.com/coaches-council/
• ProBlogger : Provides content creation and marketing strategies that can be applied to developing engaging content for resume writing businesses. https://problogger.com

Starting a resume writing business involves not just skill and marketing, but also ensuring that you comply with all legal requirements. Acquiring the necessary licenses and permits is crucial to operate legitimately and avoid any legal complications. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this step:

• Research local business licensing requirements by contacting your city or county clerk's office or visiting their website. You may need a general business license to operate in your area.
• Verify if you need any specific permits related to home-based businesses if you plan to work from home. Zoning laws may apply.
• If your state requires it, register your business name and structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC) with the state's business agency.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes, especially if you plan to hire employees.
• Check for any industry-specific certifications or licenses. While not typically required for resume writing, certifications from recognized organizations can enhance credibility.
• Keep in mind that requirements can vary widely depending on your location and the scope of your services, so it's important to conduct thorough research specific to your business.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a resume writing business?

The exact licenses and permits needed to run a resume writing business will vary depending on where your business is located. Generally, you'll need a business license from your local government, as well as any specific occupational licenses that may apply. Depending on the size and scope of your business, you may also be required to obtain certain state-level permits or certifications.

Starting a resume writing business requires effective financial management from the beginning. A dedicated business bank account helps keep your finances organized, and securing appropriate funding ensures you have the capital needed for initial expenses. Follow these steps to set up your banking and secure funds:

• Choose a Bank: Research banks to find one that offers favorable terms for small businesses, such as low fees, online banking, and good customer service.
• Open an Account: Prepare necessary documents, such as your business license, EIN, and incorporation papers, to open a business checking account.
• Understand Your Needs: Estimate your startup costs and ongoing expenses to determine how much funding you'll need to operate your business.
• Explore Funding Options: Consider various funding sources such as personal savings, small business loans, credit lines, or investments from family and friends.
• Prepare a Pitch: If seeking investors or loans, develop a strong business plan and pitch that outlines the potential of your resume writing business.
• Manage Cash Flow: Use your business account to track revenues and expenses, ensuring you maintain a positive cash flow for sustainable growth.

Establishing competitive and fair pricing for your resume writing services is crucial to your business success. It ensures you are adequately compensated for your expertise and effort while providing value to your clients. Here are some steps to set your pricing:

• Research Market Rates: Investigate what other resume writers are charging to get an idea of the going rates. Consider factors such as experience, location, and specialization.
• Cost-Based Pricing: Calculate your time, effort, and business costs to determine the minimum price you need to charge to make a profit.
• Value-Based Pricing: Evaluate the value you bring to your clients, such as your unique skills or success rate in helping clients secure interviews, and price accordingly.
• Package Deals: Offer different service packages (e.g., entry-level, professional, executive) at varied price points to cater to a broader range of clients.
• Optional Add-Ons: Consider additional services like cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, or interview coaching, which can be priced separately.
• Adjust as Needed: Regularly review and adjust your prices based on feedback, demand, and any changes in your service offerings or costs.

What does it cost to start a resume writing business?

Initiating a resume writing business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $4500 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your resume writing business.

Setting up a resume writing business requires not just skill and experience, but also the right equipment and supplies to deliver professional services. Ensuring you have the necessary tools at your disposal will help you create high-quality resumes that stand out in the job market. Here's what you need to get started:

• Computer: Invest in a reliable computer with enough processing power to run word processing software smoothly.
• Word Processing Software: Choose professional software like Microsoft Word or Adobe InDesign for writing and formatting resumes.
• Printer: A high-quality laser printer for printing hard copies of resumes on premium paper.
• Premium Paper: Stock up on high-grade, watermarked resume paper to make a good impression.
• Cloud Storage: Subscribe to cloud services for secure storage and easy access to your files from anywhere.
• Backup Solutions: External hard drives or a dedicated backup service to safeguard your work against data loss.
• Grammar and Spell Check Tools: Use tools like Grammarly to ensure error-free writing.
• Design Software: For creative resumes, software like Canva or Photoshop can be useful for graphic elements.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a resume writing business:

• Computer - $800
• Printer - $100
• Internet connection - $50/month
• Word processing software - $80
• Grammar and punctuation checker software - $40
• Resume template software - $80
• Basic accounting software - $50
• Photocopier or scanner/printer – $300
• Business cards – starting at $35 for 250 cards
• Website (optional) – approximately $500 for setup and hosting for one year.

Starting a resume writing business comes with the responsibility of protecting your enterprise against potential risks. Business insurance can provide the necessary coverage for unforeseen circumstances. Consider the following steps to ensure you're adequately covered:

• Research local and state regulations to determine if business insurance is mandatory for resume writing services in your area.
• Contact an insurance agent or broker who specializes in small businesses to discuss the types of insurance that would be most beneficial for a resume writing business. Common options include General Liability Insurance, Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions), and a Business Owner's Policy.
• Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates and coverage options that fit your business needs and budget.
• Read policy terms carefully and make an informed decision on the coverage limits and deductibles that will best protect your resume writing business.
• Once you've selected a policy, ensure that you keep your insurance documents safely filed and easily accessible for future reference or in the event of a claim.
• Review and update your insurance coverage annually or when your business circumstances change, such as experiencing significant growth or offering new services.

Launching a successful resume writing business involves more than crafting impressive resumes; it requires effective marketing to attract clients. By utilizing a variety of strategies, you can increase your visibility and establish your brand as a go-to resource for professional resume assistance. Here are some essential marketing steps to get you started:

• Build an Online Presence: Create a professional website showcasing your services, testimonials, and portfolio. Utilize search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your site's visibility.
• Utilize Social Media: Engage with potential clients on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Share valuable content, resume tips, and success stories to grow your audience.
• Network: Join local business groups, attend career fairs, and participate in community events to network with potential clients and other professionals.
• Referral Program: Encourage satisfied customers to refer others by offering a discount or a complimentary service for each successful referral.
• Collaborate with Career Services: Partner with colleges, universities, and career centers to offer workshops or services to students and alumni.
• Content Marketing: Write blogs, create videos, or offer webinars that provide valuable resume advice, establishing your expertise in the field.
• Online Advertising: Consider using paid advertising on Google or social media platforms to target individuals seeking resume help.

Once you've established the foundation of your resume writing business, it's time to consider expansion. Growth can come through diversifying services, increasing market reach, and enhancing your brand's visibility. Take your business to the next level with these strategic steps:

• Build a Referral Network: Partner with career coaches, human resource professionals, and educational institutions to gain referrals. Offer incentives for clients who refer new customers.
• Diversify Your Services: Include cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, interview coaching, and career consulting to provide a full suite of career services.
• Invest in Marketing: Increase your online presence with targeted ads on social media and professional platforms. Consider content marketing by blogging on career-related topics to establish authority.
• Enhance Your Online Platform: Develop a user-friendly website with e-commerce capabilities for clients to purchase services directly. Implement SEO strategies to improve search engine rankings.
• Train Additional Writers: As demand grows, hire and train additional writers to maintain quality and turn-around time. Consider creating a certification program to standardize service quality.
• Offer Workshops and Webinars: Host educational events to share resume writing tips and career advice, positioning your brand as a thought leader in the industry.

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How to Start a Resume Writing Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   March 29, 2024

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The resume writing industry is estimated to bring in $304.6 million in 2024. With over 150 million resumes created each year, it’s clear there is no shortage of demand. As remote work explodes and economic uncertainty looms, job seekers need resume writers more than ever to stand out.

The resume writing market remains largely fragmented, with independent writers and small agencies competing for clients. This presents a major opportunity for entrepreneurs to build scalable resume-writing businesses. The barriers to entry are relatively low yet the income potential is high.

This guide will help you understand how to start a resume writing business. Topics include market research, competitive analysis, registering an EIN, obtaining business insurance, marketing, customer focus, and more. Here’s everything to know about starting your own resume and career coaching business.

1. Conduct Resume Writing Market Research

Market research is important to starting a successful resume writing business. It offers insight into your target market, trends in the resume writing service market, and local market saturation. Research provides valuable information for a resume service business plan.

The current resume writer market remains fragmented, with over 12,000 small, independent writers and boutique agencies competing for business. The top 10 resume-writing companies account for just 16% total market share, though consolidation is expected as the industry matures. Larger players are focused primarily on scale through online platforms vs white-glove services.

This fragmentation coupled with the vast market opportunity has produced strong economics. The average resume writer charges $150-$400 per document, with senior executive writers commanding fees over $1,000. Writers can service between 10-40 clients per month working full time.

The rise of remote work and economic uncertainty has accelerated demand, as has growth in hiring for middle-skill jobs requiring nuanced resume positioning. Investing in professional resume writers offers compelling ROI – those working with writers are 3x as likely to land interviews and can achieve as high as a 700% ROI if they land the job.

The resume-writing industry is experiencing rapid growth driven by favorable macroeconomic trends and an underpenetrated addressable market. The lack of sophisticated competition makes it an attractive space for aspiring entrepreneurs to launch high-margin businesses.

2. Analyze the Competition

When launching a resume writing business, analyzing the competition is crucial to positioning yourself advantageously to gain market share. Some ways to get to know local professional resume writing services include:

• Start by identifying competitors online within your geographic target area.
• Search Google Maps for terms like “resume services near me” and compile a list of businesses appearing in the results and map pack top listings.
• Visit the website and social media pages of each competitor to evaluate the brand positioning and messaging, service offerings, and pricing models.
• Make notes on strengths and weaknesses compared to the envisioned positioning for your own business.
• Pay attention to the aesthetics of the online presence and reviews as you qualitatively assess the competitor set.
• You can quantitatively size up online competitors by looking at metrics of social media followers, website traffic rankings on Alexa , and domain/page authority scores on Semrush .
• While resume writing is often entirely virtual, some boutique agencies operate brick-and-mortar storefronts.
• Drive around your target geography and take inventory of any physical offices dedicated specifically to resumes, CVs, or career services.
• Walk into each location as a mystery shopper and evaluate factors like customer service, ambiance, branding, and materials available.

Analyzing competitors provides objective benchmarks to understand the competitive landscape and identify unmet market needs your new resume-writing business can serve. It also gives context to strategically position your brand messaging.

3. Costs to Start a Resume Writing Business

When starting a resume writing business, the upfront costs to get off the ground are typically under $5,000 for an independent solo practitioner model.

Start-up Costs

• Website Development and Hosting – Budget $500-1,500 for an attractive, functional website built on WordPress. Good web design is crucial for conveying legitimacy and professionalism. Ongoing hosting and domain registration run $300/year.
• Office Equipment & Software – With resume writing primarily done virtually, $1,000 can cover a solid computer, necessary software like Microsoft Office, an ergonomic desk setup, a printer/scanner, and other core equipment.
• Incorporation Fees – Expect $100-$800 to formally create your business entity as either an LLC or S-Corp based on state filing and registration fees. Proper legal setup brings liability protections.
• Branding & Identity Work – Logos, branding colors/fonts, business cards, and templates to present a polished, consistent brand image will run $300-$1,000 using freelance graphic designers.

In total, an entrepreneur can make the required upfront investments to commence resume writing operations for less than $5,000. Many successful writers have spent even less by handling their branding work and buying only minimal equipment.

Ongoing Costs

On the flip side, monthly operating costs tend to range from $500-$2,500 covering:

• Virtual Office Membership – $100-$300 per month for turnkey access to business amenities.
• Software Subscriptions – $50-$200 on resume/CV templates, marketing automation, bookkeeping, CRM and other SaaS tools.
• Website Hosting/Domains – Budget $20-$100 to host and power your web presence.
• Professional Associations – Industry groups offer benefits and credibility for $100-$500 per year in annual membership dues.
• Insurance – Optional but recommended with rates of $500+ annually. Protect yourself with general liability, D&O, and more niche business policies.
• Contract Employees – Many resume writers eventually hire 1-2 talented freelancers to help handle client demand and grow more profitably. Paying $25-$75 per completed resume as an employer is common.

While operating costs largely scale directly with higher client volumes, keeping fixed overhead low by leveraging modern solutions, outsourcing where advantageous and avoiding unnecessary expenses keeps resume writing a lean business model.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

When launching a resume writing operation, structuring your business as a limited liability company (LLC) offers the best blend of personal asset protection, tax flexibility, credibility, and ease of administration if you expect to grow.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship provides no separation between your business and personal finances. You’re subject to unlimited personal liability for company debts and legal issues. Income earned flows through directly to your SSN for tax purposes. Administrative filings are minimal but your assets get tied directly to the business, making an LLC a far better choice.

Partnership

Forming a general or limited partnership can facilitate co-ownership and pool money across partners to fund growth. However, it still exposes personal assets to substantial risk as partners have “joint and several liabilities”. Disagreements between partners can also breed complex litigation if things sour. Overall excessive liability exposure relative to other options makes a partnership ill-suited.

Corporation

Establishing a standard C-Corporation or S-Corporation creates the most formal separation between a business and owner. It can support raising venture capital and eventually selling equity. However, the legal and tax filings for a corporation are far more complex – especially around issues like employee classifications.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Registering as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) carves out the best middle ground. It separates your personal and company assets to limit personal liability risk. Only company assets are pursued in any lawsuits or bankruptcy. An LLC offers flexibility similar to a sole proprietorship or partnership on profit distributions rather than mandatory shareholder payments.

5. Register Your Business For Taxes

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) serves as a business’s equivalent to a social security number establishing a unique IRS identifier. All businesses except sole proprietors using only their SSN need an EIN for federal tax purposes and to open business bank accounts properly.

Obtaining an EIN is free and easy through the IRS website . The entire application takes just minutes to complete. You’ll need only basic information like your name, address, business entity type, and details about ownership structure. An EIN gets issued immediately upon submitting the form and passes IRS verification.

• Navigate to the IRS EIN Assistant site.
• Answer a short eligibility questionnaire and select the option to apply online.
• Provide basic personal and business information covering ownership, contact data, and what the EIN will be used for.
• Print/record the EIN assignment confirmation provided as proof of your number.

In addition to a federal EIN, resume-writing businesses need sales & use tax permits and business licenses in their state to legally collect, report, and remit taxes on services provided. Requirements vary by location but often involve nominal registration fees under $100.

Taking just an hour to get an EIN and register for necessary state tax compliance keeps your resume writing endeavor operating legally as you scale from solopreneur to growing agency.

6. Setup Your Accounting

Proper financial accounting is crucial for resume-writing businesses to track income and expenses, maximize tax savings, access capital, and ensure IRS compliance. Yet many solopreneurs underestimate key accounting needs in the early days.

Accounting Software

Using small business accounting software like QuickBooks links bank accounts to automatically track income deposits and costs. This eliminates manual entry and creates reports showing real-time profitability. Connecting QuickBooks to contract worker accounts like Upwork also imports 1099 employee payments for easy year-end tax form creation.

Hire an Accountant

Hiring an accountant optimizes taxes and ensures accurate books. A good accountant may charge $150-$250 monthly for services like bank/CC reconciliation, payroll, quarterly sales tax filings, and advisor calls. Using one primarily for fiscal year-end tax preparation and an audit defense fund still runs $700-$1,500 but saves immensely on self-employment taxes.

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping business and personal finances distinctly separate is essential. All resume writing income should flow into dedicated business accounts never intermingling with personal checking or credit cards. This avoids problematic commingling that can negate liability protections. Open a free small business checking account from banks like Chase to pay all company expenses directly.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

Applying for small business credit cards also establishes financial separation while allowing large resume package purchases, software charges, travel, and more to accrue points/cashback rewards. Issuers evaluate business card applications based mainly on your personal credit score and income docs.

7. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Resume writing is not a regulated industry requiring occupational licenses like those for doctors, lawyers, contractors, and many other professional services. Find federal license information through the U.S. Small Business Administration . The SBA also offers a local search tool for state and city requirements.

Resume writers generally operate out of home offices or small shared workspaces rather than dedicated commercial locations. Thus common small business permits like conditional use permits for zoning or public health operating permits do not apply.

The lack of major license barriers makes resume writing an accessible industry for aspiring solopreneurs to launch. Without major upfront investments to clear vocational program coursework or hundreds of hours of supervised training, anyone with strong writing skills can open shop after just a few hours spent on required business registration paperwork.

Voluntary professional certifications for resume writing do exist through organizations like Career Directors International and the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Obtaining these professional designations can signal credibility and commitment to excellence.

8. Get Business Insurance

Securing proper business insurance is a crucial safeguard for resume-writing companies against financial ruin from an unforeseen catastrophic event. Without adequate coverage, a single lawsuit, accident, or data breach could permanently shutter operations given the smaller profit margins and cash reserves of most independent writers or boutique agencies.

Many entrepreneurs incorrectly assume business insurance is either unattainable or not worth the costs unless legally mandatory. They fail to account for black swan risks that could wholly undermine their company absent proper precautions.

Three illustrative examples bring the value of coverage into focus:

An injured client trips over a loose Ethernet cable lying across the floor of your home office during an in-person resume strategy consultation. She sustains a severe concussion and broken wrist from the resulting fall. Without any business liability insurance, you must cover all her medical bills out of pocket. A resulting lawsuit also names you personally as negligent.

A bad actor manages to hack your web server hosting client resume files purchased from a budget offshore hosting company with lax security protocols. The full identities and resume specifics of over 5,000 clients get leaked publicly. Lacking data breach and cyber liability coverage, regulatory fines under GDPR for the breach could cost 4% of global revenues.

A tropical storm produces a lightning strike-induced power surge that destroys $15,000 of cutting-edge computer editing equipment in your downtown executive suite office despite using a surge protector. The insured executive center has no liability.

While individually low probability events, being one catastrophe away from total failure points to the value of transferring risk through business insurance policies. Expert insurance marketplaces like CoverWallet simplify securing tiered protection well-tailored to resume writing operations. Expect costs of $500 to $1,500 annually based on total limits.

9. Create an Office Space

While resume writers can operate almost entirely virtually, having a professional office space facilitates conducting client meetings conveniently and projecting legitimacy critical for premium pricing. The right workspace for your budget depends on client volume and use case scenarios.

Home Office

A basic home office running $100 monthly for a dedicated room, ergonomic equipment, and software keeps overheard minimal for solopreneurs. Meetings can occur at coffee shops although background noise hinders confidential client discussions. Home offices also preclude walk-in clients and may be less impressive for executive customers.

Coworking Office

Coworking spaces like WeWork offer sleek, modern environments with business amenities (conference rooms, printing, receptionists) for $200-$500 monthly. They foster networking with other entrepreneurs while supporting client meetings or small team expansion. However, sound may still carry between spaces limiting confidentiality.

Commercial Office

For the highest-end positioning, a traditional multi-room office lease averages $3,000-$6,000 monthly enabling dedicated conference capabilities plus potentially room for several in-house writers/editors. Generally overkill for early-stage resume writers but useful for multi-employee agencies seeking rapid expansion room. Also maximizes branding control for diversifying services (e.g. interview prep) targeted at enterprise budgets.

10. Source Your Equipment

Resume writers need only basic equipment to deliver professional services – primarily just a reliable computer and printer. While shiny gadgets are enticing, tried and true fundamentals suffice when launching on a bootstrap budget.

Buying new allows fully customizing configurations to your workload from retailers like BestBuy . Apple iMacs and PC laptop/desktop combos with Core i5 or i7 processors, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and 27″ displays provide future-proof performance for $1,000-$2,000. All-in-one color laser printers like HP handle printing needs under $500.

Scouring secondhand local inventory on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can capture major savings on computer gear from businesses and power users upgrading frequently. Resume writing software demands are easily met with even 5-7-year-old PCs at 20%+ off retail prices.

Needing only 1-2 primary devices for a solo operation lends well to renting. Rent-A-Center allows flexibly upgrading equipment over 6-24 month terms. However, lengthy commitments paying 200%+ of retail cost make pure renting fairly expensive long-term.

Minimizing initial cash outlays, leasing transfers equipment ownership obligations to financing companies in exchange for monthly payments during 1-5-year terms. Credit and income requirements are higher than renting but cash flow preservation aids ramping writers.

11. Establish Your Brand Assets

Crafting a distinctive brand identity conveys professionalism and trust to stand out from freelance competitors. Logos, websites, custom emails, and more allow conveying your unique value and specialization.

Get a Business Phone Number

Getting a unique business phone line instead of relying solely on a personal cell phone legitimizes operations. Services like RingCentral provide toll-free 800 numbers, vanity extensions, and business SMS capabilities to manage inquiries professionally starting at just $30 monthly. Custom on-hold messages and analytics also polish communications.

Design a Logo

An eye-catching logo synthesizes what your brand represents. Consider your positioning – classic serif fonts project establishment while sleek sans serifs align with modernity. Simple geometric forms convey trust and minimalism. Looka’s AI generators quickly craft custom logos based on your preferences.

Print Business Cards

Business cards display branding proudly when networking or meeting clients. Vistaprint offers affordable, high-quality cards with volume discounts. Packing cards when attending local Chamber of Commerce networking events or relevant trade association conferences makes exchanging contact information natural while reinforcing your brand.

Get a Domain Name

Secure matching domain names via registrars like Namecheap for establishing credibility and an official online presence. Domains should closely match brands and use.COM over alternatives when possible. Buy domains proactively even if the website launches later to control naming and avoid cybersquatting.

Design a Website

Constructing a custom website over templated builders like Wix conveys the most polish if web design skills exist internally. Those less technically inclined can hire expert Fiverr freelancers affordably. Balance visual appeal and conversion rate optimization. Integrate lead capture forms, client portals for file exchanges, and easy contact channels.

12. Join Associations and Groups

Beyond individual hard skills, networking with industry peers often determines success in launching new ventures by sharing insights and referrals. Various local and national associations cater to resume writers.

Local Associations

Area Chambers of Commerce like the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce offer small business programs including training, mentor matching, and networking mixers to meet fellow entrepreneurs. These organizations advocate politically on behalf of regional business interests as well. Expect $300 in annual dues for access.

Local Meetups

Event listing sites like Meetup enable discovering relevant regional groups to join covering small business advice, marketing tactics, solo entrepreneurs, and more. Cultivating community connections leads to trades of knowledge and customer referrals to aid in getting established locally. Expect free or nominal dues.

