How to Hire a Professional Resume Writer

A professional resume writer will take the time to understand your background, experience and goals in order to write a customized resume that gets you hired. A professionally written resume can help you overcome the stumbling blocks that can derail your job search and put you on the right track to finding your dream career.

There are many ways to become a professional resume writer, including obtaining a writing or business degree and gaining a professional certification. These credentials demonstrate that a professional resume writer has completed a rigorous process to show their expertise in the field of resume writing and business writing, grammar and punctuation, spelling, and electronic resume preparation.

Invest in a professional writing certification

You can earn a professional writing credential by taking an accredited program that offers coursework in resume strategy, business writing, grammar and punctuation, and electronic resume preparation. This will ensure that you stay up to date on the latest resume trends and best practices.

Identify a company that fits your budget

Costs to hire a professional resume writer can vary, but they typically range from around $100 for an entry-level resume to a few thousand dollars for a specialized resume. You can also find companies that offer packages that include cover and thank-you letters, LinkedIn profile development, and other services for an additional fee.

Check out their samples and testimonials to see if they're a good fit for you. It's especially important to find a writer you feel comfortable with, Hundley says. Look for someone who is a good listener and who can incorporate some humor into the process.

Ask the writer about their resume strategy and how they create their strategic marketing documents that resonate with recruiters. It's critical for a writer to have extensive recruiting experience because they need to know what recruiters are looking for and how to convey it in a way that will attract their attention.

The best resume writers are certified by a national organization, such as the Nationally Certified Resume Writers Association (NCRW). These professionals have taken an extensive and comprehensive process that demonstrates their commitment, knowledge, and expertise in the field of resume writing and business resumes.

A good place to start your research is by reviewing online reviews and testimonials from past clients. This will give you a sense of whether or not the writer is a good fit for you, and will help you determine if they are worth your money.

Do they have a reputation for delivering on their promises?

You can learn a lot about a writer's work ethic and quality of service by looking at their client feedback. If they have many satisfied clients, then they should be able to produce high-quality resumes that will get you hired.

Make sure to read through all of their samples, especially if they are in 'before' and 'after' format. The best companies will display these on their websites and let you request a sample to review before you decide to hire them.