Before You Invest in a Professional Resume Writer Dig this:

When it comes to writing your resume, there is no shortage of advice. But with so many opinions out there, it can be tough to know who to listen to. So, should you hire a professional resume writer?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The decision of whether or not to hire a professional depends on a number of factors, including your budget, the amount of time you have to devote to the project, and your level of comfort and skill with writing about yourself.

(Full disclosure: I no not write resumes for my clients in most cases. I offer this service as part of career coaching services and work closely with a number of professional resume writers I trust in order to get the most experience we can in that field or business area working for my clients.  I usually use resume writers who also update LinkedIn profiles and can help with your overall brand. You can learn more about how we work together by setting up a free coaching call.)

Are you getting interviews?

If you’re not getting interviews, it might be time to consider hiring a professional. A resume writer can help you create a document that highlights your strengths and accomplishments, and that is tailored to the specific types of jobs you’re interested in. She can also help you refresh your LinkedIn profile in most cases and this may be enough to get you interviews.

Are you getting interviews but not getting offers?

If you’re getting interviews, but not moving forward in the process your resume may be fine and your interview game may need work. A professional career coach with a coaching package that includes interview preparation may be the best choice for you in this case. If budget is a concern you may be able to find some resources to help or you can use friends and family to practice interviewing.

Note: This is one area where I would recommend using a career coach who has been in the HR/Recruiting function and knows how Job Descriptions work, how interviews are used to screen candidates, and who can help you with your delivery and presence. A limited, specific, engagement like this may be more affordable than you think and the return on the investment can be a new job, a raise, and greater self-awareness. I am not sure what that is worth to you, it was very valuable to me.

Are you comfortable (skilled at) writing about yourself?

For some people, self-promotion doesn’t come naturally. If you find it difficult to write about your own skills and experience, a professional resume writer can be a big help. A good resume writer will draw out your most marketable attributes and present them in a way that is easy for potential employers to understand. Check out Indeed.com for some excellent resources (I used to work there and refer them because they are great resources and not because I receive commissions.)

Do you have the time to devote to the project?

Creating a strong resume that attracts the right interest takes time and effort. If you’re already working full-time or taking care of a family, you might not have the hours required to give your resume the attention it deserves. In this case, it can be worth paying for professional help. These are hours you may be able to invest in research, applying to jobs, networking, etc. Take your job search seriously and delegate what you can when it makes sense.

What’s your budget?

If money is no object, then hiring a professional resume writer is probably a good idea. But if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider other options. There are plenty of free resources out there that can help you create a great resume, including templates, tips, and advice from job search experts.

Professional resume writing costs can range from $100 to $800, or more, depending on the level of service and expertise that you will get. When I offer this in a career coaching package to a client it is usually in the $600 range and includes a LinkedIn profile refresh and checklist of updates to make.  (I do not earn much on that and prefer to keep the service level high for my clients and keep my professional network strong.) 

I am ready to hire a professional resume writer!

If you decide that hiring a professional is the right choice for you, the next step is finding the right writer. There are a few things you should keep in mind when making this decision. First, look for someone with experience in your industry. They will be able to help you highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the jobs you’re interested in.

Second, ask for samples of their work. Ask for samples of the LinkedIn profiles they have improved, as well, as in many industries this is where you will get your first look.This will give you a good sense of their writing style and whether or not they are a good fit for you. Finally, make sure you understand the cost involved before making a commitment.

While there is no guarantee that hiring a professional resume writer will land you the job of your dreams, it can be a helpful investment if done correctly. Take the time to do your research and find a writer who is a good fit for you, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.

If you have the time and energy to devote to the project, and you’re comfortable writing about yourself, you might not need professional help. But if you’re struggling to create a strong resume, or you’re simply too busy to do it yourself, a professional resume writer can be a worthwhile investment.

Life’s work coach – find your purpose and love your life’s work!