Facebook Groups

Virtual networking via social media platforms offers additional exposure and learning conduits. Facebook is particularly valuable for niche interest groups given existing userbases. For resume writers, groups like Professional Resume / CV Writers and Resume Writing share tips for perfecting documents across various professions.

13. How to Market a Resume Writing Business

Implementing ongoing marketing is non-negotiable for growth-oriented resume writers. Relying solely on fortuitous referrals caps income potential. Deliberate outreach and promotions must occur to raise awareness continually.

Personal Networking

Tap into your existing network first. Satisfied clients referring additional contacts they know need services to deliver built-in social proof at minimal acquisition costs. Entice referrals by offering $50 cash or gift cards to contacts generating a set number of new client conversions monthly.

Digital Marketing

Digital channels then allow efficiently extending the reach and targeting relevant demographic segments through:

• Google Ads campaigns geo-targeting local unemployed professionals or national campaigns focused on verticals like finance, technology, healthcare, etc. Expect 3-5x ROI optimizing to convert comprehensive package purchasers.
• Leverage social media platforms for more customers. Facebook and Instagram ads focused both on cold resume needs and career change considerations. Retarget past website visitors with special offers.
• Publishing 2x monthly blog posts on resume/career advice optimized for organic search traffic. Answer common FAQs and share industry insider tips. Simple SEO best practices boost discoverability and authority.
• Start a YouTube channel creating short tutorials on formatting strong resumes, addressing employment gaps, ATS optimization tricks, etc. Distribute videos across other social media driving visitors back to lead capture.
• Run an email nurture sequence with tips to stay on top of the latest trends in your professional domain. Use segmentation to target audiences by individual sectors.

Traditional Marketing

More traditional options still deliver results when executed deliberately for select businesses:

• Well designed Well-designed direct mail postcards to high-income zip codes nearby flag your services to upper-class demographics. Expect 1-3% conversion rates done right.
• Local radio spot early morning drive times raise awareness during peak commute job search mental bandwidth. Attempt radio first before committing to pricier television spots with lower attentiveness.
• Print flyers distributed in areas with office parks, universities, and coworking spaces seed local networks. However, extremely low accountability for conversions compared to digital efforts.
• Strategically placed billboards along congested highways bait impulse inquiries from bored commuters. Limit to major metro regions able to justify $1,500 monthly rental costs per board.

The ideal mix of traditional and digital marketing complements word of mouth, crafting a fully y integrated client acquisition engine.

14. Focus on the Customer

Delivering white-glove service must remain an utmost priority when clients entrust you to showcase their careers in the best possible light. One subpar document or tardy response risks permanently losing a customer when battling against online resume mills on price.

However, extreme personalization and hand-holding that exceeds expectations earn incredible word-of-mouth and retention. How can you wow each client?

• Schedule 30-60 minute needs analysis calls even for basic resume packages. Take extensive notes learning their background. This degree of one on one interest builds loyalty even at mid-market mid-market pricing.
• Review resume draft revisions and job search strategy calls within 24 hours every time. Being readily available builds trusted advisor status.
• Send handwritten notes after big interviews congratulating them. Checking in on the outcome shows you care beyond the sale.
• Help connect clients to your network for introductions relevant to their target roles. Access becomes advocacy.
• Follow up persistently as their job search progresses. Celebrate wins when they secure offers!

The resume writing space has low barriers to viable minimum services. But overinvesting in customer service builds genuine relationships converting one-time buyers into evangelists. This fuels massive word-of-mouth channel expansion that no marketing budget can match.

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How to Start a Resume Writing Business (Services)

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In case you are wondering how to start a resume writing business if you are a complete beginner, this article is for you.

Most professionals are good at what they do. The challenge emerges when it comes to selling themselves on paper.

The good thing is that you actually don’t need to be a pro writer to run this kind of business.You, however, need to be good at analyzing people, jobs, employers, and situations, or be able to hire someone who can.

Benefits of Starting a Resume Writing Business

• No significant start-up costs. To start a resume writing business, you just need a professional website.
• Writing Professional resumes is a skill that can be easily acquired. By taking the time to read successful resumes online, you will get to know what works and what doesn’t.
• It’s an online business that you can run from home. You are therefore not limited to whom and how you work with. Simply integrate a payment processing surface such as Send Owl to your website and start collecting payments for your services. Through email, messaging and VoIP or video-calls, you can run your business anywhere in the world.
• You can run your business part-time or full-time
• No formal training is necessary, although a background in human relations or recruiting is quite a plus.

What happens during a typical day at a resume writing business?

As a resume business owner, your day to day activities will revolve around:

• Writing resumes from scratch Conduct interviews with job candidates over the phone or in-person
• Editing resumes and interview correspondence
• Researching new recruiting trends
• Updating your website and social media presence
• Outsourcing some aspects of your resume writing business such as web designing and digital marketing
• Adapting resumes to particular market trends
• Content marketing to acquire new clients
• Analyzing competition and improving accordingly
• Overseeing general production aspects with aid of your team
• Guest posting on other websites as a way to market your brand and land new clients
• Writing case studies and success stories
• Collecting and beautifully displaying relevant testimonials

What is the average salary for a certified resume writer?

Rates in this niche vary widely based on the complexity of the resume, expertise of the client, and the industry. A standard resume to land a specialty job at an established company is around $150 to $300 while a resume for an executive professional role at Fortune 5000 company can be somewhere above $500.

In a year, it’s therefore possible to earn around $38,000 just for writing resumes if you are a certified freelance resume writer. You can however earn way more if you are running a complete full time resume writing service company .

Who usually hires in this field? (Your Customer Profile)

• Business executives wanting to improve their resumes
• Human resource groups
• Fresh graduates
• Individuals who are looking for new jobs/ jobs seekers
• Laid-off individuals looking for work

How to Grow Your Resume Writing Business

If you’ve been in business for a while, chances are majority of your clients will be as a result of referral. However, since you are just starting, you will need to do a bit of work in marketing your business. Below are some of the things you need to grow your resume business and land new resume clients:

Run workshops Teaching People How to Write Winning Resumes.

You run a resume writing firm. You’ve got some great insights that can position you as an expert in your field. By speaking in relevant workshops and empowering job seekers, you get seen, you get heard and you get noticed. Find relevant events happening around you and contact organizers to volunteer as a speaker or workshop facilitator.

Partner with learning institutions

Most universities and colleges are incorporating professional skills in addition to the normal academic skills to their programs. Resume writing is a very instrumental professional skill that students would be interested in learning. Most local universities don’t mind outsourcing career advice for their students and alumni.

Leverage the power of your referrals.

When people are satisfied with a service, they will spread a word to their acquaintances, family, and friends. This is a powerful way to gain more clients. To leverage this method, you need to leave your clients with that ‘wow’ impression. That does the magic, every time.

To encourage referrals and maintain steady contact with former clients, send personalized thank you notes to them when we are finished with their projects and consistently send a monthly e-newsletter that is segmented accordingly. This is a way to also upsell some of your other services such as group coaching and staff training

Have a Well-designed Website and Professional Web Presence

Your website is your powerful lead generation tool. Don’t go lazy on it. Most of the time when people are recommending you, they will direct their referrals to your website. If your website doesn’t stand up to the standards of your services, your prospects will safely assume that your services are not that good.

The first step is to grab a unique domain and hosting from our favorite web hosting company and then let our team design a professionally branded website to suit your needs at affordable fees.

Write a Book on Resume Writing/ Career Development

This is a good fit if you’re coming from Human Resource and recruiting background as you already have vast amounts of knowledge that you can compile into a great read.

By authoring a niche book, you will be positioning yourself as a writer and it will help build your brand quickly and a lot easier. Landing guest posting and speaking engagements will also be a lot easier when you have a relevant book under your name.

Blog about Resume Writing, Job Interviews and Career Advice on Resume Writing Business Website

Love it or hate it, content marketing is the future of advertising. Most successful SaaS companies invest heavily in writing stellar and most comprehensive articles that get noticed, both by search engines and readers. Your blog posts draw people into your website, have them subscribe to your email list so that you can follow up with your resume services.

Here are 27 Strategies to grow your email list fast

Join Professional Resume Associations

Joining a professional association is a great way to broaden your network and enhance your knowledge and expertise. Most of these associations have access to vast amounts of resources such as case studies, whitepapers, books and other collections.

Some of the renowned professional resume associations to help you build a thriving resume writing business include:

• Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches
• The National Resume Writers Association
• National Association of Executive Recruiters

These associations also offer resume writing certifications that make you a recognized resume writer

Invest Money Back in Online Advertising (Facebook ads and Google Ads)

To grow your business, you’ll need to spend money, and one way to do that right is by doing Facebook ads and Google AdWords. These types of ads are now costly than they used to, so finding an Ads expert can be a good bold move. If not, take time to learn Facebook advertising before investing large sums of money without conversions. Try several variations and find the ones that convert highly with low cost per click rates.

Create Viral Pins and Infographics to Circulate on Pinterest.

We can’t seem to have enough of this visual babe. Some of the best pins that can go viral and grow your resume writing business include the following titles:

• 177 Power Words to Jazz Up Your Resume
• 57 Sample Cover Letters to Inspire You
• 77 Places to Look for a job
• 53 Common Interview questions and how to respond to them

In Summary: 7 Proven Steps to Get Paid Writing Resumes and Running a Resume Writing Business

• Start a beautiful website and brand your business accordingly
• Do deep keywords research to find long-tail keywords about resumes that you can easily rank for
• Start a blog on Resume writing and publish exceptionally awesome posts
• Find local clients to start with and aim at collecting raving reviews
• Guest post on popular publications giving detailed tips on career development, CV and Resume writing as well as life at work /after college experiences
• Book your first clients, deliver pure gold and ask for testimonials
• Showcase your testimonials on your website and slowly expand your business

What are the ongoing expenses for a resume writing business?

Resume writing business doesn’t have much ongoing expenses.

Some of the most notable include computer maintenance, expansion incurrences, marketing expenses, salary if you have a team, personal salary (you should form a habit of paying yourself a fixed salary every month) refreshments for staff and clients, transport expenses, ongoing education in online building, outsourcing fees, etc.

How much profit can a resume writing business make?

Since your resume writing services business has low recurring expenses, most of your earnings will be pure profit. Most resume writing services have annual incomes that range from 50,000 to 200,000 Fortunately, most of the money you make will be pure profit.

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How to Start a Resume Writing Business

A resume writing service will assist job seekers by creating a resume that clearly communicates a candidate’s skills.  Those who perform this service will have to interview candidates, and construct resumes that positively catch the attention of those reviewing the candidate’s resume. This service can include cover letters or thank-you letters to potential employers.

You may also be interested in additional online business ideas .

Learn how to start your own Resume Writing Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a resume writing business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Resume Writing Business
• Form your Resume Writing Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Resume Writing Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Resume Writing Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Resume Writing Business
• Get Resume Writing Business Insurance
• Define your Resume Writing Business Brand
• Create your Resume Writing Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your resume writing business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Resume Writing Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your resume writing business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a resume writing business.

Most professional resume writers counsel would-be writers to start small by working from home. All you’ll need is a computer and a phone to start offering services, but you also need a way to get the word out that you're open for business. Buying a domain name, setting up a website, and establishing social media pages can be as low as $20. You can meet clients at a coffee shop if you want face-to-face time without renting office space.  You may need a small business license, depending on your state, how much you make, and how many hours you work. If you choose to have office space, you'll need to factor in rent or leasing costs. All in all, startup costs can be under $50.

What are the ongoing expenses for a resume writing business?

Ongoing expenses for a resume writing list will be fairly low:

• Computer maintenance
• Marketing expenses
• Office rental costs
• Refreshments for clients
• Ongoing education in resume building

Who is the target market?

Entrepreneurs who want to enter this field are looking for clients who understand that a resume writing service could be the difference between a high-paying job and months of unemployment. Your clients will be pragmatic, long-term thinkers who understand the value of a strong investment today for the future of tomorrow.

How does a resume writing business make money?

Resume writers charge a fee for their efforts, which typically includes all services. In other words, there isn’t a separate fee for the interview, the editing process, etc. Fees should account for both the time and the level of skill of the writer.

Professional resume writing services vary widely depending on who is offering the service. Those with extremely low overhead and little experience may charge as low as $20 or less. Those with a wealth of knowledge though in a highly paid field can charge $700 or more for resume writing and up to $1,000 if it includes customized cover letters and thank-you notes.

How much profit can a resume writing business make?

Fortunately, most of the money you make will be pure profit. If you have 100 clients in a year, then you can make $100,000 at the top price echelon. These services are definitely worth it for many people, and the average yearly salary of a resume writer is just under $60,000 a year.

How can you make your business more profitable?

You can make your business more profitable by understanding and assisting with the entire job-seeking process. Offer practice interviews or coach job candidates on how to sell themselves both on paper and in-person. You can also do public speaking in schools about what it takes to make a resume that counts.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your resume writing business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a resume writing business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

A resume writing service can be run out of an office. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a location :
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a resume writing service.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a location :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your resume writing service will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Services Contract

Resume writing businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example of one such services agreement.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Resume Writing Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Resume Writing Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a resume writing business

Promoting a resume service will be all about showing candidates how you can make them money. Make your website easy to navigate, and update it regularly to promote your services. Consider investing in pay-per-click marketing on Facebook groups for job seekers. If a short-term investment now could net candidates tens of thousands of dollars or more a year, then this is an easy way to get the word out to candidates. Talk about how you get the attention of even the pickiest of decision makers. Cold calling and print media may also help get the word out if you're looking to stay local.

How to keep customers coming back

The best way to attract customers is to get everyone you work with a job! Hopefully you won’t need to retain customers because they’ll be with a company that promotes them based on their performance and not their resume. Be as involved as possible with your clients and the businesses at which they are apply to work.

Talk statistics to your customers and sell yourself— you want them to know how many people get a job because of you. Offer discounts and specials to new clients, or market exclusively to certain colleges or trade schools. You can consider offering a guarantee too, but guarantees can be tricky because the resume is certainly not the only component of getting a job.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

People with English or journalism degrees will be attracted to the writing aspect of this business, but there's more to it than that. A resume is like a sales letter, and it needs to be easy to read. When most hiring managers spend only a few seconds on each one, the format and word choices have to count.

Those who have experience in HR and a thorough understanding of Applicant Tracking Systems  (ATS) will do well. You will need a certain amount of people skills to attract clients, but the results will matter far more than how friendly and personable you are. If 90% of your clients find a job in their field after paying you a visit, these numbers will speak for themselves.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a resume writing business?

A resume writer may have to perform the following tasks on any given day:

• Conduct interviews with job candidates over the phone or in person
• Write and edit resumes or interview correspondence
• Research new hiring trends
• Market services to new clients via physical and virtual media
• Maintain social media listings and a website
• Adapt a resume to a particular market

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful resume writing business?

Writing skills will certainly be at the top of the list for this business, but so will understanding how a hiring manager or ATS will scan a resume for certain keywords and time frames. Resume writers will need to know how to adapt a professional’s experience to fit new goals or interests if the person is trying to change fields. It helps to have an array of experience in an in-demand field, such as computer programming. These skills make it easier to pinpoint what candidates need to do to get the edge.

What is the growth potential for a resume writing business?

A resume is still the first thing that employers look at when deciding whether or not to hire a candidate, so the market for a resume writing service is very stable. While resumes are easy to skim and dismiss by both humans and computers alike, that doesn’t mean they’re not an incredibly valuable tool for landing the job someone wants. Without a vast network of professionals (which few people have), a resume is the best way to stand out from the rest of the job-seeking pack.

Not sure if a resume writing business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a resume writing business?

Many people start this business as a side project before transitioning to full-time. Instead of trying to market your services to everyone in every industry, you may want to stick with the field you have the most amount of experience with. For example, if you know what hiring managers are looking for in the medical or legal sectors.

Unfortunately, the neighborhoods with the highest unemployment rates may not have the funds to hire your services. Instead, focus on the larger cities where there will be more people with sufficient savings and foresight to recognize what a resume service can do for them. Owners can also offer services online if the demand in their area isn't high enough.

How and when to build a team

Resume writing does have franchise opportunities, such as Red Star Resume or Action Resume. If you’re planning a full-scale launch, then you can consider hiring a team of professionals with valuable experience in HR.

However, it will likely be better to start off alone to build up your skills and client base. Once you feel comfortable that you know what it takes to make it in this business, then you can consider opening a franchise or hiring help.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• Action Resume Franchise opportunity

Real World Examples

• Michigan business
• NYC business

Further Reading

• Tips for Professional Resume Writing
• Learn about more Online Business Ideas
• Testimonial from a Successful Business Owner

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

The opinions expressed are solely those of Find My Profession. Click to see our Advertising Disclosure.

9 Best Marketing Resume Writing Services (2024)

Find the best resume writing services for marketing. Compare cost and customer reviews of the top marketing resume writing services.

2024 Winners: Add your badge to your marketing materials.

A resume is a tool intended to market your career.

So it goes without saying that if you are in the marketing field, your resume needs to be picture-perfect.

A marketing resume markets you as the product.

You need a resume that will convert into interviews!

You can’t rely on an average resume writer. They won’t know how to develop a resume to engage your targeted audience.

We researched resume services to find the best ones suited for marketing professionals.

Here are the top marketing resume services.

Best Marketing Resume Writers

Best resume services for marketing.

How We Choose Winners

Each of the marketing resume services below was reviewed by a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) taking into consideration the following:

The cost of the service compared to other marketing resume writers.

The speed at which the resume is completed.

Overall experience, awards, and certifications.

The design, style, and overall look of the resume.

Guarantees, number of edits, and reviews.

This list was hand-curated to serve all marketing professions. These jobs include director of marketing, chief marketing officer, marketing assistant, brand manager, digital marketing specialist, and more.

Average Marketing Resume Cost

Marketing resume writer reviews.

Find My Profession

Find My Profession is much more than a resume writing service. They are a global career services company whose work has been featured on sites like Forbes, Inc., Zety, Fast Company, and more.

With their team of elite resume writers who have experience in over 85 industries and professions, they can match you with a writer who understands your unique background and experience. Additionally, every resume comes with a one-on-one phone consultation with your writer.

Find My Profession has an impressive track record of successfully landing clients jobs at top companies such as Apple, Amazon, EA, Oracle, GM, Facebook, DoJ, Morgan Stanley, and Tesla.

Their 900+ 5-star reviews speak to their commitment to delivering high-quality service. They also offer a 60-day interview guarantee and ensure that every resume created is Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compatible and highly customized to meet your specific needs.

You will work one-on-one with an elite and certified resume writer based in the U.S. Find My Profession is committed to ensuring that every client is 100% satisfied with their resume, which is why they do not limit the number of edits or time spent working with your writer.

Find My Profession is a virtual company allowing them to provide services worldwide. While they do not have a physical office for in-person visits, they ensure direct communication with your writer through email and phone calls.

4.9/5 based on 521 Trustpilot reviews 4.9/5 based on 319 Sitejabber reviews 4.9/5 based on 151 Google reviews 5/5 based on 52 Facebook reviews

3 – 5 business days (can expedite to 2 business days)

$395 – $995

(831) 888-0967 or [email protected]

Check out some of our 5-star reviews:

Alex on January 4, 2024

Resume & LinkedIn Profile

Belda Villalon on July 1, 2022

Michael on December 19, 2023

Exceptional resume

Michelle T on November 10, 2022

Professional Resume

Brigit on October 25, 2023

Highest quality of work

Beh on September 20, 2021

Professional. Experts…

Matt B on July 17, 2023

Excellent Experience

Chad B on May 2, 2022

Wonderful investment

ResumeZest is trusted by professionals from companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Oracle, GE, Adobe, Uber, and Facebook. Their resume writing team has written resumes for more than 75 industries. A 60-day interview guarantee backs up every resume they write. Each resume is also ATS compliant and keyword-optimized.

ResumeZest is a very well-rounded company. They offer affordable pricing and quick turnaround times. You will work with a high-quality, certified writer and receive excellent customer service. They are also members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC).

ResumeZest is one of the newer companies on this list. While they do a great job and their writers have many years of experience, the company was only founded in 2020.

4.8/5 based on 175 Trustpilot reviews 4.8/5 based on 93 Google reviews 4.9/5 based on 91 Sitejabber reviews 5/5 based on 12 Facebook reviews 5/5 based on 4 Yelp reviews

$279 – $479

(888) 530-4911 or [email protected]

Need Help With Your Job Search?

Did you know there are companies you can hire to help with your job search? Whether you need resume help or want someone to apply to jobs for you, we’ve reviewed the 20 best agencies to help you find a job.

DFW Resume is owned by Sara Timm. Sara has worked with thousands of customers across hundreds of different industries. She also specializes in resumes for marketing executives. She is a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).

DFW Resume has great online reviews. The owner and writer, Sara, works on every resume personally. She has over 20 years of resume writing experience. You will get unlimited revisions and your satisfaction is guaranteed.

A few resume samples, including marketing, would have been a great addition to the website. There’s no option to purchase a resume separately. The package comes with a LinkedIn profile whether you’d like one or not.

4.6/5 based on 36 Google reviews 5/5 based on 5 Facebook reviews

7 days (can expedite)

$750 – $900

(972) 876-2031 or [email protected]

Perfect Resume

Perfect Resume has been providing successful resume services for over 15 years. They are a popular resume service with media coverage on Yahoo, ABC, CBS, and NBC. The company is run by experienced resume writer Kent Lee. Kent has a team of resume writers specializing in specific industries, including marketing.

Perfect Resume offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee with free revisions for 30 days. An in-person consultation can be purchased if you’re in the Phoenix area. There is a marketing resume sample (Senior Leadership) on the website to check out their work.

The website doesn’t mention the number of resume writers on the team. Also, details about writers other than Kent are not available. The turnaround time is on the longer side for a resume.

4.8/5 based on 148 Google reviews 4.4/5 based on 106 Yelp reviews 1.2/5 based on 5 BBB reviews

10 – 14 days

$225 – $575

(602) 904-5349

Resume Target

Resume Target has a team of professional marketing resume writers to write marketing resumes. The president of the company, Amos Tayts, has been a recruiter since 1999. He has developed a special resume formula based on his recruiting experience. Other team members also have recruiting experience.

