Using A Resume Writing Service: Is Hiring A Resume Writer Worth It?

When writing a resume most people will choose the do-it-yourself route when preparing their resume. Some choose to get a little help via a resume builder, which can make the process a little easier. Others will hire a resume writer to polish and shine their resume until it is exactly what the recruiters and hiring managers are looking for.

Today’s job market is highly competitive, and without a stand-out professional resume, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see the inside of an interview room. Hiring managers know how to determine if a resume is worth a closer look pretty quickly. And, there are Applicant Tracking Systems to help them narrow it down from the start.

If you are considering using a resume writer to help with your resume we will go over what exactly they do, the benefits and downsides of using one, as well as how to choose one.

Key Takeaways:

• Using a resume writer means you are using someone who has inside knowledge of hiring practices and someone who has professional writing experience to make your resume better.

• The downside to using a resume writer is can be pricey and you may get someone who doesn’t know your industry very well.

• When choosing your resume writer you should consider:

  • What your needs are

  • Your budget

  • What your timeline is

  • Who your resume writer will be

What Does a Resume Writer Do?

In the simplest terms, a resume writer helps job seekers to prepare a professional, well-formatted resume by determining the best way to present their work history, accomplishments, and skills.

These aren’t just random professionals. Resume writers are educated people who are typically certified in resume writing. They usually have experience in a specific industry or field as well as the writing skills necessary to craft excellent resumes.

Your resume is essentially a marketing tool. Companies hire marketing departments because they are experts in all things marketing. Resume writers know how to craft compelling copy and format it in a way that appeals to employers.

The process will differ from writer to writer or service to service. But, most resume writers will want to see your existing resume to start. They will also want to know more about you, your accomplishments, your work history, and your goals. This will be gathered via conversations with the writer, questionnaires, or worksheets, or some combination of those options.

Benefits of a Resume Writer

Having a resume writer work with you to build your best resume will usually lead to an increase in interview requests. Remember that you want to work with a good, qualified resume writer. Using a subpar service or unqualified writer will leave you in the exact same position you’re already in — though with emptier pockets.

1. Inside knowledge of hiring practices. Professional resume writers will know what questions to ask and how to present the information in the best way. They know how to guide you through the process and provide you with tips and helpful information that templates simply won’t have.

   Their goal is to get you hired. So, they are committed to creating a hire-worthy resume that gets you the results you’re looking for.

   If you choose the right resume writer or service, you will be working with an expert in your industry or field who knows what keywords work best, what information to include, and how to appeal to the employers you want to work with.

2. Professional writing experience. Resume writers are usually experts in writing. They can help improve your own writing and help create unique working and phrases. They also do this for a living so they know which keywords to use and when to use it.

   Resume writers often know which type of formats are best and which catch a hiring managers attention. They are able to help yours stand out from the crowd.

3. Minimal stress. Writing a resume can be stressful. Especially if you haven’t had any luck with your getting noticed. Using a resume writer relieves that stress. They will do the hard and complex work and present you the finished product. All you have to worry about is sending it to the hiring managers.

4. Learning opportunities. After using a resume writer, you can use what you’ve learned to help create any future resumes. All you have to do is use theirs as a template and update any information or add any keywords for specific jobs.

Downsides to Hiring a Resume Writer

Even the best plans have some pitfalls. Hiring a resume writer is not all cupcakes and rainbows. There are certainly some downsides to this option.

1. Formatting issues. Sure they don’t use the same cookie-cutter templates everyone else is using. But, they may be using a design that won’t trigger the Applicant Tracking System the employer is using. If the ATS isn’t triggered, then the hiring managers and recruiters will never see your resume.

   Applicant Tracking Systems are the gatekeepers. You need to pass their inspection before moving on to the next stage. If your resume writer is not prepared for the needs of these systems, then they are doing you a disservice.

   Pay attention to the formatting and design of any sample resumes they provide. If they are too fancy, too cluttered, or not well organized, then the ATS will not pick them up properly.

2. They may not know the industry. If you’re working on choosing the right resume writer, then they should have industry expertise. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, especially if you work in a niche market or an emerging market.

   If the resume writer you are hiring does not have the expertise in the industry or position that you are applying for, it leaves them lacking the knowledge you need to build an eye-catching resume that screams “hire me” to the right people.

3. It can be pricey. Then, of course, there is the cost. Resume writing services are expensive. Costs can range from $200 to $2000 or more. If you are looking for an executive resume, the range is more like $300 to $3000.

   Keep in mind, though, that you get what you pay for. The lower end of that price range will not produce high-quality work and will likely involve more electronic communications and questionnaires than actual one-on-one time with the resume writer.

