As a job seeker, your resume is one of the most important tools you have in your job search. But they’re so hard to write! Writing a resume that highlights your qualities and experiences is tricky if you’re not a writing expert. Because of that, many job seekers hire professional resume writers. But is that the best way to go?
Maybe.
Finding the best resume writing service can be tricky. Let me guide you through the process. You’ll learn where to find them and whether it’s worth hiring one.
How to choose the best resume writer service
When choosing the best resume writing services, consider the following factors:
1. Reputation: Look for resume writers with positive reviews and a strong reputation. This indicates their credibility and expertise in writing effective resumes.
2. Expertise: Make sure the writer has experience in your specific field or industry. A writer with expertise in your field will have a better understanding of the skills and qualifications that are valued in your industry. A targeted approach can increase your chances of securing interviews and landing your dream job.
3. Customization: Choose a service that offers personalized, tailored resumes instead of using templates. A personalized resume or CV will highlight your unique skills, experiences, and qualifications. That’s the key to standing out from other candidates.
4. Communication: Find a resume writer who listens to your needs and communicates throughout the process. The writer should take the time to understand your goals, accomplishments, and career history. They should also be open to feedback and willing to make revisions to ensure your satisfaction with the final product.
5. Price: Consider your budget, but remember that quality often comes at a higher cost. With resume writing services, you get what you pay for. Cheaper services may offer generic templates or lack the customization needed to effectively showcase your strengths.
The best resume writing services
If you’re looking for the best resume writing services, there are a few key places to consider. Check online platforms like LinkedIn, professional job boards, or reputable career coaching websites. Here are a few specific places you can look.
Upwork
Upwork is a popular online platform that provides access to a global pool of experienced and certified professional resume writers. That makes it easier for you to find professional resume writing services. You can browse through thousands of reviews and ratings to find the best resume writer for your needs.
Price range: $30-500
Many professionals on LinkedIn offer resume writing services as part of their expertise. You can use keywords and filters to find someone who specializes in your industry or job level. One downside here is that many of these service listings don’t include prices. You have to request a proposal from each writer and then evaluate the prices. That extra step is a little bit of a hassle.
Price range: Prices vary depending on proposal.
TopStack Resume
TopStack Resume creates custom resumes tailored to individual job seekers. TopStack also offers cover letter writing and LinkedIn profile optimization services. However, this service isn’t cheap, especially if you want more than one resume or a more experienced writer working on your resume.
TopStack has four different packages that range in price from $139 to $649. A professional resume written by an experienced writer will cost at least $279.
If you want to have a resume tailored for each job you apply for (which most experts recommend), this can turn into an expensive service.
Price range: $139-649
ResumeSpice
ResumeSpice is another top resume writing service that provides personalized services. They have a team of experienced recruiters and writers who understand industry-specific requirements and best practices.
ResumeSpice packages range in price from $479 to $699, depending on services included. Like TopResume, ResumeSpice delivers one resume in each package and you only get two rounds of revisions, even in their highest-priced tier.
Price range: $479-699
Top free and paid resume writers and builders
Jobscan Resume Builder and Power Edit
Jobscan’s resume builder is completely free and very easy to use. It walks you through the entire process of building a resume from start to finish. And you can download your resume for free too!
After you write your resume, use Jobscan’s AI resume writer and editor, Power Edit, to optimize it. Power Edit shows you the skills you need to highlight on your resume and will even suggest phrases for each skill. It’s like having a professional writer at your fingertips!
With Jobscan, you can build, optimize, and tailor an unlimited amount of resumes. You can improve your chances of getting hired by creating resumes that effectively highlight your skills and experience.
Indeed
Indeed offers a free resume builder that has a simple and intuitive interface. You can explore template options and easily customize your resume sections. Resumes created through Indeed’s resume builder can be downloaded, emailed, or printed.
Canva
Canva is a popular online design platform. It has a resume builder that provides visually appealing templates. Canva’s subscription-based resume builder allows you to customize resume layouts, fonts, and colors. You can use free and paid template options, each with different designs. Be mindful though that many of the templates Canva offers are not ATS-friendly.