The service offers a 90-day interview guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t get an interview using your new resume, you will work with a recruiter on an interview success plan. You can review their marketing resume samples on the website, including executive resumes.

Details about individual resume writers and their certifications are not disclosed. Some employee reviews on Glassdoor about the work environment are concerning. There’s also no a la carte resume service.

4.9/5 based on 692 Google reviews 4.8/5 based on 19 Facebook reviews 1/5 based on 4 Yelp reviews

3 business days (can expedite to 24 hours)

$199.95 – $549.95

(888) 530-6095

Brooklyn Resume Studio

Brooklyn Resume Studio specializes in writing resumes for marketing and creative fields. Founder and director Dana Leavy-Detrick has over 15 years of career coaching, recruiting, and HR experience. The service has been featured in notable media outlets like Vogue, Forbes, New York Post, and MSN Money.

The company has a 98% success rate for the resumes they have produced. You can see plenty of resume samples including many marketing resumes on the website.

You get only two rounds of revisions with the resume packages. Also, they do not offer any interview or satisfaction guarantees.

4.3/5 based on 28 Yelp reviews 4.2/5 based on 18 Google reviews

5 – 7 business days

[email protected]

Is Your Resume Working Properly?

If you are having trouble landing interviews, it might be time to hire a professional resume writer. Check out our list of the 750+ best resume writers and start landing more interviews!

WriteOne Resumes

WriteOne Resumes is owned by Kawana and Kenny Jacocks. Kawana is a senior resume writer who oversees the hiring of other talented writers. Kenny provides oversight and ensures quality. They have resume writers specializing in marketing resumes. The writers work one-on-one with clients.

The resume packages are very affordable and perfect for entry-level marketing professionals. You can request sample marketing resumes from them before you order. The company also has quite a few 5-star reviews.

All of the resume packages do not come with a phone consultation with your writer. You may have to pay an additional $40 for a 30 minute call.

4.6/5 based on 16 Facebook reviews 5/5 based on 12 Google reviews

3 – 5 business days (can expedite to 24 hours)

$115 – $350

(908) 437-8642 or [email protected]

Chic Resumes

Chic Resumes is a product of Grammar Chic, Inc. The CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Amanda Clark, is an expert resume writer. She often teaches and speaks on the subject of resume writing. The company works with other career services to stay current on hiring practices. They regularly work with marketing professionals.

The company will let you choose the resume format you would like for your resume. In case of a marketing resume, this can be an advantage. It allows you the opportunity to create the feel and vibe you want with your resume.

All revisions must be completed within 10 business days of receiving your resume. The website doesn’t display any resume samples. The reviews we found for Chic Resumes are mixed with reviews of other Grammar Chic services.

5/5 based on 18 Thumbtack reviews 5/5 based on 7 Google reviews 5/5 based on 6 Facebook reviews

7 – 10 business days (can expedite)

(803) 831-7444 or [email protected]

Brooke Writes It

Brooke Writes It is owned by Brooke Kent, a former director of marketing for a leading recruitment agency. Brooke has been writing resumes for all levels of professionals for over 20 years. She also has extensive experience writing website content. Based in Colorado Springs, she serves clients nationwide.

Brooke Writes It puts significant emphasis on a strategy-driven approach to resume writing. So the company puts extra focus on the intake questionnaire and phone consultations.

The resume package only includes two rounds of revisions. There are no resume samples to see on the website. Also, you can’t order the resume packages directly from the site.

5/5 based on 4 Google reviews 5/5 based on 5 Facebook reviews

4 business days (can expedite to 24 hours)

Contact form available on website

Previous Years Winners

Resume writing winners (2023).

Find My Profession, ResumeZest, DFW Resume, Perfect Resume, Resume Target, Brooklyn Resume Studio, WriteOne Resumes, Chic Resumes, Brooke Writes It

Resume Writing Winners (2022)

Resume writing winners (2021).

Find My Profession, ResumeZest, DFW Resume, Perfect Resume, Resume Target, Brooklyn Resume Studio, WriteOne Resumes, Chic Resumes

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• Resume Tips

7 Best Marketing Resume Writing Services in 2024

The resume writing landscape has changed a lot in recent years. The advent and rampant use of ATS scans can make this seemingly simple task feel overwhelming. Many people now turn to resume writing professionals. How do you know which resume writing service is best for you? 

At ZipJob, we have a whole team of career experts who have practical experience in the marketing industry and have spent years crafting compelling marketing career documents. We’ve searched across the nation to find the 7 best resume writing services for marketing. 

Briefcase Coach

Chosen Resume

The Lettersmith

Post Up Careers

Resume Assassin

What should you look for in a resume writer for the marketing industry? 

Think of every TV commercial you’ve ever seen. What’s the one thing that stands out? They each tout their product or service as the best. That’s what your resume should do for you--which means your resume writer has to be able to build up your personal brand. This is especially true for a marketing resume as marketing and branding go hand in hand.

A professional resume writer in the marketing industry must understand how to fuse hard skills like SEO, data analysis, target market, content management, and customer relations with soft skills like tenacity, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. By combining those hard and soft skills in a consistent voice targeted to your career goals, you’ll end up with a winning document and personal brand. 

having the right combination of skills is key to passing the ATS scans. Learn how in our guide: 10 Vital Skills to Put on Your Resume & Stand Out

Top Marketing Resume Writing Services

Pricing: $139 to $299

Turnaround: 3 to 6 days

Writers: 100+

Zipjob partners with clients of all levels (entry-level to executive) and uses cutting-edge technology to propel their clients past ATS scans. It employs resume writers from every industry--including marketing--who incorporate real-world experience and knowledge in constructing ATS optimized resumes that impress hiring managers.

You’ll be paired with a writer who understands your background, knows how where you want to go in your career, and understands how to get you there.

Visit ZipJob or Get a free resume review

2. Briefcase Coach

Pricing: $525 to $3,500

Turnaround: 7 days

Briefcase Coach specializes in writing executive level resumes for Fortune 500 marketing roles, but it has services for every career level. With the understanding that searching for a job is stressful, overwhelming, and tiring, Briefcase Coach partners with you from consultation until you land your dream job. The ultimate goal for Briefcase Coach is to help you climb the ladder of your marketing career. 

Visit Briefcase Coach

3. Chosen Resume

Pricing: $399 to $1,099

Turnaround: 3 days

Chosen Resume is dedicated to telling your marketing career story in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd. By focusing on accomplishments, Marni Vyn helps you articulate your unique brand. At Chosen Resume, you’ll receive one-on-one attention whether you’re just entering the job market, or you have extensive experience under your belt. 

Visit Chosen Resume

Pricing: $399 to $699

Turnaround: 2 to 4 days

Writers: not advertised

Klaxos has been in business since 2009 and has been involved with the career advancement of over 5,000 professionals worldwide. All of their writers are PARWCC certified and they’ve been featured in several popular media outlets. Not only do they fully understand the ins and outs of getting your marketing resume past an ATS scan, they are dedicated to helping your LinkedIn profile stand out among the hundreds-of-millions LinkedIn users. 

Visit Klaxos  

5. The Lettersmith

Pricing: $499 to $1,299+

Turnaround: Varies dependent upon service

Deborah L. Schuster, CPRW, is the proprietor of The Lettersmith and was one of the first people to earn the Certified Professional Resume Writer credential back in 1994. In fact, she sits on the certification exam board and empowers new resume writers with skills for success. Deborah has partnered with thousands of clients to produce well-written and well-designed personal career marketing documents including resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and thank you letters. 

Visit The Lettersmith

6. Post Up Careers

Pricing: $140 to $750

Franklin Buchanan spent 10+ years in the talent acquisition field with his finger on the proverbial button of people’s careers. He built Post Up Careers out of a dedication and passion for helping people jump the hurdles of job searching. Franklin’s goal is to help you “post up” in your marketing career by providing customized resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and Career Suite packages that offer help with negotiations and interview preparation. The personal brand you develop with Post Up Careers will propel you to the next step of your career. 

Visit Post Up Career

7. Resume Assassin

Pricing: $199 to $449

Turnaround: 3 to 5 days

Writers: 1+

Resume Assassin’s mission is “empowering industrious women and men to illustrate their unique strengths and obtain satisfying work.” Mary Southern, a top LinkedIn professional in Austin, TX, will revamp your existing resume or write a new resume that highlights your skills. Resume Assassin’s packages provide keyword analysis and include entry level to executive level targeted marketing documents. Mary has also designed 12 cover letters that you can use to write your cover letter using a fill-in-the-blank template. 

Visit Resume Assassin

The resume writing industry is full of top writers who all have varied experiences, degrees, and recognitions. Keep in mind that a hiring manager who seeks someone skilled in marketing is going to expect you to know how to market yourself. When working with resume writers, ask questions specific to your industry to ensure they know the basics. Then follow their lead to your dream job.

Good luck with your job search!

Note: our team put together this list based on multiple factors including web traffic, industry reputation, and our career experts' experiences. We don't receive compensation for any services on this list beyond our own.

Related posts:

10 Vital Skills To Put On Your Resume

Marketing Manager Resume: Samples & How to Guide

How to Write A Good Resume Summary

Did you like this list? Check out this next: Best Resume Writing Services for 2021 Job Seekers (picked by resume experts!)

Caitlin Proctor, CPRW, Certified Professional Résumé Writer

Caitlin joined the ZipJob team in 2019 as a professional resume writer and career advisor. She specializes in strategic advice for executives, career pivots, and remote workers. Read more resume advice from Caitlin on ZipJob’s blog .

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Find out with a free review from ZipJob.

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Best Resume Writing Services of 2024

Table of Contents

• Best Resume Writing Services
• Things To Consider When Looking
• How We Chose

In an increasingly competitive job market, seeking the best resume writing services is vital. While individuals and businesses still offer those services, some job seekers use AI resources as a shortcut. In fact, according to a recent study by MIT’s Sloan School of Management, using AI to help with overall help with resumes increased hiring odds by up to 8%.

Resources like ChatGPT are growing in popularity to help generate resumes and cover letters outright. However, many job searchers know that while they can use AI to formulate a generic resume for free, it is a tool that cannot fully replace a specialized, personal touch from a long-time professional. In this round-up, we review our choices for the best resume writing services to recommend the option that can best aid you in your job search.

• Best Overall: TopResume »
• Best Budget: TheMuse »
• Fastest Turnaround Time: Craft Resumes »
• Best for Executives: Let’s Eat Grandma »
• Best for Federal Government Jobs: Federal Resume USA »
• Best Suited For Career Changes: ResumeSpice »
• Most Comprehensive: ZipJob »

Best Overall: TopResume

Offers free resume reviews

60-day interview guarantee

Able to customize resumes by industry

2x more interviews or will rewrite resume for free

Limit of two revisions

Results might be disappointing if not willing to buy highest-priced package

TopResume is a popular service providing free critiques of existing resumes and a relatively low starting cost for a new and customized resume. The process works by first having you answer a detailed questionnaire and then matching you with an experienced professional knowledgeable of your industry who assists with customizing your resume accordingly. TopResume employs a network of 1,200 writers.

Your document gets carefully written to pass through applicant tracking systems, or ATS, to provide the best chance of getting your documents in front of a hiring manager and increasing your interview odds. In addition to resumes, TopResume also writes cover letters and LinkedIn biographies. You should expect your first draft back within a week. TopResume offers a maximum of two rewrites.

While TopResume aims to get things right the first time, the service provides up to two rewrites if you aren’t satisfied with the result; while this is a good start, those in highly specialized or less common fields may not have access to as wide a pool of experts as others. If you are willing to pay top dollar for the most expensive plan, your access to writers with specialist knowledge will likely expand.

TopResume’s pricing plans work for professionals at all levels, making it the ideal service for the broadest range of job searchers.

• Pricing: Service starts at $149.
• Turnaround time: Average of seven to ten days; possible 48-hour window if you pay to expedite service. 
• Customization options: Resumes are created based on the information you share in a questionnaire; you then get paired with a resume writer knowledgeable about your industry.
• Writer qualifications: TopResume works with United States-based writers who have experience in human resources, career coaching, recruiting, and job search strategies.
• Customer support: Support is available by submitting a contact form on the website, emailing [email protected], or calling 1-800-604-1929 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.
• Additional services: TopResume also provides cover letters and LinkedIn page biographies. Elite Executive Priority Package customers also get interview prep sessions.

Best Budget: TheMuse

Free resume templates and samples

Coaching is available for as low as $56

Options for all career levels

Job board with positions across various industries

Not a straightforward resume writing service

Slightly longer turnaround window than alternatives

No refunds for final resume or cover letter

TheMuse may primarily be known for sharing available jobs across multiple industries, but it is also a coaching and mentorship resource for job seekers. You not only have the chance to get your existing resume rewritten, but you can chat with a coaching professional by phone or Skype for 30 minutes; if unsatisfied, you get at least one round of edits.

In addition to tailored resumes, TheMuse provides coaching sessions, updated LinkedIn bios, and more. The service offers a combination of services meant to fit every budget and level of need. It’s easy to select only the features you need and avoid overpaying.

Although TheMuse provides valuable resume writing services, it does emphasize its coaching services over its resume and cover letter resources. TheMuse also works to update your existing documents instead of aiming to provide a resume built from scratch. If you already have a good foundation to work from, these services can be very useful for polish, but you may want to consider another service on this list if you are looking to start from the ground up.

Also be aware that you must be mindful of any errors in the draft as, aside from correcting spelling and grammar, no refunds get issued for final resumes or cover letters. You may be entitled to a single rewrite or unlimited rewrites depending on the service package you select. However, if you are simply displeased with the final version of the product for non-grammatical reasons, then it’s unlikely a refund will get issued.

• Pricing: Packages with resume rewrites start at $139.
• Turnaround time: Turnaround is about 7 to 14 business days.
• Customization options: Resumes are tailored to your specific needs and industry.
• Writer qualifications: Service tiers are divided based on the level of experience. Those at the “mentor” level have a few years of relevant experience, while master coaches have the most experience working with senior-level professionals.
• Customer support: TheMuse website has a chat tool and a support ticket system; you can also email [email protected].
• Additional services: Job board postings, career coaching, cover letters, LinkedIn profile updates, interview preparations.

Fastest Turnaround Time: Craft Resumes

Free resume review

Writes resumes and CVs

Affiliated with the NRWA and PARWCC

Relatively fast turnaround

Packages available for professionals range from entry to executive-level

Price listings could be more precise

Possible grammar issues due to language barrier

Craft Resumes is an internationally-based resume writing service with a team dedicated to assisting jobseekers worldwide. In addition to resumes and CVs, you can receive a custom cover letter, thank you note, and LinkedIn page. Additionally, you can order career coaching and receive round-the-clock support from team members. Its pricing ranges from about $139 to $630, making it suitable for job hunters of all economic backgrounds.

Craft Resumes offers one of the fastest turnaround windows we could find when researching resume writing services. You should receive your first draft within a day of requesting service, and the process takes about five days on average. If you need a new resume fast, this resume writing service could be your best bet.

One major caveat for native English speakers is that Craft Resumes often employs resume writers who are not; this means there is a potential for language barriers and miscommunications. Some customers have complained of this previously. Even so, most customers tend to be satisfied with the work provided by this company. Craft Resumes works with people worldwide, so they are ideal for people seeking employment outside of North America.

• Pricing: Service packages start at $139.
• Turnaround time: Possibility of getting your first draft back within 24 hours, though the average window is about five days.
• Customization options: Craft Resumes writers create resumes from scratch, tailored to each specific customer's needs.
• Writer qualifications: Craft Resumes states that it is associated with the NWRA and PARWCC. It also shares profiles of its writers and coaches, detailing their accomplishments and levels of expertise. 
• Customer support: If you need support, you can open the live chat on the website, email [email protected], or call 1-888-385-3312; the line is open Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST.
• Additional services: In addition to resumes, Craft Resumes also writes cover letters, follow-up notes, and thank you letters. The service also creates LinkedIn profiles and provides career coaching.

Best for Executives: Let’s Eat, Grandma

30-minute consultations

Completely customized resume

Free resume critique

Special executive-level concierge service

Very expensive compared to alternate services

Limit of rewrites unless you buy most expensive package

Let’s Eat, Grandma, sometimes called LEG, is one of the leading resume writing services available, though best suited for jobseekers with a more generous budget. Though it might be more expensive than some alternatives, its Executive Concierge Package is formulated and streamlined toward supporting the most senior-level members of the workforce who are looking to navigate from one role to the next.

If you want an executive-level resume writing service and experience, then Let’s Eat, Grandma is perhaps the most suitable option. That said, this company may not be the best fit if you are closer to entry-level or have a restricted budget. Let’s Eat Grandma’s main selling point is that it is not a budget resume writing service and is best suited for those seeking a premium, expert-level experience. If quality and expertise are your main concerns, and budget is not a primary consideration, then there’s a good chance Let’s Eat, Grandma represents good value for the money.

• Pricing: Packages start at $439.
• Turnaround time: Standard turnaround time is ten days for first drafts and an additional seven days for up to two revision requests. It is possible to get your request expedited, but there will be an added fee, and you need to reach out directly.
• Customization options: Resumes are tailored to each customer.
• Writer qualifications: Each writer undergoes an extensive testing process to determine their qualifications for the role. Afterward, they participate in a four-week onboarding process with ongoing support to ensure they continue to produce resumes that meet industry standards.
• Customer support: Support is available via email, [email protected] for general support, and [email protected] for customers who purchased the Executive Concierge Service. Let’s Eat, Grandma recommends contacting your writer directly with questions or concerns before submitting a general support request.
• Additional services: Cover letters, LinkedIn profile rewrites, hour-long career coaching sessions, access to a dedicated writer (for executives) and a representative.

Best for Federal Government Jobs: Federal Resume USA

Plans are specifically available for those seeking government jobs

Also provides resume services for military spouses

Plan options for veterans

Range of affordable plan options

Website is a bit dated

Payment plans and pricing a little confusing

Federal Resume USA is a resume writing service that is specifically tailored towards supporting those seeking government and military positions. It differs from practically every other resume writing business reviewed in that it is primarily government-focused. Federal Resume USA works with customers trying to obtain a government job or who are transferring away from federal and military roles and need a civilian or private sector-friendly resume. The pricing varies from around $100 for a critique to $300 for resumes tailored toward GS-14, GS-15, and SES PO positions, putting the pricing plans within the budget of most potential customers.

Though Federal Resume USA may be a service that is ideal for government job seekers, it is hard to ignore how dated the website is. It can be hard to distinguish one pricing plan from the next, raising the risk of customers accidentally opting for the wrong plan. Though the pages lack a modern charm, the service is well-suited to customers who want writers specifically familiar with creating resumes for federal government and military jobs.

• Pricing: As low as $99.95 (for resume critiquing)
• Turnaround time: Between three and five days; offers same-day “rush order” service.
• Customization options: Can convert federal military resume to civilian or private sector resume.
• Writer qualifications: Certified professional writers who have worked with more than 800,000 clients.
• Customer support: You can contact customer service by phone or by emailing [email protected].
• Additional services: Besides critiquing and writing resumes, the service also provides cover letters and thank you letters.

Best Suited For Career Changes: ResumeSpice

Creates resumes for a broad range of industries

Offers outplacement services to companies

DISC assessment to assist in navigating career path

Expensive resume service plans

No option to just get a resume written up

No clear refund policy

If you are looking to make a career change or need outplacement assistance, ResumeSpice is a leading resource for job hunters either making a change or preparing to move on from a current position. The process varies depending on the exact services you choose. For resumes, you select your preferred package; you can also choose to add other items, such as a cover letter.

After making your purchase, you should get an email from ResumeSpice and complete a quick questionnaire; the email also includes a link to schedule a consultation. Following a phone call with your resume writer, where you further explain your career goals and further expand on your questionnaire, the writer will get to work on your resume. ResumeSpice shares that first drafts are usually completed within two business days.

If you aren’t satisfied with the final product, ResumeSpice will rewrite your resume at no additional cost. The brand will also rework your resume if you fail to get a single interview within 60 days of working with them. While this may be agreeable to some customers, getting a refund appears difficult if you aren’t completely happy with the service.

• Pricing: Entry-level resumes start at $479. 
• Turnaround time: First draft within two business days.
• Customization options: Get a personalized resume based on the information you provide in the questionnaire and a one-on-one interview with your resume writer.
• Writer qualifications: ResumeSpice is a service built by experienced recruiters and is a PARWCC member.
• Customer support: Use the website contact form, email [email protected], or call 832-930-7378.
• Additional services: Cover letters, LinkedIn profile writing, career coaching and assessments, interview preparation, professional bios, and outplacement services for businesses. 

Most Comprehensive: ZipJob

Affordable plans

ATS optimization

No clear indication of turnaround time

Not necessarily transparent about refunds

ZipJob is a resume writing service that provides a series of resume writing plans that work for entry-level job seekers as well as specialized package for executive-level customers. The service works by asking that you send a copy of your most recent resume and answer a few questions. You are paired with a writer who collaborates directly with you to create a brand-new resume. Once the draft is complete, ZipJob runs your resume through an ATS scanner.

ZipJob is so confident in its process and the quality of the resume that it promotes a 60-day guarantee for its Fast Track and Premium tiers; if you don’t get twice as many interviews as before using their service, ZipJob will rewrite your resume for free. The terms of service indicate that all sales are final and there are no refunds.

Aside from questions about turnaround and refunds for dissatisfied customers, ZipJob is a comprehensive service provider that works to ensure you are provided the best quality ATS-friendly resume that it can.

• Pricing: Starts at $139 
• Turnaround time: Though not listed, some past clients claimed a turnaround of up to 10 days.
• Customization options: You work with a writer to build a unique resume.
• Writer qualifications: ZipJob is a member of the PARWCC; its writers are put through a strict examination before getting offered work with the company.
• Customer support: Email [email protected], message through the website, access the website chat or call 888-944-9929.
• Additional services: Cover letters, LinkedIn profile updates

The Bottom Line

Resume writing services remain a valuable resource for job hunting, whether you are unemployed or presently employed and seeking a move elsewhere. For those lacking resume writing experience, these services can help you connect with someone able to take your work experience or accomplishments and present them in a streamlined manner while representing your best qualities.