4. It may take longer than expected. You’re paying a lot of money so you may think it’s going to come right away, but that’s not always the case. Most resume writers take about a week, sometimes longer, to get your resume back.

   Using a resume writer means you are getting a higher quality resume, but that means waiting. If you have a deadline for when your resume is due, make sure to get it to the writer with enough time to spare.

Choosing a Resume Writer

Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as a quick google search. Choosing the resume writer or resume writing service you want to work with will take some time.

Choosing wrong will only leave you wasting time and money. If you are not going to put in the effort to find the right person for you, then you may as well save your money and attempt to do it all on your own.

When choosing a resume writer:

1. Know your needs. Before you start this process, you should know your goals, your timeline, and your budget.

2. Do your homework. Before choosing a resume writing service, you need to do your research and dig a little deeper. Not all resume writers are created equal.

   If you are shelling out the cash to hire a resume writer, you want them to be certified. Many will claim to have the certifications, but make sure you are verifying that information. Unfortunately, as we all know by now, not everything you read on the internet is true.

   In addition to that certification, you want to be sure that they are the right fit for your needs. So, review their background, their education, their qualifications (as they suit your needs), and their credentials too.

3. Choose an expert. You want the resume writer you choose to have experience in the industry or field you are applying to. Even better, they should have knowledge and experience in the particular role you are applying for.

   This experience and knowledge give you the upper hand. They will be intimately familiar with the keywords, formatting, achievements, etc., that will best appeal to the employers in your field.

4. Understand their services. Their credentials, certifications, and background are certainly important. You also want to be aware of what exactly they are offering you.

   • Pay attention to the review process. If you don’t have the option to review it and request changes, then you might want to skip them.

   • You should be speaking directly with the resume writer for an extended period of time to give them an idea of what should be included before you set them off to put it together in a pretty package. There may be some questionnaires or forms as well, but you should have direct interaction with the writer themselves.

   • They should have a deep understanding of how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) work, not just the wordsmithing skills to write up a pretty resume. Their designs should be ATS friendly and include the keywords that this particular employer will be looking for.

     The resume designs should be clean and organized. If they are too fancy or too colorful, or too overcrowded, the Applicant Tracking Systems won’t read them well, and they’ll be skipped, never making it to the hiring manager’s shortlist.

5. Check their testimonials. The resume writer should have plenty of positive reviews and testimonials from their happy customers. You can also check their LinkedIn profiles to see if anyone endorsed their resume writing skills in the Skills section.

Who Do Resume Writing Services Help?

Honestly? Everyone. They can help job seekers in any stage of their career or job search. But, there are certain situations where job seekers may be more inclined to using resume writing services.

It may be more difficult to write your own resume if:

• You are a recent graduate with limited job experience

• You are making a career change

• You have a large gap, or gaps, in your work history

• You have a series of jobs, or gigs, that don’t fit into one industry or field

• You are switching from freelance or contract work to a full-time position

• You are applying for positions in a niche market; or, alternatively, you are currently working in a niche market and are seeking positions outside of that market

• You are not a strong writer, or you are severely limited on time availability

• Your job search has gone on for much longer than expected

• You have a lot of relevant experience and aren’t sure how to format or narrow down the information

Tips for Hiring a Resume Writer

• Evaluate your budget. Since resume writers can be pricey, make sure you have it in your budget before hiring one. You don’t want to spend all your money on a resume writer if you need it for something else. Especially if you are out of work and are having a hard time finding something.

• Consider if your resume needs it. If you aren’t having any luck getting any interviews, try changing your format or adding new keywords. That might be all you need for your resume to get noticed. If you still aren’t having any luck, then it might be time to look for a resume writer.

• Consider your timeline. If you need a resume by tomorrow, then it may not be the best choice to go with a resume writer. It can take a week, sometimes longer for you to get your resume back. Make sure you have enough time before hiring a writer.

• Pay attention to red flags. If the prices seem extreme or they are making guarantees they can’t possibly back up; they may not be the right choice for you.

• Don’t settle. Contact a few resume writers until you find the one that is right for you.

Final Thoughts

So, Is it worth hiring a Resume Writer? For the most part, yes. So long as you are hiring a competent, professional resume writer who has experience in your field, hiring a resume writer can help you get a leg up on the competition. And, these days, competition is fierce.

Yes, these services can certainly be expensive. And, if you’re looking for your next job, money may be tight. But, if you are really in need of professional assistance, then you should seek it. Consider it an investment in your career and your future.

Author

Samantha Goddiess

Samantha is a lifelong writer who has been writing professionally for the last six years. After graduating with honors from Greensboro College with a degree in English & Communications, she went on to find work as an in-house copywriter for several companies including Costume Supercenter, and Blueprint Education.