We don’t second guess hiring a professional for health or legal matters. We hire doctors and lawyers all the time. But what about our careers?
A professional resume writer could be a great investment, but depending on your situation, it could also be a waste of money. So, are resume writers worth it? We look at:
- When you should consider using a resume writer (and when to DIY)
- Pros and cons of hiring a professional resume writer
- How to select the best resume writer for your needs
- How much resume services cost, and variables affecting prices
- Pitfalls to avoid when hiring a professional resume writer
Determining if resume writing services could work for you
If you’ve been job hunting unsuccessfully for a while and getting discouraged, it may be your resume. It’s hard to tell because, well, you’re not a resume or job search expert. You haven’t been trained, certified, or have experience crafting career documents. That said, if you aren’t getting many interviews after applying to several jobs, it may be time to hire a resume writer.
You’re probably wondering if resume writing services would work for you and if they are worth it.
The truth is: it depends.
Here are a few signs it may be time to invest in a professional resume writing service:
- Writing a resume takes too much time and energy. You’d prefer to stay firmly focused on finding good job leads and brushing up on transferable skills. Hiring a professional will save you time so you can focus on other aspects of your job search.
- You find resume preparation not only grueling but downright distressing. You’re afraid the “how-to” uncertainties and “dos vs. don’ts” confusion will wear you down. Handing this task over to the experts saves you time and confusion.
- You’re new at this or out of practice. Not all resumes are simple and straightforward, especially when there are employment gaps to deal with or you’re shifting career gears. Resume professionals know what employers are looking for, relying on their expertise opens doors of possibilities.
- You’re not sure what to add or subtract from your skills and job experience list. Whether your work history is thin or the details could fill a book, it can be tricky to contend with not enough or too much to fit on a resume page. Trained resume writers know how to distill your information into the most relevant format that packs a punch.
- You’re aware of the resume “black hole” but have no clue how to avoid it. Knowing how to bypass an applicant tracking system (ATS) screening filter is outside your wheelhouse. Experts have knowledge about how ATS works and will create a keyword optimized, ATS-friendly document that is compatible with these systems.
- Writing isn’t your strong suit … or you’d just rather not. Either way is quite okay in your everyday life, but not when you need a head-turning resume. Resume writers are WRITERS who have a way with words and could string together powerful sentences that showcase your career story with ease.
- Tooting your own horn isn’t second nature. Even self-confident job seekers can struggle with self-promotion in a resume. The hard part is future-framing your past accomplishments as “why hire me” value propositions. Hiring someone to brag on your behalf could present you in a light that means the difference between an interview and crickets.
A recent study found that recruiters valued candidates with professionally written resumes to be worth 7% more than when assessed using their self-written (DIY) versions. And, candidates with professionally written resumes were more likely to secure interviews, land a new job sooner, and advance their career faster.
When should you pass on using a professional resume writer?
Exploring and weighing the options might find you rethinking the idea of paying for professional resume help. It’s not for everyone. Concluding it’s not right for you—at least not right now—can be a smart call in some circumstances.
These can be reasons to decide that a DIY resume is just fine after all:
- It might prove easier than you think to use adaptable resume examples and templates like the ones you’ll find at Resume.io.
- Your writing skills are decent and you’re willing to tackle the task yourself. You’ll persist patiently towards perfection draft by draft, knowing there are no error-proofing shortcuts or workarounds.
- You’re in a relatively early career stage. With less on the line than someone with years of senior-level experience vying for a C-suite role, then your financial investment in hiring a pro doesn’t seem worthwhile or wise.
- Admittedly, you're not qualified for any dream job yet or your career goals are murky. No resume writer can change that.
Pros and cons of hiring a resume writer
| Pros | Cons |
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Expertise: Professional resume writers bring specialized knowledge and years of experience to the table. They know what hiring managers look for and how to tailor resumes to catch their attention. Customization: One-size-fits-all resumes rarely make the cut. Resume services craft personalized resumes that highlight your unique skills, achievements, and career goals. Industry Insights: Whether you're in tech, healthcare, or finance, resume writers often have industry-specific insights that can make your resume stand out among competitors. Time-Saving: Crafting a compelling resume takes time and effort. Resume services streamline the process, freeing you up to focus on networking and interview preparation. |
Cost: Professional resume services can be expensive, particularly for those on a budget or seeking entry-level positions. Communication Challenges: If there's a misunderstanding or miscommunication about your career goals or achievements, the final resume may not accurately represent you. Dependency: Relying on a resume writer might hinder your ability to develop and refine your own resume-writing skills for future job applications. Style & Tone Accuracy: Outsourcing your resume to a writer can sometimes result in a document that doesn't fully capture your preferred style or professional tone, leading to a resume that feels impersonal or doesn't align with your career aspirations. |
How to pick the right resume writer
Choosing the right resume writer for your needs involves several considerations to ensure you receive a quality product that effectively represents your career goals and achievements.