LinkedIn allows you to download your public profile directly into a PDF resume. That makes it easy to use it in an application or email it to a recruiter. You can customize different resume sections, such as work history, education, and skills.
How much does a resume writer cost?
You can find professional resume writers at various price points. Career Sidekick researched the prices of 90 resume writers in the US. They found that the average cost of a writer is $527. However, they saw some as high as $3,000!
Find My Profession reviewed more than 100 professional resume writing services and found the range of prices to be from $99 to $2,597. According to their research, “The average cost for an entry-level resume is $220; mid-level is $422; executive-level is $1,252. The overall average cost for all professional resume services is $631.”
So you can expect to pay somewhere around $500-600 for a quality resume writer.
Is a professional resume writer service worth it?
Professional resume services can be extremely valuable. They have the expertise to create a resume that highlights your skills and experience effectively. They stay updated with current trends in the job market, ensuring that your resume stands out from the competition.
But it’s not always the perfect solution. Not everyone can afford it and you might go through some trial and error before you find the right writer.
What are the benefits of a professionally written resume ?
Professionally written resumes have numerous benefits.
- Hiring someone can save you time and effort: Writing an effective resume takes time and effort. By hiring a professional resume writer, you can save yourself the hassle and focus on other aspects of your job search, knowing that your resume is in capable hands.
- A professionally written resume might boost your confidence: Knowing that you have a well-crafted document that highlights your qualifications can give you the extra confidence needed during interviews and networking events.
- A resume writer can help you showcase your unique value proposition: A professional resume writer can help you identify and highlight your unique skills, experiences, and accomplishments that set you apart from other candidates.
- Expert resume writers know how to overcome employment gaps or career transitions: If you have gaps in your employment history or are changing careers, a professional resume writer can strategically address these challenges and present them in a positive light.
- A resume writer can give you objective feedback: Resume writers can provide objective feedback on your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. They can help you identify areas that may need improvement or further development.
- Professional resume writers keep up with industry trends: Professional resume writers stay updated with the latest trends in the job market. They know what employers are looking for and can tailor your resume accordingly.
What are the downsides of hiring a resume writer?
Professional resume services offer many benefits, but there are some downsides to consider.
- The cost of hiring a professional resume writer may not be feasible for everyone. Professional resume services can be costly, making them inaccessible for job seekers on a tight budget. It’s important to consider your financial situation and career goals before deciding to hire a resume writer.
- Some job seekers prefer to write their resumes themselves to maintain full control of their personal brand. Writing your resume allows you to have full control over the content and employment history presented. No one can tell your story like you can! You know your unique strengths better than anyone.
- Not all resume writers understand your industry. Resume writers, like professionals in any field, have different areas of expertise. It’s possible that not all writers will have experience or understanding of your industry. That will make it challenging to craft a resume that effectively highlights your strengths.
- Working with a resume writer may require revisions, which can delay your job search and cost more money. Collaborating with a resume writer often involves edits and feedback. That can extend the process. If you’re in a time-sensitive job search, hiring a resume writer may not be the best option. Many services offer a limited number of revisions. If the final product isn’t want you need, you’ll have to make the rest of the edits yourself anyway.
- Resume writers only give you one resume. At Jobscan, we’ve found that the best way to increase your interview rate is to a submit a resume that’s tailored for the job you’re applying for. So, if you apply for 50 jobs, you need 50 tailored resumes. But many resume writers only give you one resume for the cost of $100. If you get one resume per job application, that cost adds up!
How to get professional resume writing services without the high price
You don’t have to hire a professional writer to get a great resume! Jobscan has you covered. Jobscan’s resume builder and Power Edit helps you write and optimize a resume in minutes for a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. And our tools were designed based on advice from the experts! You’ll get a tailored resume that will help you rank higher in the applicant tracking systems companies use to find the best candidates and ultimately impress the hiring manager.
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