Unlike utilizing AI alone, working with a person or team of people allows you to prep for interviews, acknowledge and work on any professional setbacks, and get used to comfortably collaborating with other people. The best resumes go beyond SEO and keywords – they empower you to self-advocate. The best resume writing services empower and coach you in ways only possible when humans are involved.

Things To Consider When Looking for Resume Writing Services

Hiring the best possible resume writing service comes down to a core group of considerations, each contributing to the increased odds of landing your ideal job. Here’s what to look for in a great service.

Experience level and writer certifications: You should aim to work with a writer with at least a few years of resume writing experience. Be sure to look for a resume writing service that is open about its writer’s qualifications and willing to showcase its team members.

Be wary of businesses that make lofty, general claims without any verifiable output or customer testimonials. As Sarah Johnston, expert resume writer and owner of Briefcase Coach, notes, “Reviews can be faked, and follower count is not a direct correlation of quality of service.” Popularity alone is not always enough to indicate future satisfaction. Johnston recommends a closer look at the process and an eye toward “how the company is extracting your career narrative.”

In addition to considering resume writing experience, opting for certified resume writers is also best for increasing your odds of getting a good result. Certifications through the National Resume Writer’s Association (NRWA) or the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC) are the most widely sought and respected. If you are seeking a verified resume writing professional or service, check to see if they are certified through these or similarly reputable organizations.

Pricing and value for the money: Consider everything that’s provided as part of the service when comparing plans or getting a quote. Are you only getting a resume written, or will you also receive a cover letter? Will you be speaking to someone over the phone or via video conferencing? The more features that come with the service, the more you can expect the price to rise. That said, receiving a valuable series of services that will strongly assist you in finding a new job should be considered good value for the money.

Entry-level jobseekers with a small budget may be more concerned with affordability, sticking to plans that provide just the necessities. However, a senior employee seeking an executive-level role will more likely seek higher-tier premium packages that offer far more than a well-written resume. Good value for money here will include high-caliber coaching, extensive interview preparation, and ensuring their resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile are all flawless.

It is a good idea to aim for the best quality service you can afford, instead of prioritizing services strictly by which ones cost the least.

Combines AI with human expertise: While some services think of AI as something that could usurp their customer base, it has the strong potential to be a reliable resume-writing tool when combined with an organization’s pre-existing expertise and skill. Says Johnston, “AI can shorten the writing time, which, as a result, should decrease the cost of service.” As such, she says it makes sense for more price-conscious consumers to opt for a company that leverages AI.

Still, when it comes to AI, there should be a balance. For instance, some websites rely entirely on artificial intelligence or automation to construct a resume. You would input all the relevant information and generate a document. While that may be fast and convenient, there’s always the risk that you get left with something generic that doesn’t highlight your unique qualities as an employee or contractor. By working with a resume writing service, you are more likely to be paired with an expert who will showcase your best qualities.

Turnaround time: The turnaround period refers to how long it typically takes a service to receive your questionnaire, existing resume, or instructions and then return a first draft. The average time among top-tier resume writing services is typically 7 to 10 business days; some brands will skew slightly faster or slower depending on their experience, the type of resume work requested, or their workload. In some cases, especially if you only need a critique or a single-page resume, you might come across a service offering a window of one or two days.

Please note that turnaround time isn’t strictly about how fast you can get a draft back; it also demonstrates how thorough a service is with your case. When considering a resume writing business, you should know how long it should take to get back a first draft and how long it should take to complete any necessary revisions. If you are in a hurry, check to see if the resume writing service will expedite the process, but be prepared to pay an extra fee in exchange for getting your documents back within a notably shorter window.

Customization and personal approach: There are resume writing services that use the same formatting and font for virtually every resume they create, which could be an issue if your goal is to stand out. Having a resume that is visually forgettable and features the same jargon and keywords as everyone else’s will ultimately work against your chances of getting selected for a role.

To avoid falling behind, you should seek out a resume writing service that provides custom resumes and takes a personal yet professional approach to formulating your documents. For example, Johnston shared that she and her team spend an average of 15 hours on each executive resume. “The whole goal of a resume is to demonstrate to the reader that you, as the candidate, are the solution to their pain points.” Johnston notes that jobseekers have a habit of trying to tell a “kitchen sink” story with their resumes, throwing in everything without much regard to how naturally items fit. As Johnston puts it, “[Resume writers] help refine their messaging, so it resonates with their target audience.”

How We Chose the Best Resume Writing Services

At U.S. News 360 Reviews, our writers and editors combined consultations with industry experts, including a former recruiter and executive-level resume writer, with in-depth research to curate a list of high-quality resume writing services. We formulated a methodology based on the most relevant features that jobseekers often look to when deciding on a reliable resume writing service.

We considered affordability and value for the money, turnaround time, customization, and even what services are best according to where one finds oneself in their career path. With these features in mind, we narrowed our list down according to the resume writing services we felt best fit each category and so are most suited to your specific needs.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Our contributors and editors each have years of experience with product research and testing and are often directly knowledgeable of the topics they write for us. For instance, Toni Matthews-El, the writer of this article, has years of experience drafting resumes and cover letters. She not only wrote and critiqued resumes for numerous clients, but she also earned a professional branding certification through Randstad RiseSmart.

Even if writing your own resume or using an AI-based generator saves money, there’s a good chance there are crucial qualities you may fail to include because you don’t think of them as essential or feel awkward promoting your achievements. As Johnston notes, “The majority of people are quite terrible at tooting their own horn. It truly helps to have an external party unearth your story. “

A high-quality resume writing service is staffed by professionals who’ve spent years polishing professional careers to achieve the highest luster so your resume shines when placed in front of a hiring manager. And as competition for roles tightens, it will take more than the right keywords to impress. Many top resume writing services also provide interview preparation and one-on-one coaching.

Finding an affordable resume writing service that provides a low-cost first draft and at least one rewrite is very easy. While it is tempting to go the free route to save money whenever possible, premium resumes and cover letters help you put your best foot forward in the job market.

If you are worried about not getting the best value for the money, check confirmed reviews of past customers. You should also ensure the service has a money-back guarantee, draft rewrites, and is willing to provide refunds to unhappy customers.

Whether resume writing services help with cover letters usually depends on your purchase package. In researching this article, the author found that some services had plans that only created or updated resumes and other upgraded packages that handled both. Some services bundled resumes and cover letters, while others offered the items separately. Because many companies often request a cover letter with a resume, it is generally a good idea to combine both items when possible.

If you opt for freeware or a resume generator, then there is a good chance your resume is the result of automation or AI rather than an actual person’s work. If you work with a reputable writing service, then there is almost always at least one confirmed human behind the process, especially if the writer or coach emails you directly to begin putting the resume together.

It is important to note that top-tier resume services are increasingly using AI as part of the writing process, which isn’t something to automatically be afraid of. “If you are a price-conscious consumer,” says Johnston. “It might make sense for you to use a company that leverages AI. AI can shorten the writing time, which as a result, should decrease the cost of service.”

Johnston recommends seeking resume writing services that are transparent regarding how much AI figures into the overall process. “My company does not use AI for our document creation. I have concerns over data privacy and limited control over content. “

If you don’t like the resume the service writes for you, make a note of everything you have an issue with. Are there numerous spelling and grammatical errors? Highlight them and ask that they be corrected.

If it is a matter of incomplete or incorrect professional information, or dissatisfaction with the formatting, make detailed notes and ask if the writer can make changes so that the final product will be in line with your preferences. It is important to be aware of how many rewrites you are entitled to and to ensure that you make every desired change with the allotted drafts; a final version may not be entitled to the rewrites you desire.

If the problems involve poor spelling and grammar, you might be entitled to a refund or extra rewrite for an otherwise final draft. It is best to check the resume writing service’s FAQs or terms of service to know exactly what you are entitled to. If it is a matter of preference, there is a chance that refunds aren’t available. If that’s the case, your best recourse is to note everything you didn’t like in the first draft and work carefully with the writer to get it to align with your preferred version.

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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The Best Resume Writing Services Of 2024, According To Our Editors

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A good resume can make a lasting impression on a potential employer, and the best resume writing services can help you get your foot in the door that much faster. Sure, you can tackle the task yourself, but between navigating computerized application tracking systems and adapting to their ever-changing standards, building a modern resume that stands out in the crowd is no easy feat. That’s why we researched dozens of the best resume writing services to help you land the role you deserve. Our overall favorite is TopResume , which lets you choose from four different packages, but we included seven more options below.

The best resume writing services can help you take the next step in your career.

Whether you’re looking for a little polish or have no idea where to start, there’s an service on this list for you. After all, why wouldn’t you hire a professional to handle one of the most important documents standing between you and your dream job: a finely tuned resume? And once you get the job, make sure you’re set up for success: Check out our favorite office chairs , standing desks and business laptops to make the most out of your WFH space. Below, the best resume writing services that cover everything from editing to one-on-one career counseling.

• Best Overall Resume Writing Service: TopResume
• Best Resume Writing Service For Executives: ZipJob
• Best Resume Writing Service With Career Consulting: TopStack Resume
• Best Value Resume Writing Service: ResumeCompanion
• Best Resume Writing Service With Custom Bundles: Resumeble
• Best Resume Writing Service Built By Recruiters: ResumeSpice
• Best Quick-Turnaround Resume Writing Service: Craft Resumes
• Best Free Resume Building Service: Resume.com

Best Overall Resume Writing Service

A popular service for professionals.

Tiers: Starter, Premium, Ultimate and Executive Elite | Turnaround time: 4 to 7 days

TopResume is a popular option for mid- to high-level professionals seeking resume advice. You can choose from four different packages (Starter, Premium, Ultimate and Elite) that range in price from $149 to $699 and offer a variety of services. No matter which package you choose, you’re guaranteed a professionally written resume from an expert in your chosen industry. If you already have a resume, you can also opt to get a free review on it, and receive feedback on its layout, language and how effectively it communicates your skills.

Pros: 

• Free resume review
• Customizes your resume by writers certified in 65+ industries 
• 60-day guarantee; double the job interviews or they’ll rewrite it for free

Cons: 

• Limited to two revisions 

Best Resume Writing Service For Executives

A service built with leaders in mind.

Tiers: Launch, Fast Track, Premium, Executive | Turnaround time: 3 to 7 business days

ZipJob is a great choice for professionals at all levels, but its comprehensive executive package makes it especially suited for those at the top of their game. Offerings include an executive-level resume and cover letter, LinkedIn profile optimization and a customizable thank-you letter. To ensure everything is up to standard, you also get a phone consultation with your writer and multiple revisions for all of your documents. And just like ZipJob’s other packages, the executive bundle checks that your resume is ATS-ready (Applicant Tracking Systems), so you can pass early screenings with flying colors.

• Comprehensive; includes resume, cover letter, thank-you note and LinkedIn profile
• Resumes are ATS-optimized
• 60-day interview guarantee
• On the pricier side

Best Resume Writing Service With Career Consulting

A global platform that focuses on the full professional picture, topstack resume.

Tiers: Basic, Standard, Professional and Premium | Turnaround time: 1 to 2 weeks

TopStack offers four different packages that range from $139 for your basic professional resume to $649 for a more robust selection of services (including career consulting plus help with your resume,​ cover letter and LinkedIn profile). It also focuses on ensuring your resume is ATS-optimized, a must in the modern hiring world.

Pros:  

• Can view final resume before paying 
• Provides advanced career consultations and interview prep
• Donates 5% of profits to the Fisher House Foundation
• 60-day guarantee limited to Professional and Premium packages
• Longer turnaround time; takes 1 to 2 weeks

Best Value Resume Writing Service

A subscription-based diy resume builder, resumecompanion.

Tiers: Monthly or 2-week access | Turnaround time: Self-paced

This resume builder is a great budget option for a self-starter who wants to learn the ropes and take things into their own hands. You can select from a variety of templates, narrow down the type of job you’re seeking and follow a step-by-step process to perfect your own resume. However, because it’s subscription-based, you’ll have to renew the service if you want to edit your materials in the future.

• Affordable; subscription costs $8 a month or 14-day access for $3
• Choose from dozens of professional resume templates
• Offers cover letter, job search and tracking tools
• Self-directed; no hands-on help from writers

Best Resume Writing Service With Custom Bundles

A great combo service for your resume and cover letter.

Tiers: Standard, Professional and Premium | Turnaround time: 4 days

Resumeble offers three package tiers: Standard, Professional and Premium. If you’re just starting your career, the Standard package offers bang for your buck, since it includes a resume and cover letter (most services require you to at least upgrade to the mid-level package for both). Next up, the Professional package is geared toward mid-level employees looking to promote or pivot and includes a LinkedIn profile refresh; and the Premium package, designed for seasoned executives, offers all that plus a back-up resume, cold emails to recruiters and more. While no refunds are offered on Standard and Professional packages, the Premium package comes with a Money Back Guarantee if clients don’t receive at least one job offer within 180 days.

• Standard package includes resume and cover letter
• Customizable based on your industry
• 60-day guarantee; receive an interview or rewrite for free
• No refunds on Standard and Professional packages (however, Premium packages include a Money Back Guarantee)

Best Resume Writing Service Built By Recruiters

A highly rated platform developed by hr and hiring managers, resumespice.

Tiers: Entry Level, Professional and Executive | Turnaround time: 2 days

ResumeSpice is more expensive than other services. That said, it was developed by recruiters, aka people who’ve truly homed in on what prospective employers are seeking. It’s also one of the highest-rated services on Trustpilot . The company offers a quick two-day turnaround, pre-built packages depending on your experience and the option to tack on its highly rated career-building services. ResumeSpice also has free resume resources and a selection of sample templates, if you’re more interested in the DIY approach.

• Wide range of services offered including for resume, cover letter, Linkedin profile, interview prep and career coaching 
• Quick 2-day turnaround
• 60-day guarantee; rewrite if you don’t get an interview 

Cons:  

• Expensive; $479 for an entry-level resume

Best Quick-Turnaround Resume Writing Service

A platform that gets you the fastest first draft, craft resumes.

Tiers: Resume Writing, Basic, Optimal, All-In-One | Turnaround time: 1 day

If you’re in a time crunch, this writing and editing service has a 24-hour turnaround for the first draft of your resume. Craft Resumes features an easy-to-navigate website and delivers resumes tailored to your experiences and desired career path. Like a few other services, Craft Resumes offers a series of à la carte options, such as LinkedIn profile writing, thank-you letters and follow-up letters.

• 24-hour turnaround time for first draft 
• Writers are PARWCC- or NRWA-certified
• International service; some users experience grammar issues due to language barrier

Best Free Resume Building Service

A robust resume and cover letter resource—at no cost to you.

Tiers: Free | Turnaround time: Self-paced

If your budget is tight and you don’t mind going the DIY route for your resume, Resume.com is a great resource. It has an intuitive user interface and offers over 20 different resume and cover letter templates to choose from. There’s also an open career advice portal where you can read about career development, interview tips and more.

• Free with dozens of templates to choose from
• Integrated with Indeed; easy to apply to jobs
• Some users say it’s difficult to cancel subscription

The Best Travel Accessories, Reviewed By Our Editors

The best wireless earbuds under $100 that offer style and function, why trust forbes vetted.

• Our in-house experts include tech editor Rebecca Isaacs and executive editor Dave Johnson who have each tested and reviewed dozens of online services and tools. Together, they oversee this guide and our growing library of consumer tech content and reviews .
• Deals writer Jordan Thomas has over four years of experience covering the latest developments in the e-commerce space. For this guide, she scoured the web for the most reputable resume writing services and compared each option to find the best.
• We continue to monitor the best resume services and routinely update this guide to provide the most current information about pricing and offerings. It was last updated in March 2024 by updates writer Alexandra Garrett .

How We Chose The Best Resume Writing Services

• We first sought out reputable resume writing services that tout proven results, and assessed whether the price, turnaround time, professionalism, customizations and guarantees meet our standards.
• We then evaluated each service on our initial list side-by-side to determine which performs better at writing a robust resume in an accurate, timely manner.
• Everyone has unique needs when it comes to searching for a job, so we made sure to recommend options that span different career goals and budgets, whether that includes getting career consultation or polishing up an existing resume.
• All the services we recommend have a majority of positive customer reviews.

What To Look For When Choosing The Best Resume Writing Service

Resume writing services come in a wide range of prices, and the best options for you will largely depend on your needs and budget. Affordable services like ResumeCompanion offer a step-by-step process for building your own resume for $8 a month, while more premium packages like ResumeSpice provide consultations and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)-optimized, custom resumes for $479.

Turnaround Time

If your job application has a set deadline, take a look at the service’s turnaround time before committing. Most services take anywhere from two days to two weeks to provide a finalized resume. Some promise a draft in 24 hours, like Craft Resumes .

Ease Of Use

When deciding on a resume writing service, take a look at how easy the website is to navigate. Is it difficult to browse different templates, download your files or customize your resume? The job application process is often stressful, so a resume writing service should alleviate—not contribute to—some of that stress.

Customization Options

A resume needs to accurately reflect your unique qualifications, skills and industry standards. For this reason, consider which customization options the service provides. Many of our recommendations use writers, recruiters or HR professionals to tailor your application documents to your unique needs.

Writer Qualifications

With AI solutions like ChatGPT readily available, you’ll want to check whether or not your resume writer is qualified to provide the help you need. To do this, take a look at the service’s writer qualifications. Some services use writers certified by the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC) or National Resume Writers Association (NRWA), while others are run by recruiters or HR professionals.

Is It Worth Paying For A Resume Writing Service?

Professionally-written resumes through a reputable service can help you stand out from the competition. They’re often designed to highlight your best qualities, and are keyword-optimized for most applicant tracking systems. If you’re struggling with employment gaps or career changes, a resume writing service can help give you a leg up. And some services will also provide reviews for custom cover letters, Linkedin profiles, interview prep and career coaching.

How Much Does A Resume Writing Service Cost?

More basic resume writing services cost around $150, and typically include a professionally-written resume that’s customized based on your skill level and industry. Some services also offer cover letter writing, interview prep and career coaching. Packages that include these services typically start around $250-$300.

What’s The Best Resume Writing Company?

The best resume writing company is affordable, offers high-quality review and writing services and is easy to use. Our top pick overall— TopResume —provides the professionalism and quality most mid- to high-level job seekers need, from its free resume review to its customizable options.

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• Resume Help

10 Best Resume Writing Services (+ Our Top Choice)

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There are many resume writing services' reviews available online. Some of them are great for your wallet, others will deliver your documents fast and there are those who also allow you to constantly review it.

I've decided to take a closer look at the best resume services. Here's a list that will help you make up your mind. Read on and find out which resume companies are worthy of your time and money!

This article will show you: 

• The best resume writing service of my choice.
• What 10 different resume writing companies have to offer.
• Overview of pricing of chosen resume writing services.
• Some pros and cons of selected resume editors.

With Zety, you won’t have to wait for others to bring you the results. You’re going to do that yourself and watch your success grow in real-time. Pick one of 20+ resume templates to create a resume that lands you a job.

LET ZETY BUILD YOUR RESUME NOW

Sample resume created in our builder. See more resume examples here .

What’s the Best Resume Writing Service?

In my opinion, the best resume writing service is Resume Writing Services . They seem very basic, but they offer unlimited revisions. I think their approach makes them the most client-facing company on this list. And since you’ve decided to seek help in writing a perfect resume, you might have some extra questions about the whole process. 

Below, you can see a selection of the 10 best professional resume writing services, plus what they excel in:

• ResumeWriters.com: Best for Specific Needs
• Top Resume: Most Versatile Resume Writing Service
• The Muse: Best for Self-Improvement
• ResumeGo: Best Money-Back Assurance
• ResumeSpice: Resume Writing Service Created by HR Professionals
• ZipJob: Most ATS-Focused Resume Writing Service
• Resume Writing Services: Best Resume Writing Service  
• Let’s Eat, Grandma: Best for Executive Positions
• Monster: Best for All-in-One Service
• Indeed: Best for Simplicity

You can read a more detailed overview of Resume Writing Services in the next section of this article. And then compare it with other services and see which one works best for you.

Pro Tip: Professional resume services can be costly. If you’re looking for something more affordable, consider choosing a resume builder instead of hiring resume editors. A good resume builder features professional, ATS-friendly, and eye-catching resume templates as well as pre-written content that will inspire you and boost your chances of getting hired. 

Top Resume Writing Services Online

Picking a professional resume writing company can be difficult, so let’s take a closer look at the best online resume services. Below, you’ll find the top 10, along with detailed information about pricing. 

1. Resume Writing Services

The entire company works like a small local business. This means it keeps its customers very happy, as you can see from their success stories. Their resume package is also very basic: you only get one plan and add-ons, such as a cover letter for $50, a LinkedIn profile for $80, a thank you letter for $20, an hour of interview coaching for $100, and an expedited 24-hour delivery for $50.

With Resume Writing Services, creating a new resume takes only three steps. The entire process is straightforward and user-friendly, and you can stay in constant contact with your designated writer.

Resume Package—$270

Visit   Resume Writing Services   to find out more.   

2. TopResume 

TopResume provides academic CV and federal resume writing services and pays great attention to resume keywords . It helps you with creating not only your resume but, for some extra money, also a cover letter and LinkedIn profile .

But that’s not all. Once you create your account, a professional writer can swipe you right when they find things you two have in common, like the industry and experience. Then you set a date for a 1:1 revision, and seven days later, your resume is ready. 

No matter which package you choose, you’re guaranteed a professionally written resume from an expert in your chosen industry. If you already have a resume, you can also opt to get a free review of it and receive feedback on its layout, language, and how effectively it communicates your skills. 

You can put their expertise to the test by sending them your current resume for a thorough yet free evaluation.

Pricing: 

Professional Growth —$149 (includes a professionally written and keyword-optimized resume)

Career Evolution —$219 (includes a professionally written and keyword-optimized resume and cover letter)

Executive Priority —$349 (includes a professionally written and keyword-optimized resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn makeover)

Visit TopResume for more information.

3. The Muse

This particular resume review service has a different proposition for you. Instead of writing the entire thing, mentors and coaches hold a Skype or phone session to explain and guide you through all the intricacies of the resume writing process. 

