Do You Need a Professional Resume Writer? Here’s What You Need to Know

Creating a resume that effectively showcases your skills, experiences, and personality can be challenging. For those who find it hard to market themselves, lack time, or want to make a career pivot, a professional resume writer can help. This article explores the benefits of using a professional resume-writing service and what you need to consider before hiring one.

Why Hire a Professional Resume Writer?

Professional resume writers are experts in crafting resumes that grab attention, navigate applicant tracking systems (ATS), and appeal to hiring managers. Here are the main benefits they offer:

1. Expertise in Resume Crafting and Industry Trends

Resume writing professionals are trained to present your skills and achievements effectively. They understand industry trends, company expectations, and what makes a resume stand out.

ATS Optimization: Most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes based on keywords. Professional resume writers are skilled in ATS optimization, ensuring that your resume includes the right keywords to pass these filters.
Understanding Industry Language: A professional writer tailors your resume to the industry you’re targeting, using language that resonates with hiring managers in that field.

2. Time-Saving for Busy Professionals

Writing a strong, targeted resume takes time—especially if you’re trying to customize it for each job. For professionals with busy schedules, hiring a resume writer can be an efficient way to handle the process.

Quick Turnaround: Resume services often have fast turnaround times, delivering a polished resume within a few days.
Focus on Other Job Application Essentials: By delegating your resume to a professional, you can dedicate more time to other important tasks like networking and preparing for interviews.

3. Overcoming Career Gaps or Transitions

If you’re making a career pivot or have employment gaps, a professional resume writer can help present these situations in a positive light.

Highlighting Transferable Skills: Professional writers know how to emphasize transferable skills, reframing your experiences to suit new roles.
Minimizing Gaps: Writers can downplay employment gaps by focusing on skills, volunteer work, or education completed during those times.

4. Objective and Fresh Perspective

Many job seekers struggle to write about themselves objectively. Professional resume writers bring an outsider’s perspective, helping to identify strengths, reframe experiences, and highlight achievements that you might overlook.

Effective Language and Style: A professional writer can help you avoid overly formal or awkward language, ensuring your resume sounds natural and polished.
Highlighting Strengths: They know how to spotlight accomplishments, quantify results, and keep the resume engaging.

What to Consider When Choosing a Resume Writing Service

Not all resume writers or services are created equal. Here are some factors to consider to ensure you select a reputable service that meets your needs.

1. Experience and Certifications

Many top resume writers hold certifications from recognized organizations, like the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC) or the National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA). These certifications demonstrate a commitment to high standards and continuous learning.

Look for Relevant Experience: A writer specializing in your industry or role type (e.g., executive, entry-level, career change) will have a better understanding of what hiring managers in that field want.
Check for Certifications: Certifications indicate that the writer adheres to industry best practices and has proven expertise in resume writing.

2. Range of Services and Customization

Resume writing services vary in what they offer, from basic resume rewrites to comprehensive career support packages that include cover letters, LinkedIn optimization, and career coaching. Ensure that the service you choose offers what you need.

Resume Packages: Many services offer packages that include multiple job application tools, like a cover letter or LinkedIn profile.
Revisions and Guarantees: Look for services that offer at least one round of revisions to fine-tune your resume based on your feedback.

3. Reviews and Testimonials

Before committing to a service, look for reviews on independent sites to understand other clients’ experiences. Testimonials can provide insight into the writer’s ability to deliver results, meet deadlines, and provide effective customer support.

4. Cost Considerations

The cost of professional resume writing varies widely, typically ranging from $100 to $800 or more depending on the writer’s experience, the level of service, and the complexity of the work. Consider your budget but also think of this as an investment in your career.

Budget Services: Some budget services can still deliver quality work, but they may not offer the same level of customization or expertise.
Premium Services: Higher-end services often come with personalized consultations, industry-specific expertise, and additional career support tools.

Recommended Professional Resume Writing Services

When choosing a resume writing service, it’s helpful to select companies with a track record of success and positive reviews. Here are a few affiliate-recommended services:

1. TopResume

TopResume offers personalized resume reviews, ATS-friendly formats, and specialized resume writers. They provide a free resume critique and have a range of services from basic resume rewrites to premium packages that include LinkedIn optimization.

Best for: Affordable pricing and free resume review.
Packages: Basic resume, resume + LinkedIn profile, and executive packages.
Turnaround: 3-5 business days.

2. ZipJob

ZipJob specializes in ATS-compatible resumes and offers a money-back guarantee if your resume doesn’t secure interviews. Their expert writers cater to a wide range of industries and offer packages that include cover letters and LinkedIn profile updates.

Best for: ATS-friendly resumes and satisfaction guarantee.
Packages: Launch, Fast Track, and Premium.
Turnaround: 3-7 business days, with expedited options.

3. Resumeble

Resumable provides customized resume writing services with a strong focus on helping career changers and job seekers with complex work histories. They offer packages that include keyword optimization and LinkedIn profile updates.

Best for: Career changes and complex work histories.
Packages: Starter, Advanced, Premium, and LinkedIn bundle.
Turnaround: 3-5 business days, with rush options.

Is a Professional Resume Writer Right for You?

Hiring a professional resume writer isn’t for everyone, but it can be invaluable if:

You struggle with self-promotion: If it’s challenging to articulate your skills and achievements, a resume writer can help you present them effectively.
You’re making a career shift: A professional can reframe your experience and skills to appeal to a different industry.
Your resume hasn’t been effective: If your current resume isn’t yielding interviews, it might need professional help to meet current standards.

Conclusion

Hiring a professional resume writer can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re aiming for roles in competitive industries, need to pass ATS filters, or simply want a polished resume that sets you apart. Whether you choose an affordable service or a premium package, a professional resume writer can help you create a resume that presents your qualifications in the best possible light. With the right resume, you’ll be well-positioned to attract attention and land interviews. Good luck!

Do You Need a Professional Resume Writer?