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

It doesn’t matter if you’re a high school kid looking for your first job, a recent graduate readying to begin your career, or a workplace warrior nearing your retirement; writing a resume is no easy task.

It is a single page. One single sheet of paper that stands between you and an interview. Making the right first impression through this seemingly simple document is crucial.

The truth is, your resume isn’t simple at all. Sure it is just a chronological compilation of your work history, but it is so much more than that too.

The words need to be chosen right, and the perfect keywords need to be added. It needs to be formatted properly, and it needs to contain information that catches the eye of the hiring manager.

Despite how complicated it can get, 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.

Typically hired through a resume writing service, resume writers are a commonly used tool for job seekers.

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.

For many, hiring someone to write their resume for them is a no-brainer. They may be struggling to write an interview-worthy resume. They could be desperate for their next opportunity or find that their job search is dragging on longer than expected.

Whatever their reason, they choose to work with a professional resume writer. So, the question is: is it worth it?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

6. 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.

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

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

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.