You also get to choose who you want to book a session with. There are currently 53 resume editors with different expertise.

Unfortunately, cover letter writing is a completely individual service that must be paid for separately. During your call, you won’t get a chance to discuss working on your LinkedIn profile or practice for an interview.

Mentor —$139 (includes a 30-minute chat over Skype or phone, an updated resume, and one round of edits) 

Coach —$259 (includes a 45-minute chat over Skype or phone, an updated resume, and two rounds of edits) 

Master Coach —$549 (includes a 60-minute chat over Skype or phone, an updated resume, and unlimited edits for two weeks since the first draft)

Check out Muse Coach Connect for more details. 

4. ResumeGo

ResumeGo is the only resume company that gives you a preview of how they work on your resume. They present several case studies of rebranding, rethinking, and reformatting their clients’ resumes. 

What’s more, you can dive into their studies on resume formatting , cover letters in general, and job search strategies.

All of the above makes you realize you’ll be working with the pros, which is who they are indeed. While seeking your resume writer, you can see career coaches, HR consultants, and recruiters from all sorts of industries (medical, engineering, or finance, to name a few).

Free —$0 (includes a 15-minute 1:1 consultation with resume writer)

Professional —$360 (includes professionally-written and keyword-optimized resume, 1:1 consultation with unlimited revisions)

Executive —$600 (includes a professionally-written and keyword-optimized resume, 1:1 consultation, unlimited revisions, LinkedIn profile makeover, cover letter, and thank you letter)

Head over to ResumeGo to find out more. 

5. ResumeSpice

With a very intuitive page navigation and high-quality samples, Resume Spice is surely among the resume-building services on the market. Plus, they offer the first draft of your resume to be turned around in 2 business days and reviewed by at least two career consultants, which sounds great.

There are also some additional options, such as a personalized cover letter, a personalized LinkedIn profile, an interview-preparation call, a professional bio, and a thank you letter. However, costs start at $179, which by now you can tell is pretty expensive.

And so are the ResumeSpice prices. All packages include a phone consultation, a proven resume format that's keyword-optimized and personalized, and two rounds of revisions.

Entry Level Resume—$479 (created for candidates with no more than two years of professional experience)

Professional Resume—$589 (created for candidates with more than two years of professional experience)

Executive Resume—$699 (created for candidates in a C-level or executive position)

Visit ResumeSpice to find out more. 

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

This resume company offers to build an ATS resume . That means they’re creating a product compatible with any recruitment software , including a proper file format, resume formatting, and weaving in relevant resume keywords. 

With a network of over 100 resume writers with expertise in every industry, ZipJob is a perfect example of one of the best resume-writing companies.

Plus, even the premium plan isn’t as pricey as the resume services from its competitors. And within 48 hours, you can get a free resume review and find out how much more work it requires to land you the job you're after.

Launch—$139 (includes a professional, ATS-friendly resume and direct contact with the resume writer)

Fast Track—$189 (includes a professional, ATS-friendly resume, direct contact with the resume writer, and a cover letter) 

Premium—$299 (includes a professional, ATS-friendly resume, direct contact with the resume writer, a cover letter, Linkedin profile update, and expedited delivery)

See ZipJob to learn more.

7. ResumeWriters.com

These North American-based resume writers praise themselves for tailoring their services to various life circumstances. And they’re right to do so. Their plans include resumes for ex-military and academic CVs , among others. 

No need to worry if you’re about to branch out from teaching to marketing—ResumeWriters.com also offers assistance in writing a resume for career changers .

Apart from doing everything from scratch, you can work on your already prepared resume under a professional resume editor’s supervision. Unfortunately, the cover letter costs extra $90, and you always need a cover letter for a successful job application.

Student—$169.95

Professional—$199.95

Executive—$299.95

Career Change—$249.95

Military-to-Civilian—$169.95

Tech/IT—$229.95

CV—$299.95

LinkedIn Profiles—$199.95

Check out ResumeWriters for more details. 

8. Let’s Eat, Grandma

What’s with that name? In short, it’s just a comedic reminder that proper grammar saves lives.

You can start your resume writing process by scheduling a free consultation regarding your resume. If you’ve decided you want Let’s Eat, Grandma to help you write your document, there are three packages waiting for you.

However, since it’s rather expensive, I’d suggest you start by verifying their writing skills and how valuable their advice is. Download a free e-book to learn how to write better resume bullet points and see sample resumes they’ve written in the past. 

Starter Package —$439 (includes custom-tailored resume, a 30-minute consultation, and 2 revisions in 7 days)

Accelerated Package —$549 (includes custom-tailored resume, a cover letter, a digital guide to cold emails and thank-you notes, a 30-minute consultation, and 2 revisions in 7 days)

Premium Package —$689 (includes custom-tailored resume, a cover letter, a LinkedIn profile rewrite, a digital guide to cold emails and thank-you notes, a 30-minute consultation, and 2 revisions in 7 days)

Executive Concierge Service —$1899 (includes custom-tailored resume, a cover letter, a LinkedIn profile rewrite, a digital guide to cold emails and thank-you notes, a 60-minute consultation, 10 days of unlimitted revisions, access to a dedicated writer for executives and high-level professionals, and 4 conversations with your writer)

Check out Let's Eat, Grandma to find out more. 

It’s more than just help with resume writing. The page is your full-time job-seeking assistant. You can do plenty of research there and find jobs, salary trends, and career advice depending on where you’re at with your professional development.

However, when it comes to Monster as a professional resume writing service, it offers three packages: basic, deluxe, and premier. It’s half the price of Let’s Eat, Grandma, but you can’t have Monster write a cover letter if you get your hands on the basic plan.

Basic—$149 (includes a custom, keyword-optimized, and ATS-friendly resume delivered in 5 business days)

Deluxe—$197 (includes a custom, keyword-optimized, and ATS-friendly resume and a cover letter, delivered in 5 business days)

Premier—$349 (includes a custom, keyword-optimized, and ATS-friendly resume, a cover letter and a LinkedIn profile makeover, delivered in 5 business days)

Visit Monster to learn more. 

Indeed, primarily created for job listings, offers a free resume builder that’s very UX-friendly.

But they also offer affordable resume-writing services. For $35, you get a 20-minute live coaching session with Indeed’s career expert, during which you will discuss your resume concerns and get real-time, personalized feedback.

You can also get a 20-minute video for $55. It includes actionable feedback from one of Indeed's resume experts. And with resume writing service, you get an ATS-friendly resume tailored to your career goals. Indeed also guarantees rewrites of your resume if you don’t receive an interview call-back within 60 days.

However, surprisingly, they don’t offer any support in writing a cover letter, which is a real shame.

Resume Writing—$155 (delivered in 2-5 days)

Visit Indeed to learn more. 

 So, here’s the thing. 

You’re about to pay for an additional cover letter writing service, while you can do it just as well without spending a dime. Say “Hello!” to Zety integrated cover letter builder that matches your resume with a mouse-click. It’s that easy.

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Let’s do a quick summary of what you’ve learned here today:

• There are many resume writing services online, and all have their pros and cons.
• The best resume-writing company should assist you not only with your resume, but also with your cover letter and LinkedIn profile.
• There’s a great alternative for even the best resume-writing service, and it’s a professional resume builder.

If you want to learn more about creating a resume before you decide to go and search for help, why don’t you do some reading about writing a job application to give yourself some time? Plus, it’ll help you make educated choices during revisions!

Jump right in:

• What Does A Resume Look Like?
• Difference Between A CV And Resume
• Profile On A Resume
• What To Include On A Resume?
• How To Improve A Resume?
• How Far Back Should A Resume Go?
• How To Make A Resume Stand Out?
• ChatGPT Resume

Do you have questions about my list of resume-writing services? How do you feel about paid resume writing services? Have you encountered any other affordable resume-writing service?

Give me a shout in the comments, and let’s get the conversation rolling!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

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Best Resume Writing Services for 2024

Whether you need to build a new resume from scratch or want some professional advice, we’ve curated the best websites, apps and services to make you stand out.

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Writing a resume can be a confusing, time-consuming and sometimes stressful process. You have to figure out the right formatting, pick the best terms to describe your experience and try to strike just the right tone. Having an up-to-date resume is always a good idea, whether you’re currently employed, knee-deep in job boards or haven’t applied for a job in a while. Fortunately, many resume writing services can help ease the process. 

Some of what you'll need to include in your resume will depend on the industry you want to work in. While it can vary, employers will likely look at your education, work history and skills. We’ve combed through dozens of resume services looking at the most helpful features across a variety of needs. We looked especially close at the number of custom templates, the amount of guidance the service offered, the ease of navigation and the robustness of the service's privacy policy. Each of these templates and professional writing services will help you create a complete resume that best reflects your skills and experience at an affordable price.

What’s the best resume builder website?

The best resume template and builder should give you a variety of options to customize your resume. Resume.com has many options and customization features that make it a useful tool for almost any candidate applying to any job. You can upload and edit an existing resume, customize an available template from its collection or let the service guide you through creating one from scratch. Resume.com also offers helpful guidance throughout your resume creation process, making sure you include and optimize all your content. Once you’re happy with your resume, you can download it for free in multiple formats.

Depending on where you’re at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you to craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. These services include more personalized coaching and features, but they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options for your budget and needs. Because your resume likely includes your contact information and some personal information, we've also included information about each service's privacy policy.

Best resume templates and builders of 2024

A well-constructed resume can help you stand out during a job search.

• Can create new resume or customize templates
• Many free features, guidance while writing
• Integrated with Indeed job search site
• Difficulty unsubscribing from paid services

Best free resume builder

Resume.com is a completely free resume writer that offers dozens of templates for creating your resume or cover letter, as well as job boards and career advice. You have the option to upload and edit an existing resume, create a new one, or customize one of the sample resumes offered on the site. It's intuitive and easy to use, and it creates a professional-looking final product.

When starting from scratch, you'll go section by section, entering your education, employment history, hobbies and interests, professional skills, languages and references. Resume.com provides question prompts and tips for guidance, as well as career-specific examples you can add if you're struggling to find the right words. You can also choose to forgo any of these sections, rearrange sections and add custom ones depending on what you need. As you update and save each section, you can see how it will appear on the page on your resume preview to the right. You can also change the template, font style and size, or spacing at any time and see it update in real-time in the preview. 

Once you're done, you can download your new resume (in PDF, DocX, RTF or TXT format), create a custom URL or print it out. You also have the option to upload it to Indeed, a job search site that partners with Resume.com . The account you make will work with both Indeed and Resume.com . On the privacy side, the site does collect user information. If you want to delete your account, simply click your profile icon and then Account . Clicking Close My Account deletes your account and your data. If you didn't make an account, you can still choose Delete Guest Data . You can also request your data, and the company will send you an email with what it has collected. 

On the review site Trustpilot , Resume.com only has 32 reviews, but of those, 63% of them awarded the site four or five stars. Some negative reviews speak of difficulty unsubscribing from paid services, so read carefully as you use the free aspects of this service. 

• Guided help writing work experience descriptions
• Cover letter and CV help
• Easy to change layout and color styles
• Must pay to download resume

Best option for your first resume

Resume genius.

The website Resume Genius says you can "make a professional resume in 12 minutes." We tested it out and indeed had a solid first draft of an easy resume completed in about 10 minutes. Resume Genius takes you step-by-step through the process, prompting you with questions about your education and work experience to help you fill out the applicable sections. Resume Genius is particularly helpful because you can search for a job and see prewritten text for the description that you can add or edit. When finished, you can easily toggle between different templates to see what looks best for the final product. You also have the option to directly share your resume with Indeed or Resume Library. 

The site can also help you build cover letters and curriculum vitae. After you input all your information, you can choose different layout styles and colors. It's easy to move through, but you have to do it in order and fill in all the information before continuing. Resume Genius also offers examples of resumes, CVs and cover letters for specific jobs, as well as recommended jobs near you. You can download the resume you create for $3 (which starts a 14-day trial for Resume Genius Pro), or $8 (which kicks off a monthly subscription plan). However, if you fail to cancel your trial before the 14 days are up, you'll be billed $25 every four weeks ($95 annually), according to the site. 

On Trustpilot at the time of this publication, the site has 4.8 out of 5 stars based on more than 38,000 reviews. Note that if you register on the site, Resume Genius does collect personally identifiable information and may share it with third parties for advertising and other purposes, according to its privacy policy. The account deletion process is buried in the Terms of Service . According to Resume Genius, complete data erasure can take up to 30 days, but they may retain "certain information in accordance with privacy laws."

• Easy to customize
• Free downloads
• Optional paid extra assistance with Indeed professionals
• Unclear how to delete personal information

Easiest resume builder to use

Indeed resume builder.

It's free to create a resume or post your current resume on Indeed. If you're building a new one, you can choose between eight templates. The resume sections are highlighted and when you click, each section expands specific text fields. You can swap templates at any time without losing your work, as well. There are also options for toggling sections on and off, in addition to rearranging them. When you're finished, you can download a free PDF of your work history.

Indeed Resume Builder also offers optional professional advice for your new resume. After you download the resume you created, you'll get a prompt and can click Get Resume Help From a Real Person. Fill out a short questionnaire about what type of help you want and upload your resume (it's OK if you haven't built one). This service usually costs $89 unless you've applied to at least 10 jobs using your Indeed resume. According to Indeed, if you haven't received an interview request within 60 days of receiving your new resume, you can request a one-time rewrite. 

For $19, you can take a quiz and get feedback from a professional to get you started. You can also use Indeed's automated instant report system for free. The system returns quick tips to improve your resume. 

Indeed's privacy policy says that it does collect and share user data with third-party providers to connect job seekers with employers and improve services. According to Indeed's privacy policy, you can request an account or personal data deletion and request that your data not be shared while your account is active. CNET reached out to Indeed for more information and we'll update when we hear back.

• Guides resume creation
• Free resume downloads
• Paid tier offers interview advice and cover letter builder
• Have to pay for additional downloads

Most affordable paid resume builder

Cv engineer.

CV Engineer is an easy-to-use smartphone app that creates a professional-looking resume. With 16 templates to choose from, you can tap to enter information into all of the usual sections and add custom ones. When you tap on each section, you can tap through the bottom toolbar to get advice on what type of information to add, as well as view resume examples to show you how the section could look. 

CV Engineer lets you send or download your first completed resume for free, but upgrading to CV Engineer Pro for a one-time payment of $6 gives you access to unlimited downloads. A Scan My CV feature is also included, which can detect common mistakes and suggest improvements, such as places where you can add more information. The Pro version also offers interview advice and a cover letter builder. 

You can download CV Engineer from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store . However, CV Engineer does collect personal information and can share it with Google Play Services and Firebase Analytics, according to its privacy policy. The app is free to download and ad-free.

• Strong privacy policy
• Example resumes available
• Only one layout available
• Little guidance during creation

Best free iOS resume builder

Resume star 2: pro cv designer.

Resume Star 2 isn't the most visually stunning resume design app for iOS, but it gets the job done. To use, tap each section of the resume, fill in your information and it will fill in a traditional template (you only get one layout). The app offers some example resumes you can start with and edit as needed, including job-specific ones for a: cashier, dental hygienist, receptionist, waitress, mechanic and senior manager.

You can add or delete any sections you like without needing to hit save every time you add in information, and you can see your resume update as you go. The autosave feature makes it easy to toggle quickly between the different sections as well. At the end, you'll have a basic resume ready to go. The app's interface doesn't offer as much guidance about how to write your resume or what types of information to include. If you need extra help, tap the information icon in the bottom left and choose the Resume Writing Guide. This will open up a crash course on resume writing in your mobile browser. It also includes a job search feature. 

The app collects payment via donations after you use the service -- you don’t have to pay if you don’t want to. The app connects to iCloud, and you can export your resume as a PDF to any location on your device(s). If you are happy with the service, you can choose the $6 "helped a bit" tier, a standard donation of $10, or the "really helped me" tier for $25. 

Resume Star 2 has a 4.8 out of 5 rating, and more than 1,800 ratings in the App Store . The first version, Resume Star: Pro CV Maker, which is the same except for the iCloud connection, had a 4.9 star rating and more than 16,000 reviews. The site does not collect personally identifiable information without user consent, which seems to make it one of the more secure options available.

• 42 templates to choose from
• Easily customizable
• Little to no guidance during creation

Best free Android resume writing service

Resume builder app.

Intelligent CV's Resume Builder App offers 42 resume templates and allows you to change font colors. Each resume section appears on a list, and you can move through sections in whichever order you choose, save and go on to another. You also have the option to add, delete or rearrange sections such as education, experience and skills. There’s a Help icon in each section for a little bit of extra guidance. Once you're finished, you can download your document for free as a PDF, which you can then save on your device or send via email or text. 

On the downside, the app is ad-supported and ads for other resume creators do pop up, which can get confusing. The app also offers less guidance than some of the other services, which means it's not a great option if you're new to resumes.

Resume Builder App has one of the strongest privacy policies of the bunch. The app does not collect personally identifiable information , though third-party services (including Google Play services and analytics firms) may collect information. The app has 4.7 out of 5 stars and more than 361,000 Google Play Store ratings and is free to download.

• Easy-to-use interface
• Inclusive premium package

Best range of professional tools

VisualCV has an easy-to-use interface that lets you build your resume in the way that works best for you. After signing up, you can upload an existing resume, begin with a prewritten sample or start entirely from scratch. You can use the basic editor to input information in a list form, the visual editor to edit directly on the resume and preview mode to see changes made on either version in real time. Revision history is also available. 

The free basic edition allows you to select from over a dozen professional templates to create, edit and download one resume as a PDF. You can also create one free cover letter and apply to jobs through its job search feature.

To download or share additional resumes, you’ll need to buy VisualCV Pro for $15 a month. Upgrading unlocks more templates, unlimited creations, downloading, career tracking and the ability to build a personal resume website. The website URL goes through VisualCV but can be shared online. 

In terms of privacy, VisualCV's policy says that it does not sell, trade, rent or license personal information to third parties. As of publication, VisualCV has 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot but only 131 reviews.

Best professional resume writing services of 2024

Depending on where you’re at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you to craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. 

As these services include more personalized coaching and features, they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options depending on your budget and needs. Best professional resume writing services of 2024.

• Resume writing and career coaching
• Builds your resume from the ground up
• Quick turnaround
• More expensive options

A premium option for a tailored resume

Resumespice.

If you're totally lost and are willing to invest several hundred dollars into your job search, ResumeSpice is a resume writing and career coach service created by recruiters that connects you with a "resume expert" to build your CV from scratch. 

Once you choose, you'll fill out a short questionnaire and schedule a phone consultation with a resume expert to discuss your experience, job search and career goals. The expert will take that information and turn around a personalized resume draft within two business days. You can review the draft and request any changes, and you'll get the final version in PDF and Word formats. 

An entry-level resume costs $479, a professional resume costs $589 and an executive resume costs $699. In addition to these packages, you can also add a cover letter, LinkedIn profile, interview coaching or other services to help you be more competitive in the job market.

• 60 day interview guarantee
• Industry-specific advice
• Variety of packages
• Limited non-resume add-ons

A 60-day interview guarantee

Resumewriters.com.

ResumeWriters.com offers a guarantee: If you don't get a job interview with a potential employer within two months of getting your new resume, they'll rewrite it for free. The service claims that in the 20 years and tens of thousands of resumes completed under this guarantee, it averages fewer than five requests for rewrites per year. 

To use the resume writing service, submit your current resume or career information on the site, and an experienced resume writer will contact you to assess your materials and plan out what you need. You'll get a first draft back within 72 hours and can work with the writer on revisions until you're satisfied with the result. 

ResumeWriters offers student, professional, executive and career-change resume services, as well as CV services for those conducting their job search in fields specific to the military, IT and research. The resume services cost $170 for students and $200 for the professional level, with a cover letter, one-on-one consultation and LinkedIn profile. The career change level ($250) is a comprehensive package that includes everything plus a post-interview follow-up letter, and the highest tier is the executive package that guarantees applicants its most experienced writers for $300.

• ATS screening
• Unlimited revisions
• Longer turnaround time (3-7 business days)

A fast pass through HR screening software

Zipjob’s professional resume writers optimize your resume to get through the applicant tracking system (ATS) software used by the majority of employers to automatically scan and sort resumes. An expert writes your resume and scans it through the ATS to ensure it will make it through to the hiring manager's desk. 

To use the service, upload your resume or fill out a form to start from scratch. You'll be matched with a professional resume writer who will work with you to improve it and will then scan the final product to make sure it passes through the screening algorithms. Depending on which package you choose, your resume will be ready in three to seven days. 

You can choose from three packages: Launch (resume writing and unlimited revisions for $139), Fast Track (adds a cover letter and a 60-day interview guarantee for $189) or Premium (adds a top resume writer, LinkedIn profile optimization, future resume updates and expedited delivery for $299).

• Career coaching
• Industry-specific feedback
• Ability to customize packages
• Longer turnaround time (3-5 business days)

An executive resume solution

Find my profession.

Find My Profession offers professional resume writing services as well as career coaching. Every resume gets reviewed by two different consultants. 

You'll find packages that include entry-level, professional, C-level and executive resume writer services, as well as IT, engineering and federal options. In each, you can choose a base, premium or VIP package depending on your needs. For example, the professional resume package starts at $595 for a resume compatible with automated systems. You can also add help with a cover letter for an additional $119 or a LinkedIn profile for $399. 

You'll get the first draft of your resume within three to five business days after your consultation with a writer. Or, upgrade to a priority service for another $149 to get it within 48 hours.

How we tested resume sites and services

When we evaluated the different resume templates and builders, we looked at how each site or app allowed you to create new resumes, browse templates or upload and edit existing resumes. We also looked at how easy or hard it would be to customize different templates and sections, how much guidance was available, how user-friendly it was to navigate, plus reading and understanding each company’s privacy policies.

Some of our picks are free, some enlist the help of professional writers and some require a subscription or one-time payment. When it comes to premium or paid services, we evaluated how inclusive its packages were compared to basic or free versions. In many cases for the professional writing services, these paid tiers included more guidance and additional job search support like cover letter and LinkedIn editing, suggested jobs to apply to and interview coaching.

