Are Professional Resume Writers Worth It?
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Updating your resume is one of the most tedious aspects of job searching, but it’s also one of the most important if you want your application to actually be considered. A good resume should spotlight your strengths, be tailored to the job, and be free from grammar and spelling errors, all of which take time to accomplish.
Whether you’re in a hurry to get your resume updated fast or you’re not a natural-born writer and need some help making your credentials shine, you may be considering hiring a professional resume writer to help you out. But are resume writing services worth it? Read on to learn about the pros and cons of using a resume writer and some tips for a positive outcome if you decide to hire one.
What is a professional resume writer?
A professional resume writer is a person who specializes in helping job seekers create and update their resumes. Resume writers assist with customizing resume content for each individual job, highlighting the right qualifications, and including keywords and other elements to make it past automated applicant tracking systems that companies use to scan and filter resumes. Resume writers sometimes offer complementary job-search services like updating LinkedIn bios and mock interviewing.
How much does a resume writing service cost?
Resume writing services can vary substantially when it comes to price. You might pay as little as
$50 for basic edits and proofreading and up to $1,000 or more for a comprehensive, industry-specific resume revamp.
Benefits of using a professional resume writer
Expertise
A professional resume writer knows what hiring managers are looking for and can help you create a document that reflects those expectations. If you haven’t job searched in a while, they can make sure you’re adhering to current best practices and aren’t following any outdated advice. A resume writer with experience in your specific industry may have inside knowledge of the best keywords to use and skills to feature to ensure your resume gets noticed.
Positioning
Customizing your resume for each job you apply to is a basic principle of job searching success. A resume writer makes your resume as appealing as possible for the job you want, demonstrating that you meet all the qualifications and can perform the required duties. This is one of the toughest parts of resume writing for the everyday job applicant, so having a pro tackle it can take a lot of work off your plate.
Objectivity
Writing about yourself is difficult and even more challenging to say how great you are without under- or over-selling your capabilities. A third-party resume writer can take emotion out of the process, showcasing your skills in a positive and accurate way.
Speed
A professional resume writer will deliver your completed document on a deadline. This can be helpful if you struggle with procrastination or need to find a new job quickly.
Polish
Maybe you’ve got the basics of your resume content down but need another set of eyes to give it that extra level of refinement. A professional writer can ensure that your resume is free from spelling and grammatical errors that can get you disqualified while laying out the information in a clean, easily digestible format.
Related: Proofreading Techniques to Ensure an Error-Free Resume
Downsides of using a professional resume writer
Cost
If you’re already out of a job, money might be tight. It can be a tough decision to shell out for a resume service that may or may not help you get hired faster. Consider whether a trusted friend or mentor can assist with your resume preparation.
Credibility
In order to ensure your investment is well spent, you’ll need to search for and vet a credible writer, which takes time. Unfortunately, there are people who bill themselves as resume writers who lack credentials and are only out to make a buck or who prey upon people in the stressful situation of being out of a job.
Lack of personal touch
While a professional writer can take your resume to the next level, one thing they can’t do is replicate your unique voice. A professionally written resume may feel that way–professional but lacking the personal element that can set great candidates apart.
Who should hire a resume writer?
You may be a good candidate for working with a resume writer if you:
- Are applying for jobs that use an ATS (applicant tracking system) to screen candidates
- Are applying for a middle- or upper-management position where showcasing your accomplishments is key
- Are having trouble describing your qualifications or demonstrating your results
- Have resume gaps, short employment stints, or other red flags that need finesse in positioning
- Have a complex career path that’s hard to explain on a resume (switching fields, returning to the workforce after being a caregiver, etc.)
- You are not a native English speaker
- Struggle to use Microsoft Word to format documents
Who should NOT hire a resume writer?
You might want to reconsider working with a resume writer if you:
- Are applying for an internal position
- Are applying for a job where someone personally referred you
- Are in a creative field like art or design where your portfolio will be given priority
- Are a recent college grad, in which case you should take the time to create your first draft and pay only for editing, if anything
Tips for hiring a professional resume writer
1. Ask for referrals
Using a writer in your network or someone who was recommended by a friend is ideal. This will ensure you’re working with a trustworthy professional who won’t waste your time or money.
Our recommendation for a professional resume writing service is BeamJobs!
2. Do your homework
If you’re hiring a resume writer off an online platform, conduct some screening to verify their experience and results. Browse their online portfolio, read resume writing samples, and check out reviews from previous clients. Ask if they can provide references for those who have gotten results from working with them. Look for certified resume writers; CPRW, ACRW, and NCRW are a few of the top industry credentials that recognize resume writers who meet certain standards.
3. Look for specialization
There are some types of jobs where a resume writer with specific experience can really make a difference. Government jobs and executive-level positions are two such examples. If you’re in a specialized field or looking for a niche role, you’ll definitely want to work with a resume writer who has prior experience in this area.
4. Know what you’re paying for
Get a precise quote before you commit to working with anyone. Know the exact amount you’ll be charged and what that fee will get you. For example, does it include a conversation with the writer to discuss your needs? What about if edits are required–are those included in the price, or do they cost extra? A credible resume writer should be able to clearly articulate the deliverables you’ll receive and how much you’ll pay.
5. Discuss your goals
A good resume writer will ask questions to understand what jobs you’re applying for and what you want to do in this next career phase. This information will help them optimize your resume, and it’s important that you’re on the same page.
6. Set a deadline
Before you exchange any money, agree upon a delivery date for the first draft of your document and any follow-up revisions if they’re needed.
7. Use what you learn
Once you have received the completed draft of your resume, compare it against the rough draft you provided to see what edits they made. Or, if the writer created your resume from scratch, peruse it carefully to see how they organized your information and positioned your accomplishments. This intel can assist you in writing future versions of your resume so you don’t have to pay someone each time you need an update.
8. Consider alternatives
If you’ve decided that you need help with your resume but aren’t ready to commit to the time and expense of working with a professional writer, consider options that are easier on your wallet. Thankfully, many low- and no-cost alternatives exist, including:
- Our resume library, which features a range of templates and instructional materials by format and experience level
- Your school’s career center or counselor, if you’re a student
- Online forums where users offer free resume advice. R/resumes on Reddit is one such resource
- YouTube videos from career experts
- Having a friend who’s a strong writer look over your resume and make suggestions
- Community career events, which often offer free resume reviews
- Paying for a review of your resume rather than having it completely written by a pro which can save you a considerable amount of money
Your resume is no doubt an important aspect of your career to invest in. Whether you take the time to fine-tune it yourself or decide to hire an expert to help, perfecting your resume can help you get noticed as a candidate and land a job that will move you closer to your professional goals.