- Experience and expertise. Look for resume writers with a proven track record in your industry or profession. Experience in your field ensures they understand industry-specific terminology and can highlight your skills effectively.
- Samples and portfolio. Review samples of their previous work or ask for a portfolio. This allows you to gauge the quality, style, and effectiveness of their resumes. Look for diversity in their samples to see if they can tailor resumes for different career levels and industries.
- Client reviews and testimonials. Check reviews and testimonials from past clients. Positive feedback indicates their ability to satisfy clients and deliver effective resumes. Look for reviews that mention specific improvements in job search outcomes.
- Communication and collaboration. Consider how the resume writer communicates and collaborates with you. They should ask insightful questions to understand your career history, achievements, and aspirations. Clear communication throughout the process is crucial for ensuring your resume reflects your voice and goals.
- Cost and value. Compare pricing among different resume writers. While cost shouldn't be the sole factor, it's important to balance affordability with the quality of service provided. Some writers offer package deals that include cover letters or LinkedIn profile optimization, adding value to their services.
- Turnaround time. Discuss the writer's turnaround time and availability. Ensure they can accommodate your timeline, especially if you have urgent job application deadlines.
- Credentials and certifications. Consider whether the resume writer holds certifications from reputable organizations, such as the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC) or the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA). These certifications indicate adherence to industry standards and ongoing professional development.
Choosing the right resume writer involves thorough research and assessing their ability to effectively communicate your professional story. By considering these factors, you can select a resume writer who enhances your job search prospects and helps you stand out to potential employers.
How much does resume writing cost?
Typically, the cost of hiring a professional resume writer falls somewhere in the ballpark range of $100 to $800. You’re sure to come across lower and higher rates too. Discrepancy criteria are not always obvious or clear-cut, nor can apples-to-apples comparisons be drawn superficially.
Resume writing rates are definitely in the realm of “it all depends.” Prices are generally tied to the deliverables promised and how much you give the writer to work with. As with any kind of fee-for-service agreement, the expectations on both sides should be clear and mutually agreeable upfront.
Pitfalls to avoid when paying a pro
If you do decide to use a professional resume writer, here are some common pitfalls, with sidestepping tips.
- Not all resume writers are qualified to do their job. It’s not unheard of for resume services to employ inexperienced writers—sometimes straight out of college—willing to work for less. And there’s nothing to stop any freelancer from getting in the game, however deficient in resume writing expertise. To avoid disappointment, research the company or individual on LinkedIn, websites, blogs, and social media. Search for credible reviews and testimonials from happy clients. Ask for product samples.
- Curb your bargain hunter instincts. Cheaper may not always be better. Shopping for the best resume bang for your buck doesn’t work. Be wary of any rock-bottom resume-writing rates that catch your eye. They’re often red flags, posing the risk of unqualified writers or otherwise subpar work. Again, do your homework.
- Be leery of 24-hour turnaround pitches. Even the promise of delivery within 48 or 36 hours is the wrong incentive for choosing a resume service.
- Be skeptical of success guarantees. You might be promised unlimited revisions or even a refund if your resume fails to generate a certain number of interviews. Such guarantees can be misleading and are seldom the best reason for choosing one professional resume service over another. Closely scrutinize the fine print and ask questions.
If you need help writing your resume and don’t want to break the bank, check out our modern resume templates that will keep your writing style fresh while showcasing your skills.
Key takeaways
There is no all-purpose answer to the question of when to use a professional resume writer, only considerations for making your own decision. Resume writing service costs depend on many variables. What matters most is to clearly understand what deliverables are included and how much collaboration is required. Vetting professional resume writers based on expertise and experience involves thorough research and quality evidence in favorable reviews and work samples.