Factors to consider when choosing a resume writing service

This was a key factor when compiling this list. Whether you’re looking for a free service to boost your current resume or interested in professional editing services, there’s something for everyone’s price range.

Ease of use

When looking at each website, we looked at how easy it was to navigate, browse templates, and add, edit or remove different sections. We also considered whether you can download and share your resume for free and in what format.

Customization options

Customization options were essential, as everyone’s resume is going to look different. Having easy user control over your resume helps you create a resume that meets your industry’s standards and showcases your professional experiences.

Privacy policies

Privacy policies were the final important factor to consider, as many of these are websites and apps that have the ability to collect and store your personal information. All of the services and websites included on this list have decent privacy settings, and we noted which ones have exceptionally clear use cases and account deletion policies.

Resume writing FAQs

What is a resume builder.

A resume builder is a company that has a website or app that helps you create and customize your resume. You can use pre-existing templates or create your own from scratch.

What is a resume writing service?

A resume writing service is a company that pairs you with a coach or writer to work with you to create, perfect and tailor your resume, cover letters and other job application materials. These tend to be more inclusive packages and therefore more expensive than simple resume template websites.

What is the best resume format to use?

The best format for your resume is going to depend on the job you are applying to, along with your work experience. Resume templates can help you format and include all the necessary information like your education, work experience, skills and contact information.

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Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029)

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Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US

Industry Revenue

Total value and annual change from . Includes 5-year outlook.

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Trends and Insights

Market size is projected to over the next five years.

Market share concentration for the Resume Writing and Editing Services industry in the US is , which means the top four companies generate of industry revenue.

The average concentration in the sector in the United States is .

Products & Services Segmentation

Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.

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Table of Contents

About this industry, industry definition, what's included in this industry, industry code, related industries, domestic industries, competitors, complementors, international industries, performance, key takeaways, revenue highlights, employment highlights, business highlights, profit highlights, current performance.

What's driving current industry performance in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

What's driving the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry outlook?

What influences volatility in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

• Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix

What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

• Industry Life Cycle Matrix

Products and Markets

Products and services.

• Products and Services Segmentation

How are the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry's products and services performing?

What are innovations in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry's products and services?

Major Markets

• Major Market Segmentation

What influences demand in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

International Trade

• Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
• Industry Concentration of Exports by Country
• Industry Trade Balance by Country

What are the import trends in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

What are the export trends in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

Geographic Breakdown

Business locations.

• Share of Total Industry Establishments by Region ( )

Data Tables

• Number of Establishments by Region ( )
• Share of Establishments vs. Population of Each Region

What regions are businesses in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry located?

Competitive Forces

Concentration.

• Combined Market Share of the Four Largest Companies in This Industry ( )
• Share of Total Enterprises by Employment Size

What impacts market share in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

Barriers to Entry

What challenges do potential entrants in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

Substitutes

What are substitutes in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

Buyer and Supplier Power

• Upstream Buyers and Downstream Suppliers in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry

What power do buyers and suppliers have over the Resume Writing and Editing Services industry in the US?

Market Share

Top companies by market share:

• Market share
• Profit Margin

Company Snapshots

Company details, summary, charts and analysis available for

Company Details

• Total revenue
• Total operating income
• Total employees
• Industry market share

Company Summary

• Description
• Brands and trading names
• Other industries

What's influencing the company's performance?

External Environment

External drivers.

What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

Regulation and Policy

What regulations impact the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

What assistance is available to the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

Financial Benchmarks

Cost structure.

• Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
• Depreciation

What trends impact cost in the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US industry?

Financial Ratios

• 3-4 Industry Multiples (2018-2023)
• 15-20 Income Statement Line Items (2018-2023)
• 20-30 Balance Sheet Line Items (2018-2023)
• 7-10 Liquidity Ratios (2018-2023)
• 1-5 Coverage Ratios (2018-2023)
• 3-4 Leverage Ratios (2018-2023)
• 3-5 Operating Ratios (2018-2023)
• 5 Cash Flow and Debt Service Ratios (2018-2023)
• 1 Tax Structure Ratio (2018-2023)

Data tables

• IVA/Revenue ( )
• Imports/Demand ( )
• Exports/Revenue ( )
• Revenue per Employee ( )
• Wages/Revenue ( )
• Employees per Establishment ( )
• Average Wage ( )

Key Statistics

Industry data.

Including values and annual change:

• Revenue ( )
• Establishments ( )
• Enterprises ( )
• Employment ( )
• Exports ( )
• Imports ( )

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the market size of the resume writing and editing services industry in the us.

The market size of the Resume Writing and Editing Services industry in the US is measured at in .

How fast is the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US market projected to grow in the future?

Over the next five years, the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US market is expected to . See purchase options to view the full report and get access to IBISWorld's forecast for the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US from up to .

What factors are influencing the Resume Writing and Editing Services industry in the US market trends?

Key drivers of the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US market include .

What are the main product lines for the Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US market?

The Resume Writing and Editing Services in the US market offers products and services including .

Which companies are the largest players in the Resume Writing and Editing Services industry in the US?

Top companies in the Resume Writing and Editing Services industry in the US, based on the revenue generated within the industry, includes .

How many people are employed in the Resume Writing and Editing Services industry in the US?

The Resume Writing and Editing Services industry in the US has employees in United States in .

How concentrated is the Resume Writing and Editing Services market in the United States?

Market share concentration is for the Resume Writing and Editing Services industry in the US, with the top four companies generating of market revenue in United States in . The level of competition is overall, but is highest among smaller industry players.

Methodology

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IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools.

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How to Write a Marketing Resume Hiring Managers Will Notice [Free 2023 Templates + Samples]

Published: January 11, 2023

As we collectively enter into yet another year of an uncertain employment landscape, having a stand-out marketing resume will only strengthen your position in the job market.

It's ironic, but many marketers have a hard time selling themselves. Turning the spotlight inward is difficult, but this is a skill all marketers need to perfect if they want to grow in their careers.

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In this article, we'll show you both new-aged and tried-and-true methods for building the perfect resume. You'll find resume templates and examples that have worked for our team here at HubSpot and folks in successful careers at other companies.

12 Free Customizable Resume Templates

Fill out this form to access your free professionally-designed templates, available on:

• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Google Slides

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Qualities of a Great Marketing Resume

• Neatly formatted layout
• Well-written descriptions
• Accurate dates, locations, and titles
• Appropriate length-to-experience ratio
• Free of grammatical errors and typos
• Submitted in PDF format

A great marketing resume should be well-written, neatly formatted, and have an appropriate length-to-experience ratio. It should contain details of your employment and education as well as your unique value proposition.

Plus, depending on the company and the job, you can also add skills, certifications, and other sections to your marketing resume.

How long should my marketing resume be?

While there's much debate about whether a resume should be one or two pages long, it really depends on how much experience you have. If you have under five years of experience, one page should work fine. Even if you have several jobs or have worked at different companies, you should be able to consolidate the marketing-specific experience onto a page and omit any roles that are not transferable.

Once you approach six or more years of marketing experience, it's alright to have a resume of two pages. Beyond eight years of marketing experience, you're likely aiming for a leadership role or a complex independent contributor role where a wealth of experience both inside and outside of marketing is valuable. In this case, use your best judgment to determine the length of your resume as it may be longer than two pages.

To figure out how long your resume should be, consider the following:

• Are all of the bullet points on my resume relevant to the job description?
• Does my summary paragraph (if applicable) communicate actionable skills?
• Could my summary be shorter and communicate the same information?
• Is there any redundant information on my resume?
• Can I remove any bullet points and mention this information in a cover letter?
• Can I remove any bullet points and mention this information in an interview?

With these tips in mind, let's start crafting your marketing resume.

How to Write a Marketing Resume

If you're a marketer whose resume could use a refresh, don't worry. With just a few resources and some actionable tips from hiring managers themselves, we'll help you create a truly impressive marketing resume that's sure to stand out to recruiters.

1. Start with a marketing resume template.

To make things easy and increase your effectiveness, don't start from scratch. Resume templates give you a starting place for layout and formatting as well as inspiration for what to include.

Featured Resource: 12 Free Resume Templates

Download 12 free designed, formatted, and customizable resume templates here . Take a look at them, and then use the advice below to customize your resume and make it rise above the rest in the stack.

Alternatively, there are resume builder tools out there that can help as well.

2. Know your target audience.

You'd never start a marketing campaign without knowing who you want to reach, right? That’s because once you know your target audience, it's easier for the other decisions to fall into place.

The same logic applies to your resume. If you know who will read it and what's important to them, you can shape your message accordingly. To do this, you need to think about the type of job and company you're hoping to work for.

Ask yourself questions like:

• Is the job purely inbound marketing, or will it require outbound work?
• Will you be a specialist or a generalist?
• Who is the employer — an agency with a buzzing digital marketing team in place already, or a small company looking to leverage the power of social media to grow their sales? Or maybe it's a marketing department within a large and established corporation?

Once you've outlined what's most important to the company and job you're applying for, you can carefully target your resume to them. You'll know what skills or traits to highlight, what keywords to use, and which parts of your background will be most interesting to the hiring manager. (For clues about which skills different marketing roles typically require, read this blog post on marketing job descriptions . You can borrow phrasing from those for your own resume.)

3. Define your unique value proposition.

You have a unique blend of skills, characteristics, and experiences that make you different from every marketer. To create a truly effective resume, you need to define exactly what this unique blend is — we'll call this your value proposition .

To develop your own value proposition, think about what separates you from other marketers. Is it your in-depth knowledge of marketing analytics? Your ability to write irresistible headlines? Perhaps it's your talent for creating compelling videos? Or maybe you have an impressive record of using social media to drive sales growth? Whatever it is, you can use it to set your resume apart from the crowd.

To a large extent, your value proposition depends on the type of positions and companies you're targeting. Large and small companies often look for completely different skill sets, as do companies in different industries. So as you think about what makes you uniquely valuable, and how that aligns with the jobs you're applying to.

4. Describe impact, not features.

One of the oldest copywriting tricks in the book is FAB (features, advantages, benefits).

By selling benefits over features, you're better able to resonate with your audience because you're actually painting a picture of what life will be like with the product or service.

The same goes for your resume.

When writing your resume copy , summarizing your experience, or formulating your objective, don't simply rely on what you've done. Instead of creating a list of duties (features) under each role, outline your accomplishments (benefits). These provide a clearer picture of who they're hiring if they choose you.

For example, instead of "Monitored SEO campaigns," the following makes a much stronger statement: "Increased organic traffic by 56% in one quarter."

As a result, the hiring manager is challenged to wonder, "What would life look like if we benefited from this impact?"

5. Determine your messaging strategy.

It’s crucial to determine your messaging strategy — before you write a single word of your resume. That's what you do when you're running a marketing campaign, isn't it? Here are some of the things to think about:

• What is the best structure for your resume in order to highlight your value proposition?
• Which keywords will your ideal employer be looking for?
• How can you give real-world examples of your value proposition in action? (Think about campaigns you've run, social media successes, ideas you developed, etc.)
• What is the best layout and design to reinforce your message?

All these decisions should be made before you start writing, and they should all be made with your target audience in mind. That way you can be sure that when potential employers read your resume, it will immediately strike a chord.

6. Don't overcomplicate things.

Just like the marketing adage says, "A confused mind says no."

The best way to convey an idea is... simply. Even when the topic is complex.

With this in mind, consider what message you want to send and keep the copy clear and concise to support it.

Use the layout of your resume to help in this endeavor, and don't be afraid to trim any unnecessary bits.

7. Make sure your resume gets seen.

If you don't already have a connection at the company you're applying to, you'll most likely need to apply through an applicant tracking system. This process is what makes it so critical to upload it in a format that allows all recipients to read it as intended, like a PDF. That way, none of the original formatting or spacing is lost in translation, making it really difficult to read from a recruiter's perspective. Although they'll still have access to your resume, confusing formatting might distract them from the content.

Once you send in your resume, the computer service will scan it for relevant keywords that have been programmed in advance by the recruiter. Then, the system will recommend you or pass, depending on how many keywords and phrases are included in your resume that match what the recruiter's looking for.

Don't worry: Even if your resume is passed, it doesn't mean your resume won't ever get seen by a real human. But it's best not to rely on that. Instead, think about which keywords the recruiter will be looking for by making a note of all of the skills you have that are relevant to the job description. Then use those keywords in your resume before you submit it.

The keywords you include might be the names of the social media sites you use, analytics or CRM systems you know, and software programs or SaaS systems you’re familiar with. Make sure you've included these terms as seamlessly as possible throughout your resume (where relevant), and add any outliers at the very bottom under a "Technical Skills" or "Digital Marketing Skills" section.

Marketing Resume Best Practices

• Keep it brief.
• Use simple formatting.
• Pay attention to the quality of your writing.
• Include your location. Highlight your education intentionally.
• Be consistent with company names and job titles.
• Include enough bullet points in each section.
• Don't forget to add your dates of employment.
• Consider adding interests and hobbies.
• Let your personality and character shine.

Sure, computers may be used in the initial screening process, but it's humans — with real feelings, pet peeves, hobbies, relationships, experiences, and backgrounds — who are ultimately reading and evaluating our resumes.

They're also the ones who get annoyed when we don't put our employment record in chronological order; who just don't feel like reading paragraph-long job descriptions; and who get excited when you went to the same college as them. So to get a sense of what really matters on a marketing resume, I asked some hiring experts what they actually care about when they scan resumes, and here's the inside scoop on the tips they shared with me. (By the way, don't miss out on what they said about cover letters at the end.)

1. Keep it brief.

Limit your resumes to one page if you can. It takes hiring managers six seconds to decide whether they like your resume or not. If they do, they'll keep reading. If they don't... well, it's on to the next. So, chances are, they won't even get to page two.

In some cases, bleeding onto another page is OK, especially if you have a lot of really relevant experience. But if you have to do that, just don't exceed two pages. Remember, recruiters can always look at your LinkedIn profile for the full story. (Because you've completed your profile on LinkedIn, right? )

2. Use simple formatting.

Formatting speaks to the way candidates collect their thoughts and organize their ideas. As HubSpot's VP of Sales Productivity and Enablement Andrew Quinn explains it, "A candidate's resume is their ad to me. How are they structuring this ad so I get a clear picture of what they're capable of?"

There's a fine line, though. You have to strike a balance between making your resume stand out and keeping the formatting consistent.

Below is an example resume with great formatting that's easy to read. If you like the format and want to use it as your own, you can find it among our free downloadable resume templates here.

Simply put, infographics are hard to understand. Creativity is encouraged when applying for design roles, but use your portfolio to let that skill shine. Plus, you'll have a lot more wiggle room to show off your talents outside of a static medium like a PDF version of your resume.

Below is an example of a creative format that's still easy to read and understand. It was made using the Apple desktop app iWork Pages , which can be exported as a PDF so none of that beautiful formatting gets messed up in translation.

"Formatting, spelling, syntax, and structure are all evidence of attention to detail," Quinn told me. "This is important for any job, but especially if you're applying to a job where attention to detail matters." If you're applying for a writing position, this is even more important.

4. Include your location.

When it comes to location, hiring managers want to know if you'll need to relocate. If you already live near the company's office, great! If you would need to relocate, then there are more options both you and the hiring team will need to think through. Hiring managers can't legally ask you directly where you live — but omitting your location may raise eyebrows. Even P.O. boxes could be concerning.

If you do need to relocate, you should still include your current, out-of-town city and state on your resume, but be prepared to answer relocation status questions in an interview. If the company doesn't offer relocation packages or remote options, will you be able to afford to take the job and move anyway?

If not, you're better off applying for roles in your area, roles that mention relocation assistance on the application, or roles that are remote-friendly.

5. Highlight your education intentionally.

Which is more important: Where you went to school, or what you studied?

It depends on the job you’re applying for and the level of the role within the company.

In most cases, your degree should make sense for the role. Hiring managers are looking for the tie-in; what's relevant about what a candidate's done in school. That doesn't mean only marketing majors can apply to marketing jobs — marketing teams might hire someone who came out of creative studies like liberal arts, graphic design, or writing. An engineering team, on the other hand, probably won't hire someone without a computer science degree.

Three to five years after college or graduate school graduation, you can move your "Education" section to the bottom of your resume — unless you connected with someone through an alumni network or if you know an executive there who also went to your school.

The same thing applies if you haven't completed your degree. Basha Coleman , Historical Optimization Marketing Manager at HubSpot adds, "Not every job requires a degree these days. Relevant work experience and transferable skills are just as valuable. Focus on highlighting your experience so the hiring team can see your expertise."

Want to take your marketing education to the next level and make your resume even more appealing to potential employers? Become a certified inbound marketing professional with HubSpot's free marketing certification .

6. Be consistent with company names and job titles.

Hiring managers will look at where you've worked before (do they recognize the company names or know anyone who works there?) and your titles at those companies.

"If you're applying for a sales position at a software company like HubSpot, we're looking for experience selling software," David Fernandez , former Recruiting Team Lead at HubSpot, told me. "If you're applying for a services position, we're looking for customer-facing experience."

7. Include enough bullet points in each section.

Each position you've had should be accompanied by no more than five to six bullet points. Remember, these hiring managers are scanning your resumes really quickly, so you want to make it easy for them to find and digest the relevant information by consolidating the most important points and putting them first. Paragraphs are a big no-no.

Luckily, you work in a profession where everything can be measured and analyzed, which means it's relatively easy to tell an impressive story of success. Think about all the ways your work can be quantified through hard data and then fill your resume with action-packed bullet points that convey the value you've added.

Focus on accomplishments first before responsibilities and duties. If you had a senior management role, include the number of people you managed. If you built a program from the ground up, call that out.

Also, include goals and metrics that hiring managers can use to compare you against other candidates, and make sure those metrics make sense so you don't confuse the hiring manager. Run the metrics by a family member. I'm serious. If they make sense to them, then they're all set. If not, then you weren't clear enough and you need to tweak the language.

Examples might be increasing social media engagement, improving SEO ROI, driving increased web traffic, reducing bounce rates, boosting landing page conversions, etc. Once you have a list of your results, choose the best four or five and turn these into bullet points like these:

• Drove 37% improvement in newsletter clickthrough rates by rewriting sales copy.
• Grew ecommerce sales 23% in just 6 months by redesigning and A/B testing all landing pages.

8. Don't forget to add your dates of employment.

Job hopping isn't the red flag it once was. These days, switching jobs is not only necessary for career growth but it's often cited as one of the fastest ways to grow financially, too.

So don't be afraid to list several back-to-back stints at different companies in a short period of time. As long as you've included your achievements in each role, you're golden.

If you took longer than six months off of work, explain the gap on your resume . If it's something like teaching or the Peace Corps that you can describe like a job, then you can insert it into your resume just as you would any other position:

9. Consider adding interests and hobbies.

Character is something hiring teams are constantly on the lookout for in the candidates they interview and hire. Although character is easily picked up on in person, it's not impossible to get an impression of a person's character from their resume.

To showcase character in a one-way document, Editor in Chief of LinkedIn's Marketing Solutions Blog, Tequia Burt , encourages candidates to be confident in their ability to do the work they're applying for. She adds, "Take pride in what you do. Don't focus on how others will perceive you. Show them how you perceive yourself."

Burt continues, "Be real. Be yourself. Be the best at what you do and let that shine through in your resume." The perfect way to do this is by sharing interests and hobbies.

10. Let your personality and character shine.

Whether you should include interests and hobbies on your resume depends on the company culture and the job. If you're applying for a creative role, hobbies like photography and painting could be interesting to an employer. If you're hiring for an accounting role, then a hobby like skydiving wouldn't be good to include — hiring managers might categorize you as a risk-taker, and do they really want a risk-taker managing their money?

"Think about the conclusions someone could draw from your hobbies relative to the role you're hiring for," Quinn advises. "Do they enhance or detract from the image you're trying to convey? If you know the culture embraces unique individuals that have a broad background and set of interests, then it could be useful information. But conservative organizations probably don't care what you do in your free time — in fact, they could interpret outside hobbies as distractions."

Companies with cultures like HubSpot's want their employees to have some personality and invest in outside interests. So if you're applying to join that kind of culture, an "Interests" or "Hobbies" section could benefit you.

Before including or omitting this section on your resume, gain some intelligence about the company’s environment and culture. (And check out HubSpot's culture code if you haven't already.)

Outdated Resume Practices

Once you've created your resume, you should double check it for errors, mistakes, clarity, or inaccuracies. Use this checklist to ensure your resume presents you and your experience in the best light to marketing recruiters and hiring managers.

1. Using personal statements and objectives.

In fact, we recommend skipping these altogether. Frankly, they're irrelevant. I've spoken with HubSpot recruiters about numerous times where candidates put the name of another local company on there — huge mistake.

Instead, replace it with a "Skills" or "Key Skills" section at the top of your resume, in column format, that highlights the top six to nine skills applicable to the role you’re applying for. Be sure to change these skills for each job and use the job description as a guideline.

Don't plagiarize the job description by any means, but you can pull out key phrases. For example, in the example below, one of the listed skills is "Deep understanding of the consumer lifecycle." That's because the job description asked for exactly that: a deep understanding of the consumer lifecycle and customer journey.

2. Sending an editable file.

This is a big no-no for any industry, but especially marketing. Sending an editable resume file carries many risks:

• It could lose its formatting, making it difficult to read.
• It could accidentally be edited or have content deleted.
• It requires the recruiter to make a few extra clicks to open and download the file.

Instead, submit your resume as a PDF anytime someone asks to see it or when you're applying for a role. Your resume is your professional reputation on paper, so be sure you're the only one who can change it.

3. Submitting a cover letter.

Cover letters vary in importance, depending on the industry or company to which you are applying. Many companies that require you to write a cover letter will read it, but they'll focus mostly on your resume.

With this in mind, it's best practice to draft a cover letter just in case. And you don't need to create one from scratch for each role. Basha Coleman suggests creating a cover letter template. "This can be the base of your cover letter, but it still gives you enough room to customize. That way, you don't feel as overwhelmed when you realize the job description requires a cover letter."

Here's the cover letter template she created as a new marketer applying to roles in her first few years after college:

Make it your own: Use a simple resume format, 10-12pt font size for the body copy, and use actionable statements with quantitative wins.

