Using a Resume Writing Service: What You Need to Know
Your resume is one of the most important tools in your job search toolbox. It’s often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it needs to highlight your qualifications and experiences in the best possible light. Crafting an effective resume can be challenging. The good news is resume writing services are available to help take the stress out of writing and optimizing your resume. This article will provide an in-depth look at using resume writing services to improve your job prospects.
What is a Resume Writing Service?
A resume writing service is a company or freelance professional that assists individuals with writing, editing and optimizing their resumes for a fee. Resume writers have expertise in analyzing applicants’ backgrounds and experiences to determine the most relevant and compelling way to present their qualifications to potential employers. They are skilled at employing wording, layout and design strategies that will capture hiring managers’ attention and make candidates more attractive.
Many services offer packages depending on a client’s needs, such as basic editing of an existing resume versus writing one from scratch. Prices can range from $100-$500 depending on the level of customization and additional services included like cover letter writing or consulting. Some national brands may charge more than independent freelancers. But in general, clients can expect to pay $200-400 for a professional resume package.
Benefits of Using a Resume Writing Service
There are several advantages to investing in resume writing assistance:
Objective Assessment – Writers can provide an unbiased outside perspective on a resume, skills and background that clients may overlook themselves due to over-familiarity. They identify selling points and marketable experiences.
Expertise – Professional resume writers have expertise in current standards, formats and best practices for optimizing documents for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). They understand what catches recruiters’ eyes.
Targeted Resumes – Services tailor each resume specifically for the job description and company culture of targeted roles to increase relevance. Generic resumes are less effective.
Keyword Optimization – Keywords from job listings are included strategically throughout resumes so they are found in applicant searches. This improves chances of getting through filtering software.
Attention-Grabbing Design – Professional layout, formatting and use of visual elements makes resumes aesthetically pleasing and easier for readers to process information.
Error-Free Documents – Writers proofread for typos, inconsistencies and other errors that could create a poor impression if missed. Formatting stays consistent.
Cover Letter Assistance – Many services include customized, well-written cover letters to accompany targeted resumes.
Ongoing Support – Clients can get help refining and tweaking documents as needed during their job search at no additional cost.
How to Choose the Right Resume Writing Service
With so many options online, choosing the right professional can feel overwhelming. Consider the following factors when selecting a resume service:
Referrals – Ask trusted sources like career centers, recruiters or alumni networks for referrals of quality writers they’ve worked with successfully.
Experience – Look for services and individual writers who have 5+ years in the career coaching/resume writing field minimum. More experience equals honed skills.
Portfolio – Review sample resumes the service has created to assess writing style and competence rewriting different career backgrounds.
Reviews – Check review sites and social proof like testimonials. Beware of services with many complaints.
Specialization – Some focus specifically on certain industries like technology, healthcare, or non-profits. Consider one specialized in your field.
Turnaround Time – Standard is 1-2 weeks. Faster options cost more but suit urgent job searches.
Communication – Choose a service readily available via phone/email so you can provide feedback and ask questions.
Price – Entry-level basic services start around $100 while full packages run $300-500. Compare value for cost.
Guarantees – Look for money-back guarantees if unsatisfied and warranties for updating periodically.
By thoughtfully choosing with these factors in mind, you select a resume service committed to your individualized success. An interview is also wise to assess chemistry before committing.
Tips for Working with a Writing Service
To get the most value, clients should:
Provide detailed background info – The more thorough information shared on skills, accomplishments, work history and goals, the better a writer can represent you effectively.
Be available for consultation – Schedule time for discussion and feedback so the writer fully understands what experience to highlight based on roles pursued.
Respect turnaround times – Rushing a writer may compromise quality. Allow adequate lead time factored into job search timelines.
Proofread thoroughly – Have a fresh set of eyes review the final product for errors or impressions before submitting anywhere.
Communicate openly – Inform the writer of any changes in job targets or additional needs so the documents stay optimized throughout use.
Follow provided advice – Trust the expertise of your writer when they recommend changes to packaging or how you present yourself further.
Leave positive reviews – Honest feedback helps both the service and future clients. Consider testimonials too for social proof.
Professional resume assistance takes the stress out of self-promotion and results in more competitive applications. With the right selection process and cooperation from clients, resume writing services deliver customized documents to effectively market qualifications. That extra support can be the difference between interviews gained versus missed opportunities.
Andrew Stroud