2. Andrea Fitzgerald

Make it your own: If you have 6+ years of experience or are applying to a leadership role, go in-depth about your related experience (even if it means using two pages).

It's Just Like Marketing

As a marketer, you have a talent for communication and a solid understanding of what makes people buy. The good news is that by applying this knowledge to your own resume, you can easily stand out from the crowd.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in July 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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Best Resume Writing Services

Give your career a boost with a resume written by an expert

The resume is still one of the main ways to introduce yourself to prospective employers. Crafting your resume so you can make that all-important first impression—when you have just a few seconds to grab their attention—can help you land more interviews and, hopefully, your next gig.

Because resume writing isn’t a skill that comes naturally to everyone, seeking out resume writing services can be a worthy investment in your career growth. 

We did the research to help you select the best professional resume writing services for your needs. We gathered data on pricing, fees, guarantees, and ancillary services from multiple resume-writing services. We scored them based on that data, and then we requested resumes from the top three finalists. Finally, a professional recruiter—Mary Ruth Weisner of MRW Consulting—evaluated each of these resumes to assess their effectiveness.

Best Resume Writing Services of 2024

• Most Improved Resume: Resume Writing Services
• Fastest Turnaround: ZipJob
• Best Guarantee: TopResume
• Best for Range of Prices and Services: The Muse
• Best for Certifications: iHire
• Best for Range of Career Services: Let’s Eat, Grandma
• Our Top Picks
• Resume Writing Services

Let’s Eat, Grandma

• See More (3)

Final Verdict

• Compare Services
• Guide to Choosing

Methodology

Most improved resume : resume writing services.

• Price Range: $270 for resume package
• Cover Letter: An additional $50
• LinkedIn Rewrite: An additional $80

Max price is below competitors

Phone consultation before first resume draft

Unlimited revisions

No option for free resume review 

No interview guarantee

Only one plan available

Based on our resume-writing service evaluation, and testing of the top three in our ranking, Resume Writing Service provided the most improved resume. 

Resume Writing Service has been in business for five years, and offers additional career services including interview preparation. In our trial, this service prepared the most recruiter-friendly resume, thanks to its easy-to-read format. We also think the resume package has a lot of value for the price, especially given that there is no limit on the number of revisions. While there’s no interview guarantee, your assigned resume writer will work with you until you’re pleased with the finished product.

Grabbing attention from the get-go is important if you want a busy recruiter to pick your resume out, and Resume Writing Service did a strong job with its top summary on our sample resume. The short paragraph that leads off isn’t too wordy, and gives a concise summary so recruiters can decide if it’s worth scanning for more info. From there, it goes directly into the top skills the candidate has, which is a great way to stand out.

Although our recruiter gave the resume a solid B grade, where it fell short was not highlighting the key job skills more (in this case, SQL, Java, and other data management tools), since they were listed as very important for the data analyst roles the job seeker was targeting. In addition, while job history bullet points read nicely, they focused on duties rather than accomplishments. Lastly, prior jobs weren’t listed at all, when they could have been listed with minimal details and dates. Still, Resume Writing Service’s resume got the nod from the recruiter.

Fastest Turnaround : ZipJob

• Price Range: $139–$299
• Cover Letter: Included with Fast Track package ($189)
• LinkedIn Rewrite: Included with Premium package ($299)

Base package is affordable

Quickest turnaround in our testing 

60-day interview guarantee with pricier packages

Phone consultations are extra

Customer reviews are just average 

Not a lot of info about the writers

When you’re aggressively on the job hunt, you want to get your name out there ASAP. In our testing phase, ZipJob was the first to deliver a resume draft (in three business days), and revision (in six days). We also like that ZipJob has affordable price points and different package levels, ideal for less-seasoned job seekers who need a competitive edge.

ZipJob, like many resume writing services, uses a network of freelance resume writers (100 of them), who may or may not hold industry certifications. 

All of the communication with the resume writer happens over direct message. If you prefer a phone conversation to hash things out, there’s an extra charge for that add-on. That said, if you’re looking for a quick resume makeover, getting the free review with feedback, followed by a resume writer quickly turning around a new version for you, ZipJob might be worth exploring.

Mary Ruth Weisner, our recruiter, found the large blocks of text in the intro and job description sections of the test resume to be difficult to read—instead, she noted, recruiters prefer a format that allows them to scan resumes for pertinent information. Other notable misses were education dates, which can provide some context as to whether the applicant worked while in school or had employment gaps. Finally, though “areas of expertise" are listed, recruiters prefer to see skills listed and not have to go hunting through the resume to find evidence of skills competency.

Best Guarantee : TopResume

• Price Range: $149–$349
• Cover Letter: Available in the Premium plan ($219)
• LinkedIn Rewrite: Available in the Ultimate plan ($349)

Free resume evaluation

60-day interview guarantee

Offers federal and academic CV options

Capped at two rounds of revisions

No certifications required for writers

Guarantee not available for base package

TopResume stands behind its product by offering a 60-day guarantee. If you aren’t pleased with results (which the service defines as getting double the interview offers), you can take advantage of the policy. It entitles you to get a complete rewrite free of charge. Just be sure you notify TopResume in writing within 180 days of receiving your draft.

TopResume’s writers use your old resume and a questionnaire to get working on your resume, rather than speaking or emailing with you first. The collaboration really takes place after the first draft is sent to you, at which point you can share your feedback for a revision. 

TopResume’s service started out a bit shaky with our tester in that it took five business days and reaching out to customer service to get matched with a writer. Once the process got going, the resume had similar flaws to ZipJob’s, according to our recruiter. Instead of a clear skills section, there is a wordy, hard-to-read introduction paragraph. While our recruiter noted that it was a big upgrade from the initial resume—and a good starting point for the candidate—the resume showed that the writer didn’t have a strong working knowledge of the industry.

TopResume and ZipJob have the same parent company, Talent Inc. Alhough their package offerings are distinct, they share some similarities like the 60-day interview guarantee. It’s also worth noting that in the resume tests we ran, our tester had similar feedback about their formatting and overall structure.

Best for Range of Prices and Services : The Muse

• Price Range: $119–$479
• Cover Letter: Offered for an extra fee with some coaches
• LinkedIn Rewrite: Offered for an extra fee with some coaches

You get to pick the coach

Phone/video chat included

Lots of other career services offered

Package extras and pricing varies by coach

May require more upfront work from you 

The Muse offers more of a customized resume writing service than some competitors because you get to choose the coach (and the a la carte services each offers) you work with, rather than letting the company match you to someone. 

You may have to do some sleuthing to decide which level of coach you need, and to find someone who has the specific industry knowledge and services you’re looking for, since they vary. We also like that you start off the process with a video chat, but that also means more of a time commitment on your end rather than uploading your resume and waiting. 

If you’re not happy with your coach or a deliverable for any reason, speak up as soon as you can. If you wait until the final version of the resume or cover letter is delivered, there is no refund offered. You are able to get up to an 80% refund after your initial call or a 50% refund after the first draft, however, if it just wasn’t what you were hoping for.

Best for Certifications : iHire

• Price Range: $99–$395
• Cover Letter: Available for $49.50 with resume plan
• LinkedIn Rewrite: Not available

No limits on edits—satisfaction guaranteed

Resume writers are double-certified

In-house resume writers

No LinkedIn profile option 

Resume rewrite is pricier than other services

If you want to be assured that you’re working with well-vetted, experienced writers, iHire’s in-house staff of writers have the Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW) or Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW) certifications. In other words, you’ll work with an iHire staff member trained by the company, rather than getting matched from a pool of hundreds of freelancers and hoping for the best. 

The company has been in business for more than two decades, so that says something about its process and effectiveness. 

There are several different resume writer certifications out there. When vetting a potential resume writer who lists such credentials, do some quick research to see the requirements for earning that certification.

You’ll have to fill out a pretty extensive questionnaire to get started, and there’s no specified turnaround time. In other words, the process may not move along as quickly as some of the other services.

Best for Range of Career Services : Let’s Eat , Grandma

• Price Range: $439–$1839
• Cover Letter: Included with Accelerated and Premium packages
• LinkedIn Rewrite: Included with Premium package

Free resume critique

Options for entry level to executive level

Lots of collaboration

Does not do academic CVs or federal resumes

Pricier than other services 

Could take longer than other services

Besides the grammar-nerd company name, we like Let’s Eat, Grandma for its hands-on resume service. To start, you can schedule a call to go over its services if you’re not sure about placing an order.

Beginning with its free resume review—done by people, not AI—you’ll have a lot of access to your resume writer. You’ll have a 30-minute phone consultation, as well as lots of follow-up opportunities during the seven-day revision period.

No matter the package level, the services can get pricey, but LEG offers a satisfaction guarantee. You’ll have 60 days to get back in touch if you’re not happy with your resume. 

While some resume writing services promise a quick turnaround, LEG might take a bit longer. It says that the first draft can take up to 10 days, plus an additional seven days for revisions.

Resume writing services can be a significant investment, but if they help you land a great job, they can be well worth it. Each of the companies on our list have features that might be appealing depending on the level of service you’re looking for. Of the top three finishers that we put to the test in a resume trial, Resume Writing Service created the most effective resume, while offering a lot of value for its price. 

However, if you need your resume fixed up fast, ZipJob came through the quickest. And as far as assurances go, TopResume’s 60-day interview guarantee shows that it has confidence in its solutions. 

If it’s more extensive career services or highly credentialed resume writers you’re looking for, The Muse; Let’s Eat, Grandma; and iHire are all worthy options to explore. 

Compare the Best Resume Writing Services

Guide to choosing a resume writing service, how does a resume writing service work.

A resume writing service typically begins with you uploading your current resume, filling out a questionnaire, and/or having a consultation with a resume writer. Depending on the firm, you might be matched with a freelance resume writer who specializes in your industry, although some firms have smaller in-house staff. 

Once the writer has all of your materials or has spoken or emailed with you, they will deliver a first draft of your new and improved resume. You will usually have an opportunity to collaborate and get one or more revisions (depending on what the service provides). Some resume writing services have higher-priced packages with additional services, or they let you add on items like cover letters, LinkedIn profile copy, and more.

What to Consider When Hiring a Resume Writer

When hiring a resume writer, you want to be sure that the person you’ll be working with is a good match for your needs. Here are some of the factors you can use to evaluate them:

• Certifications: Knowing that a resume writer has one or more certifications is a mark of credibility and expertise.
• Industry knowledge: Resumes can be different depending on the job seeker’s industry, so ideally, your resume writer should be familiar with the skills employers are looking for in your particular field.
• Turnaround time: Resume writing, collaboration, and revision will likely take one to two weeks, but you should be given a timeline upfront so you know what to expect.
• Policies around revisions and guaranteed satisfaction: Find out if and how many revisions are part of your package.
• Reviews/samples: If you get to choose your resume writer, see if you can get testimonials or ask for samples of their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a resume be.

The length of your resume should be as long as it needs to be. For people with just a couple of years of experience seeking entry- or junior-level work, it’s probably best to aim for a one-page resume. For more senior- or executive-level positions , you will likely need more space to document your years of experience and accomplishments. The key is to include the most relevant details that align with the position you are seeking, and leave out the fluff.

What Makes a Good Resume Stand Out?

Resumes stand out when they are easy to read, include the key skills that the employer or recruiter needs for that particular role, and are clean and polished (meaning free of errors and poor formatting). Standard features, like your job history plus education and credentials, should also be clear and concise. Whenever possible, you should try to focus on results and accomplishments rather than duties performed.

Why Do Resumes Get Rejected?

Hiring managers often get inundated with tons of resumes, so they may only spend a few seconds scanning to filter out ones that are possible fits for their roles . Large blocks of text that are hard to read, grammatical errors, or not highlighting relevant skills can all contribute to your resume being diverted to the “no” pile.

How Far Back Should a Resume Go?

Resumes should go back as far as is relevant to the position you are seeking. For example, if you’re applying for a tech job and have been working in technology for 10 years, but prior to that you worked in retail, focusing on your 10 years in tech is probably sufficient. However, let’s say you managed a retail store, and the tech position you’re seeking involves supervising others. In that case, it could be worth mentioning since managerial skills are transferable. 

Investopedia is dedicated to providing its readers with unbiased, comprehensive reviews. To rate resume writing services, we researched offerings from eight different firms. We collected scores of data points, including pricing and fees, guarantees, ancillary services, and other factors. After scoring those providers, we sought resumes from the top three finishers to evaluate their processes and their resumes. A professional staffing recruiter evaluated each of the three resumes we received.

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Harvard University Mangione Center for Career Success. “ Exactly When, Where, and How to List Certifications on Your Resume (Because You’ve Earned Them) .”

Indeed. “ When Should I Hire a Resume Writer? ”

GlassDoor. “ How to Write a Resume .”

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10 Best Resume Builders to Create A Great Resume – 2024 Guide

A re you exhausted from investing endless hours into creating an impeccable CV? This article introduces the top resume builders that will revolutionize your job application approach. Bid farewell to monotonous formatting and greet a remarkable resume that distinguishes itself from the rivalry. Prepare yourself to secure your dream job with self-assurance effortlessly!

>> Unlock Your Career Potential With Super Star Resume

10 Best Resume Writing Services

• Super Star Resume - Best overall
• ZipJob - Best for guarantees
• Resumeble - Best with custom bundles
• Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best for range of career service
• ResumeSpice - Best for job seekers of any level
• TopResume - Best customer service
• Resume Writing Services - Best for affordability
• Craft Resumes - Best for quick turnaround
• Resume Companion - Best value resume writing service
• Resume.com - Best free service

When creating this compilation, we considered different elements such as affordability, ease of use, accessibility, the privacy policies of the companies involved, and more. The highest-rated services offer advice, templates, and tools and allow you to consult with experts who can help you craft an impressive resume highlighting your strengths to potential employers.

Our collection comprises free services and those that make use of professional writers’ skills. Some options require a subscription or one-time payment.

>> Secure Your Dream Job With Super Star Resume

Super Star Resume - Best Resume Builder Overall

Star Rating: 4.9/5

Super Star Resume is an innovative resume builder that completely transforms creating professional resumes. By offering a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features, Super Star Resume enables individuals to produce exceptional resumes that effectively showcase their abilities, accomplishments, and work history.

• Skilled and seasoned writers
• Customized strategy aligned with unique career objectives
• Timely delivery of resumes
• More significant expense compared to certain other resume writing services
• Restricted selection of additional services
• Availability may be restricted depending on demand and geographic location
• Intuitive resume builder: An intuitive interface that simplifies the resume creation process, offering modern templates for a professional look.
• Customization choices: Users can personalize their resumes by selecting from various font styles, colors, layouts, and sections to align with their unique style.
• Comprehensive content suggestions: Access to a collection of expertly curated bullet points, action verbs, and industry-specific phrases to craft impactful resume content.
• Real-time previews and editing: Real-time previewing and editing capabilities ensure a visually appealing and error-free final resume.
• Integration with professional networking platforms: Integration with LinkedIn allows users to maintain consistency between their online presence and resume.
• Tailored resumes for different job applications: The duplication feature facilitates the creation of multiple resume versions, each customized for specific job applications or industries.
• Resume analytics and tracking: Users can monitor the views and downloads of their resumes, gaining valuable insights to optimize their job search strategies.
• Professional Resume : $169
• Resume With Cover Letter : $199
• All-Included : $199

>> Use Super Star Resume to Secure Your Dream Job

ZipJob - Best Resume Builder for Guarantees

Star Rating: 4.7/5

ZipJob is widely regarded as an excellent option for resume creation, especially for those who value guarantees. Their impressive 60-day assurance ensures that individuals searching for employment will experience a surge in interview invitations within this period.

If this desired outcome cannot materialize, ZipJob proactively offers a complimentary review and revision of your resume. This guarantee highlights their commitment to client contentment and showcases their unwavering belief in the superior quality of their resume writing services.

• The starting package is cost-effective
• Complimentary ATS check included
• 60-day interview assurance with higher-tier packages
• The design and layout made it challenging to read the resume
• The summary section was overly lengthy and filled with clichés
• The formatting of the education and training sections was subpar
• Expert resume writers: ZipJob provides access to a team of expert resume writers with the skills and knowledge to review, evaluate, and optimize your resume for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
• ATS optimization: Meaning they ensure your resume is structured and formatted to navigate and succeed in ATS filters effectively. Employers commonly use these filters to assess and rank resumes during the initial screening process.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder online offered by ZipJob assists you in identifying and integrating pertinent keywords and industry-specific terminology. This practice heightens the visibility of your resume, making it more likely to capture the attention of hiring managers.
• Job-specific content suggestions: ZipJob provides valuable advice regarding the most relevant and influential content to include in your resume for different job titles and industries. This guidance is invaluable in customizing your resume for specific roles.
• Cover letter writing assistance: ZipJob supports the creation of impactful cover letters that complement your resume, strengthening your overall job application.
• Unlimited revisions: One noteworthy feature of ZipJob is the option for unlimited revisions and updates to your resume. This ensures that your resume not only meets but continues to meet your specific requirements and mirrors your professional growth.
• Collaboration with resume writers: the platform facilitates direct collaboration with the resume writers, enabling you to share additional information, discuss specific requirements, and seek clarifications at any stage of the resume creation process.
• Launch Package: $139 (or $48/mo)
• Fast Track Package: $189 (or $65/mo)
• Premium Package: $299 (or $27/mo)

>> Use ZipJob to Secure Your Dream Job

Resumeble - Best Resume Builder With Custom Bundles

Star Rating: 4.3/5

Resumeble is a highly efficient and user-friendly resume builder that empowers individuals to create professional and compelling resumes. With Resumeble, crafting a standout resume becomes a streamlined process thanks to its intuitive interface and extensive range of customizable templates.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to change careers, Resumeble caters to all needs and skill sets. It offers helpful suggestions and expert advice to ensure your resume showcases your unique qualifications and achievements in the best possible light.

• A 60-day interview guarantee is included
• Budget-friendly package deals are available
• It’s more established than some other websites
• Keyword optimization: This feature helps optimize your resume by suggesting relevant keywords aligned with your target industry or job, enhancing your visibility to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters.
• Content import: Resumeble allows you to import your existing resume or LinkedIn profile, saving you the time and effort of manual data entry.
• Real-time editing: You have the convenience of editing and modifying your resume in real time, providing the flexibility to experiment with various formats, sections, and content.
• ATS compatibility: Resumeble ensures your resume is ATS-compatible, essential for better visibility and a higher chance of being shortlisted by employers using Applicant Tracking Systems.
• Download options: The platform offers various download formats, including PDF, Word, and plain text, ensuring compatibility with diverse application processes.
• Cover letter builder: Resumeble features an integrated cover letter builder, streamlining the creation of professional and personalized cover letters that complement your resume.
• Career Pro Package : $159.00
• Professional Package : $299.00
• Premium Package : $399.00

>> Use Resumeble to Secure Your Dream Job

Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best Resume Builder for Range of Career Service

Star Rating: 4/5

Let’s Eat, Grandma is an inventive and progressive tool for creating impressive resumes. The platform streamlines the resume-building process, making it easier for job seekers to craft exceptional resumes. With Let’s Eat, Grandma, individuals can create unique resumes that catch the eye of employers and set them apart from the competition.

This user-friendly platform offers a range of customizable templates that allow users to tailor their resumes to showcase their specific skills and experiences. Let’s Eat, Grandma also provides expert advice and recommendations to help ensure that your qualifications and achievements are effectively highlighted in your resume.

• Complimentary resume evaluation
• Choices available for individuals from entry-level to executive-level positions
• Extensive collaboration opportunities
• Not specialized in academic CVs or federal resumes
• Relatively higher pricing compared to some other services
• Potential for a longer turnaround time compared to competing services
• Expert choice: You can save your resume in multiple formats (PDF, Word, plain text) or easily share it with potential employers via email or a link, simplifying the distribution of your resume.
• Error highlighting: The builder can identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information within your resume and provide suggestions or alerts for improvement.
• Section prompts: Pre-written prompts for various resume sections (e.g., work experience, education, skills) can help you structure your resume effectively and ensure you include essential details in each area.
• Customizable sections: You can add, remove, or rearrange sections to tailor your resume to emphasize your strengths and relevant experiences.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder can recommend industry-specific keywords based on the job description, enhancing your resume’s chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and grabbing the attention of hiring managers.
• Starter Package : Priced at $439, but there is an anti-inflation sale price of $389.
• Accelerated Package : $549.
• The premium Package : $689, but the anti-inflation sale price is $614.
• Executive Concierge Service : $1,899 or as low as $119/month.

>> Use Let’s Eat, Grandma to Secure Your Dream Job

ResumeSpice - Best Resume Builder for Job Seekers of Any Level

Star Rating: 3.8/5

ResumeSpice , a renowned online resume builder, streamlines crafting professional resumes. This platform provides job seekers with a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of templates, enabling them to create impressive resumes that align with their career objectives.

With ResumeSpice’s seamless experience, users are guided through each resume section effortlessly while receiving valuable tips throughout the process. From personal details and work history to skills and accomplishments, this platform ensures that all crucial aspects of a resume are comprehensively addressed.

• Additional assistance
• Timely service
• ATS optimization
• Guaranteed interviews
• Restricted revisions
• Insufficient customization options
• Restricted refund policy
• User-friendly interface: ResumeSpice boasts an intuitive and user-friendly platform, simplifying the resume creation process and offering a seamless experience to users.
• Extensive template library: The platform offers a vast selection of professionally designed templates tailored to various industries and job positions. Users can explore different styles and layouts to find the perfect match for their needs.
• Import and export options: ResumeSpice enables users to import their existing resumes in formats like PDF or Word for easy editing and updates. Users can conveniently export their finalized resumes in multiple formats, facilitating sharing with employers or uploading to job portals.
• Mobile-friendly design: ResumeSpice is optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to create and modify their resumes using smartphones or tablets.
• Cloud storage: The platform provides secure cloud storage for users’ resumes, ensuring accessibility and updates from any device with an internet connection.
• Resume tracking: ResumeSpice includes tools for tracking the performance of submitted resumes, such as monitoring views, downloads, and application outcomes. These features empower users to evaluate their progress and make data-driven enhancements to their job search strategies.
• Entry Level Resume : $479
• Professional Resume : $589
• Executive Resume : $699

>> Use ResumeSpice to Secure Your Dream Job

TopResume - Best Resume Builder for Customer Service

Star Rating: 3.6/5

TopResume is an outstanding resume builder explicitly tailored for customer service professionals. It offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, enabling users to create exceptional resumes effortlessly. The platform goes beyond just providing a basic resume template, offering valuable suggestions and tips to optimize the content.

This ensures that each resume created on TopResume is unique and attention-grabbing in the highly competitive job market.

Besides its user-friendly interface, TopResume provides expert review services. These services allow skilled professionals to provide personalized feedback on resumes, helping enhance their overall quality further. By leveraging this feedback and incorporating attention to detail, customer service professionals can create compelling resumes that effectively capture the attention of potential employers.

• Streamlined registration process
• Well-designed and formatted one-page resume
• The summary and Job Scope sections were overly extended
• The training section needed to have prominence
• Skill-based sections: The resume builder features dedicated sections highlighting essential customer service skills, including communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
• Expert review services: TopResume provides expert review services where experienced professionals offer personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance the overall quality of your resume.
• ATS compatibility: The platform ensures that the resumes created are compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which employers commonly use for scanning and filtering resumes.
• Download and sharing options: Users can download their resumes in various formats, such as PDF or Word, and easily share them with potential employers or upload them to job portals.
• Industry-Specific Tips: TopResume offers industry-specific tips and guidance to assist users in tailoring their resumes to the customer service field, helping them stand out among competitors.
• Cover letter builder: Besides resume building, TopResume provides a builder that empowers users to craft professional and compelling cover letters customized for customer service roles.
• Mobile accessibility: The platform is mobile-friendly, allowing users to create, edit, and update their resumes while on the go, using their smartphones or tablets.
• Entry level : Up to 200$.
• Professional level : Up to 200$-400$.
• Executive level : Up to $350-$700.

>> Use TopResume to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Writing Services - Best Resume Builder for Affordability

Star Rating: 3.3/5

While Resumewritingservices.org may be a different size than its competitors, it stands out due to its team of talented and experienced resume writers. The website is user-friendly and provides exceptional service. However, this service’s true strength lies in its writers’ expertise.

Resumewritingservices.org sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive consultation process and goes beyond expectations by providing unlimited calls with its resume writers. This personalized approach distinguishes them from other companies and guarantees each client receives individual attention and support.

• Experienced resume writers of the highest caliber
• Unlimited phone consultations and revisions
• More expensive than rival services
• A limited range of products
• Skilled and experienced resume writers: Resumewritingservices.org takes pride in its team of highly trained and professional resume writers who possess a deep understanding of crafting effective resumes.
• Personalized service: Resumewritingservices.org offers a personal touch by providing unlimited calls with their resume writers. This unique feature allows clients to engage in direct communication and close collaboration with the writers throughout the resume creation process.
• Competitive job market expertise: The writers at Resumewritingservices.org have knowledge of current job market trends. This ensures that the resumes they create are optimized to excel in today’s fiercely competitive job market.
• Quality Assurance: The service maintains a rigorous quality assurance process to guarantee that the resumes delivered to clients meet the highest standards and align with their expectations.
• Timely delivery: Resumewritingservices.org is committed to delivering resumes within the agreed-upon timeframe, ensuring clients receive their documents promptly.
• Client satisfaction guarantee: Resumewritingservices.org offers a client satisfaction guarantee, assuring clients are fully content with the final resume. The service is ready to provide revisions if necessary.
• Affordable pricing: Resumewritingservices.org provides pricing options that are competitive and transparent, making professional resume writing accessible to a wide range of job seekers.

Resumewritingservices.org employs a pricing system that is clear and easy to understand for their resume-building services. The initial package begins at $270 , including a comprehensive consultation with a skilled resume writer and developing an individualized resume.

They offer extra options that enable customers to personalize their packages based on their unique preferences. This adaptable pricing strategy guarantees that clients can choose the services that align with their requirements and financial constraints.

>> Use Resume Writing Services to Secure Your Dream Job

Craft Resumes - Best Resume Builder for Quick-Turnaround

Star Rating: 3/5

Craft Resumes stand out as a well-established writing and editing service known for its ability to deliver effective outcomes. Our dedication to providing a 24-hour turnaround guarantees you’ll receive the initial version of your resume promptly.

Navigating our user-friendly website is effortless, making it easy to use our services. At Craft Resumes, we specialize in crafting customized resumes to match your skills, qualifications, and aspirations for your career.

• Speedy completion
• Customized CVs
• Intuitive site
• Insufficient details
• Absence of assurances
• Quick turnaround: Craft Resumes commits to delivering the initial draft of your resume within 24 hours, ensuring a speedy and efficient service.
• Expert Writers: Craft Resumes prides itself on its team of experienced writers who possess expertise across various industries and stay up-to-date with current hiring trends. They’re dedicated to making your resume stand out and catch the attention of potential employers.
• Unlimited revisions: We provide unlimited revisions to guarantee your complete satisfaction. If you have specific changes or additions in mind, our team will collaborate with you closely to implement the modifications.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: At Craft Resumes, we prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of your personal information. You can trust that your data will be handled securely and with the utmost discretion.
• Tailored resumes: We specialize in tailoring resumes to align with your career objectives, industry, and job requirements. Each resume is personalized to accentuate your unique strengths and qualifications.
• Resume Writing : $229.00
• Basic : $279.99
• Optimal : $339.99
• All-In-One : $499.99

>> Use Craft Resumes to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Companion - Best Value Resume Builder

Star Rating: 2.8/5

Resume Companion is a virtual platform and service that specializes in aiding individuals in creating resumes that are professional and impactful. It offers an array of resources and tools to assist job seekers in crafting interesting resumes that effectively showcase their skills, experiences, and qualifications.

A prominent feature of Resume Companion is its user-friendly resume builder. This tool allows users to select from various professionally designed templates and personalize them based on their specific requirements.

Users can effortlessly incorporate their personal information, employment history, educational background, skill set, and other pertinent details to produce a customized resume tailored to their needs.

• Intuitive user interface
• High-quality templates
• Efficiency-boosting functions
• Cost-effective choice
• Restricted editing features without subscription
• Absence of extensive customization options
• Limited availability of extra services
• Cover letter builder: Resume Companion goes beyond resumes and provides users with a tool for crafting customized cover letters tailored to specific job applications. This feature guides users through the process, helping them effectively present their qualifications and make a compelling case to prospective employers.
• ATS optimization: In today’s job market, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Resume Companion helps users ensure their resumes are ATS-friendly. The platform offers valuable tips and insights on incorporating relevant keywords, formatting the document correctly, and increasing the likelihood of passing through the ATS screening process.
• Educational resources: Resume Companion extends its services by offering an informative blog and educational materials that cover various aspects of resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, and career development guidance. These resources provide users with valuable insights and advice to help them create impressive resumes and enhance their job search efforts.
• Download and sharing options: Upon completing their resumes, users can conveniently download their documents in multiple formats, including PDF and Word. Resume Companion also makes it easy for users to share their resumes online or print them offline.
• Customer support: Resume Companion values user satisfaction and offers customer support to assist with users’ questions or concerns while utilizing the platform. Users can access support through email or the platform’s contact form.

Resume Companion provides a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking an all-inclusive service. It’s vital to remember subscription renewal is required to access future editing services. In summary, Resume Companion offers a wallet-friendly option for those who desire a user-friendly resume-building experience without needing advanced writing abilities.

>> Use Resume Companion to Secure Your Dream Job

Our Ranking Methodology for Best Resume Writing Services

To comprehensively and objectively rank the top resume writing services, it is essential to have a thorough methodology. The first step in this process was conducting extensive research and analysis. This involved gathering a comprehensive list of reputable resume-writing services from multiple sources such as online searches, customer reviews, industry directories, and personal recommendations.

• Feature analysis: Evaluate the functionalities provided by each resume builder, considering elements like template variety and quality, customization flexibility, user-friendly editing and formatting options, import/export capabilities, spell check and grammar tools, and integration with job search platforms and professional networks.
• Template collection: Examine the assortment and quality of templates. Look for a wide range that suits various industries, job levels, and design preferences, considering these templates’ aesthetics, readability, and contemporary design.
• Editing and customization: Scrutinize the adaptability and user-friendliness of the editing and customization tools each resume builder provides. Assess the capacity to add or modify sections, reorganize content, and tailor resumes to specific job requirements.
• User interface and experience: Analyze the user interface and the overall user experience each resume builder offers. Evaluate the ease of navigation, instruction clarity, guidance or prompts, and the platform’s responsiveness.
• Integration with job search platforms: Determine whether resume builders offer seamless integration with popular job search platforms and professional networks like LinkedIn or ATS systems. Consider how well the resumes can be transferred and their compatibility with these platforms.
• Additional resources: Evaluate if the resume builders provide extra resources such as sample resumes, tools for creating cover letters, interview tips, or career advice. Consider the breadth and practicality of these supplementary resources.
• Mobile-friendliness: Gauge the mobile-friendliness and responsiveness of the resume builders, recognizing the growing trend of mobile job searching and application processes.
• Customer support: Reflect on the accessibility and quality of customer support services, encompassing options like live chat, email support, or knowledge bases. Assess the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team.
• Pricing and value for money: Appraise the pricing plans presented by the resume builders in terms of the value they offer based on features, usability, and overall service quality.
• Industry reputation: Consider the standing and trustworthiness of the resume builders, considering factors such as awards, recognition, partnerships, and user feedback from reputable sources.

Buyer’s Guide: Why Use a Resume Builder?

Crafting a well-crafted CV comes naturally to particular job seekers. However, even the most seasoned experts may need help in resume writing. If you find yourself in need of help with creating a compelling resume, here are several ways in which the best online resume builder can be beneficial:

Resume builders provide users with pre-designed templates and helpful tips, streamlining the process of writing a resume and alleviating stress.

Offers Writing Tips

Promoting oneself requires considerable effort. Only some people possess writing skills, even if they enjoy self-promotion. To showcase one’s experience and knowledge effectively, a resume builder can help select the most appropriate words and phrases.

Improves Design

In every field, there are unique standards for an impressive resume. If you need to gain knowledge in design or the tools, resume builders can provide free templates to enhance your resume’s visual appeal and quality.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Recruiters often use ATS systems to scan resumes. A good resume builder will help with formatting to ensure that your resume is easy for these systems to read.

What’s the Best Resume Builder?

The ideal resume builder for each individual may differ according to their specific requirements. If you prefer a tool that offers step-by-step guidance in creating your resume, we suggest using a builder that provides helpful tips and recommendations. If you prefer a resume builder that auto-generates a summary, we recommend using a tool that extracts information from your LinkedIn profile.

For those who enjoy having creative control over their resumes, we suggest using a platform with features. By selecting the resume builder that aligns with your needs and suits your industry and personal style, you’ll significantly increase your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Resume Builder vs. Resume Writing Service: What Matters for You

When it comes to crafting a resume, there are three options available. You can opt to create it independently, use a resume builder tool, or enlist the services of a professional resume writer. Your best choice will depend on your writing abilities, available time, and financial resources.

Do-It-Yourself

You have the choice to construct a resume entirely by yourself. The benefit of this option is that it costs nothing but requires a significant amount of effort. Along with composing all the information, you must possess graphic design skills.

This approach works well if you have these abilities, but with them, your options for creating a resume are unlimited. To overcome this limitation, you can use a resume builder or enlist the help of a resume writing service.

Resume Builder

A tool for creating resumes allows you to input your details into a template, resulting in an original appearance and layout with no design work. The top resume building tools also offer suggestions on enhancing your resume and tailoring it to match the specific job you are applying for.

While you are still responsible for writing the content, once it is written, you can quickly transfer that information into any other template with just a few simple clicks. Some of these services are free and many like to promote themselves as such, but most require a small payment to download your finished resume.

Professional Resume Writing Service

Professional resume writing services are expensive, but they offer the convenience of handling all the work for you. An experienced writer will gather relevant information about your background and transform it into a unique and engaging resume.

The process typically takes a few days, and the level of originality in the outcome largely relies on your choice of company and writer. However, we will not delve into these services further in this guide.

Are Resume Builders Worth It?

Definitely, without a doubt. An effective resume creator will guarantee that your CV is formatted correctly to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems and ultimately reach the hands of recruiters.

Is It Unprofessional to Use a Microsoft Word Resume Template?

Relying on a template will not set you apart, and there is a high likelihood that your application will be dismissed because your resume is identical to those of other job seekers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right resume builder is crucial in today’s competitive job market. Creating a professional and impactful resume that stands out from the crowd can significantly impact your job search. With the right tool, you can save time, improve your chances of landing an interview, and ultimately secure your dream job.

When selecting a resume builder, consider your specific needs and priorities. Look for features like customizable templates, industry-specific examples, and the ability to export your resume in different formats. Consider user reviews and ratings to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable platform.

Remember, an exceptional tool for crafting resumes should give you the power to present your skills, experience, and accomplishments effectively. It should simplify and expedite creating a resume without hassle. Investing in a reliable resume builder is investing in your professional future.

Therefore, explore the different options available for resume builders. Test out their free trials or demos and choose the best fit for your objectives. Our top recommendation is Super Star Resume . This meticulously designed resume can open doors to exciting career prospects and be a dependable companion on your journey toward success.

Ahad Waseem is a business, blockchain, and cybersecurity writer who often takes on art, politics, and economics too. As a linguistic engineer who writes to solve problems, he’s written for various tech and business publications. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on horseback, caring for his houseplants, or training Bonsai trees. He can be reached at [email protected] . McClatchy’s newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links.

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How to Write an SQL Resume

Learn how to write an SQL resume highlighting your skills, experience, and qualifications to help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Developers use SQL, or Structured Query Language, to write queries and build databases and applications. Learning this programming language can be essential because it allows you to do everything from creating a new database to establishing the permissions necessary for people to access it. Many professionals use SQL, including web designers, data scientists, and software engineers, with some specializing in this language in particular, such as SQL developers.

As you prepare to apply for a role that requires SQL skills, effectively highlighting those abilities on your resume is imperative. Discover how to choose an appropriate SQL resume template, the relevant sections to include, and ways to highlight your SQL skills, experience, and education.

Important considerations for writing an SQL resume.

Ultimately, you want your resume to be a shining representation of the benefits you pose for potential employers, including your SQL abilities. SQL is a sought-after skill by IT recruiters, and you want to highlight it on your resume to show your ability to work within the database creation and application development realm.

Your resume should tell potential employers that you have the necessary SQL skills to do the job and that you have relevant education and experience. In addition to SQL skills, an employer is looking for someone who can use their abilities in the context of the role while demonstrating workplace skills, relevant technical skills, and more general development experience.

Make sure you read the job description to identify what an employer is looking for so you can tailor your resume to their requirements, including all necessary sections. 

Step 1: Choose a template.

The template you choose depends on factors such as your experience, skills, and education. You always want to highlight valuable information in a prominent position. Employers generally favor a reverse-chronological resume format, allowing you to show your career progression. Including a skills section in a visible spot is also desirable. However, if you need to accumulate more extensive professional experience, a functional or skills-based resume may work better for you.

Step 2: Fill in your personal details.

Once you’ve chosen your template, add your contact information and other details. Use your name as the title of your resume and include your full address or city, your contact number, and your email address. This is also an excellent spot to link to your portfolio to show off past projects and samples of your work.

You might also include a headline, which goes beneath your name. This short description tells recruiters who you are and what you’re good at, such as “Skilled SQL developer with experience at Amazon and Google.” A headline is optional—you may include this information in your summary instead.

Step 3: Add a resume summary.

Your summary is vital to an effective resume for an SQL role. In this section, spell out why you are a top candidate. Outline who you are, what you have accomplished, your top SQL skills, and any other technical skills you would use in an SQL-based role.

To write this section well, consider what an employer is looking for. Doing research can help make sure this section meets their expectations. Use keywords from ads and job descriptions so your language reflects theirs. It can further align your experience with the role and help pass the applicant tracking systems (ATS) recruiters use to sift applications.

Step 4: Outline your relevant skills.

If you’re looking to write an SQL developer resume or an SQL resume for any role, skills play an essential part. A recruiter is looking for specific SQL skills, general developer skills, relevant technical skills, and workplace skills. Think about your particular SQL skills and how to best include them. Examples may include data modeling, query optimization, and other programming languages. Additionally, choose workplace skills relevant to the job, such as critical thinking or problem-solving.

Look at the job ad and job description of the role you’re applying for when considering the skills to include. The recruiter will ask for specific skills, so use these in your skills section. Just like in the summary, using keywords from the job details will help you pass the ATS screening.

Possible skills you may use in your SQL resume include:

Technical skills

SQL security

SQL reporting

SQL analytics

Cloud services

Network administration

Database architecture

Workplace skills

Critical thinking

Decision making

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Time management

Organization

Collaboration

Step 5: Add your professional experience.

Employers want to know about your background, so it’s vital to list it clearly. A reverse-chronological resume is excellent for this. It requires you to list your recent experience first, working your way backward to your oldest.

When writing this section, focus on contextualizing your skills and giving specific examples of your accomplishments. Instead of just listing your duties, think about what you’ve achieved personally in each role that makes you stand out. SQL developers typically know how to build and manipulate databases using SQL and how to migrate data. Think about how you can provide specific, measurable details. For example, instead of writing “Migrated data,” write, “Migrated Accessed March 5, 2024.of 300 employees to a new system and trained staff on how to use it.”

Experience doesn’t have to be paid work. If you have SQL experience from an internship, bootcamp, hackathon, or a personal project, you can also list this in your experience section.

Step 6: Add your education.

Education is a staple section on any resume. If you have a degree, even if it doesn’t seem directly relevant, put it in this section. You can also include online courses, internal courses you’ve completed in the workplace, and hackathons and bootcamps related to your technical skills. Start with your recent education first, in keeping with the reverse chronological formatting.

Step 7: Include relevant certifications and awards.

It helps when working in a role like SQL developer to be up-to-date with trends and technological advances. If you have relevant certifications and awards, like the Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate or the Oracle Certified Professional MySQL Database Administrator credentials, add them to your resume under a dedicated section, as they can help you stand out against other candidates. This section may go above or below your education, and both may go above your experience section, depending on what is relevant and recent.

Key takeaways for selling yourself as an SQL developer

To really make your resume for an SQL role stand out and highlight your skills and experience. Likewise, it can be helpful to give attention to the following points:

Show your technical abilities : An SQL developer is a technical role, so highlight your technical abilities. While specific SQL skills are important, make sure you weave other technical skills through your skills, experience, and education sections. Give particular reference to your significant achievements in the summary. Including technical skills and terms will help you during ATS screening.

Tailor your resume to the role : Your SQL resume needs to demonstrate that you have the SQL skills and experience to work in an SQL role and have precisely what employers are seeking. Review the job listing to customize your resume according to what the recruiters seek. Some sections are easier to tailor than others. Prioritize your summary and skills section.

Use keywords : When tailoring your resume, focus on keywords. Your research will show you which keywords to use from the job advert and job description of the role you’re applying for. You’ll also know industry keywords from your experience with SQL. Use these keywords throughout your resume to make it more ATS-compliant.

Show your abilities outside the workplace : Paid professional work isn’t the only way to demonstrate your experience and skills. Make your resume as well-rounded as possible by showing your expertise outside of your job through workshops, memberships, personal projects, and self-study.

Resources for resume building

How to Write an Effective Resume

16 Resume Tips For Your 2024 Job Search

3 Resume Templates and How to Pick The Right One For You

10 Ways To Improve Your Resume

Earn a certificate for your SQL developer resume with Coursera

SQL is an in-demand skill used in various professions with a positive job outlook and substantial earning opportunities. Before you can get the job, making your resume shine is critical. Add resume-boosting credentials to your SQL resume by taking online courses such as IBM Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python or completing the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate , both listed on Coursera.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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Prepare for Your Professional Future with Rio Salado’s Career Services

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Are you looking for your first job or your next job? Interested in re-careering or  furthering your professional development ? Rio Salado College’s Career Services is here to help. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to write a winning  cover letter or need advice on where to look for professional opportunities, our career services team can point you to resources and training that can help you get closer to achieving your ambitions.

Career services supervisor Carole Redden has been teaching and helping others develop personally and professionally for over 20 years. As someone who’s worked both as a communications instructor and as a director of career services, she’s seen firsthand how career services can support students.

“I think of career services as an essential service that runs parallel to the student’s academic journey,” Redden said. “Our role is to help develop them professionally and prepare them for their career change either during college or after graduation. We want to make sure that they know how to leverage all the things they’re learning while they’re in school.”

Career services involve more than getting help on your resume or tips on improving your job interview skills. Career Services offers a variety of  research tools and  self-assessment exams to empower students with knowledge about the marketplace and the professional roles they are working toward achieving. They also host a series of free  virtual Career Change workshops that provide information on building a personal brand, writing an effective resume, honing your interviewing skills, and tips on job search strategies.

Redden developed the workshop series to help meet the needs of both students and employers, using data and knowledge gleaned from her years of experience working in education, Communication, and career services.

"I had the opportunity to build partnerships with over 500 employers and I just started asking them 'what are you seeing in the candidates that come to you? What do you not like?'" Redden said. “And I also started asking students 'what do you think you need? What kind of support do you want?'"

The growing adoption of A.I. technology across a wide spectrum of industries has brought with it a fair share of anxiety and uncertainty over how this can impact the job market in the future. For job seekers wondering what assets they can cultivate to give themselves a more solid footing in this shifting landscape, Redden emphasizes the importance of developing a  personal brand .

“What that means is getting really clear about who you are, what you want, what your values and strengths are,” Redden said. “Because without that self-knowledge, it’s very difficult to make an informed career change. You’ll end up wasting time with that. You may cause unnecessary barriers for yourself—applying for 100 roles that you’re not qualified for.”

There’s one thing you CAN be certain of: if you’re looking for some advice on how to take the next step forward in your professional journey, Rio Salado’s Career Services team has got your back.

“We’re here, we want to help, and everyone’s welcome,” Redden said.

Career services is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (480) 517-8785 or email  [email protected]  for more information.

Article by Austin Brietta

Career Corner

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