As a resume writer, you can help clients gain successful employment by crafting a resume that stands out from the crowd. By using persuasive words, creative phrases, and formatting you can create a powerful image that sells your candidate to an employer.
There’s not a college degree specifically for resume writers, but English, journalism, communications, and human resource degrees tend to offer the necessary skills that are needed for this career, which are, strong written communication skills and the ability to write persuasively. Sometimes your work experience may be enough to give you the necessary proficiency for this career.
If you don’t have a college degree or related work experience, but you’re an excellent writer, there are many online courses and certification programs that can get you up to speed.
- Resume Writer Job Description
- Find The Best Resume Writing Jobs
- How Much do Freelance Resume Writers Make?
- Can You Get Paid to Make Resumes?
- How to Make Money From Home With Resume Writing
- 6 Steps to Build a 6 Figure Business as a Resume Writer
- Top Resume Writing Jobs
- Get Paid $28/hr to Write Resumes Online
- How to Vet Top Career Coach And Professional Resume Writer Lists
- 4 Ways Job Seekers Can Avoid Scams When Hiring a Resume Writer or Career Coach
- Resume Writer Jobs For Students
- Online Resume Work From Home
- How to Become a Resume Writer
- What Qualifications do I Need to be a Resume Writer?
- Is Resume Writing a Profitable Business?
- Do You Need a Certification to be a Resume Writer?
- How Much Should I Charge to do a Resume?
- How do I Sell my Resume Writing Services?
Resume Writer Job Description
Resume writers prepare resumes, or summaries of the qualifications of an applicant who is searching for a job. Resume writers are aware that potential employers may only look briefly at a resume. Therefore, they prepare an applicant’s resume so that it makes a favorable impression quickly. Resume writers make sure that the resume presents the applicant’s qualifications, job history, and experience in a clear and readable format.
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Resume writers research the best design to catch a potential employer’s attention. They can set up the applicant’s work experience on paper in a variety of ways. They can suggest different methods for printing resumes. Resume writers also know the correct words to use when listing the applicant’s qualifications, skills, education, and job history.
Many resume writers specialize in writing resumes for one type of applicant. For example, some writers prepare resumes only for executives or only for applicants to a specific industry. These writers may use specific wording in the applicant’s resume ensuring that it appeals to potential employers from that industry.
Resume writers may be employed by companies that provide this service, or they may work on a freelance basis out of their homes. Many resume writers use word processing or desktop publishing software programs to prepare the resumes. The writer can use these programs to produce a high-quality, professional-looking document that is very readable.
Find The Best Resume Writing Jobs
Keep in mind that, as you gain more experience as a resume writer, you can start applying for sites that specialize in resume writing services.
For now, check out these places to find resume writing jobs when you’re just starting out.
1 PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is an online platform that gives businesses access to freelance workers. As a resume writer, you simply sign up, create your profile, and send bids and proposals to potential clients.
Like Fiverr, PeoplePerHour allows you to receieve reviews for your work.
This way, you can develop and grow your skills while collecting feedback and testimonials.
2 WriteZillas
WriteZillas is a site for freelance writers that allows you to browse available gigs and choose the jobs you want to apply to – which includes plenty of resume writing jobs.
Their only requirements are that you have excellent writing skills, access to a computer and the ability to meet deadlines.
3 Fiverr
When you are just starting out as a resume writer, I would suggest getting your feet wet on Fiverr! No, you’re not going to make lots of money on Fiverr, but it’s a great way to get your foot in the door and gain some experience.
On Fiverr, you simply list your resume writing service, or “gig”, and price and wait for clients to place orders.
Plus, the more positive reviews you get, the more your services will be promoted by Fiverr and the more exposure you’ll get – along with amazing testimonials!
4 WriterBay
If you have a Bachelor’s degree in any field, you can find resume writing jobs on WriterBay. They offer a flexible work schedule with full-time and part-time hours.
Other than having a Bachelor’s degree, all you need is to do is pass their grammar and formatting styles tests and write a sample essay for your application.
5 Upwork
Another low-pay “foot-in-the-door” option is finding resume writing jobs on Upwork. Upwork does a great job matching writers with clients but, like Fiverr, you can’t expect to make a whole lot of money.
As a means of getting some experience behind your resume writing service, you can easily find jobs on Upwork.
How Much do Freelance Resume Writers Make?
Just like any freelance writing service, the rate of pay can vary. When it comes to writing resumes for money, it all depends on the complexity of the resume.
For instance, someone who is looking to land a retail job may pay $50-$70 for a well-written resume while someone else may pay hundreds of dollars if they’re trying to get into a Fortune 500 company.
Resumes for entry-level positions tend to fall on the lower end of the payscale but executives resumes can put a lot more in your pocket.
However, according to Glassdoor, a resume writer can earn around $57,000/year.
How much you make will also depend upon your experience and skills.
As a beginner, you may want to stick to those entry-level resumes – writing them will help you build up some experience as well as earn some positive testimonials from clients who experienced success because of your service.
As you gain experience and proof that you have what it takes to help people land jobs, you can start moving up in price and complexity of the resume.
However, even as you are starting out, you can leverage your resume writing service and increase your rates by offering a quick turnaround on your service. Some clients may be willing to pay top dollar to have their resume written that same day!
Can You Get Paid to Make Resumes?
Writing a standard resume for somebody who wants to land a job at a retail store might pay between $50 and $75 per resume. A resume to land an executive job at a Fortune 500 company might pay between $200 and $300 per resume. In a year, it’s possible to earn around $58,000 just for writing resumes. In addition to writing resumes, you can also offer ancillary services like writing cover letters, proofreading, and job research.
Finding resume writing jobs shouldn’t be an issue since you can find open positions on nearly all popular job sites. You can register with Elance.com or Freelancer.com, create a profile, and start applying to such jobs. You can also search for recruitment agencies that hire freelance resume writers. You can find such agencies on LinkedIn.com.
How to Make Money From Home With Resume Writing
Like any other home business, you will need to educate yourself on the best business practices, file all of the appropriate paperwork, and get your legal and financial ducks in a row. Once you set up the preliminary business framework, you can start working on the fun parts of your business.
1. Choose a niche
There are many different career niches you can specialize in, such as legal, accounting, sales, tech, insurance, healthcare, and on and on. While some resume writers are generalists and work with anyone, it is much easier and more lucrative to choose a specific niche. Figuring out what niche you want to focus on can be a challenge, but if you mind-map your passions, interests, experience, and knowledge you can narrow it down relatively easy.
Think about it this way. If you were searching online for a Resume Writer and you’re applying for medical positions, wouldn’t you want someone who specializes in this area and knows the correct jargon for this industry?!
2. Build a website
To be competitive as a Resume Writer, you need to have a website. Having this online presence will help you attract more clients, it gives you a place to showcase your work, list your services and testimonials, and it makes you look more professional.
Does setting up a website make you nervous? Don’t be. With advances in technology creating your own website is easier and more affordable than ever before.
3. Market your business
There are tons of ways to promote your resume writing business; the thing you need to remember is consistency is key. Choose two to three methods that you think you’ll enjoy doing and spend time each day working on those methods.
Not sure of your options? Here are just some of the ways you can market your business:
- Social media
- Cold calling
- In-person networking
- Blogging
- Lead generation
- LinkedIn groups
- Public speaking
- Print advertising
- Forum participation
Now that you’ve got your website in place and you’re actively marketing your business, it’s time to connect with potential clients. Some experts believe you should follow up with five to ten new prospects a day until you have a constant flow of clients in your pipeline.
4. Invest in your resume writing business
As your cash flow builds, you’ll want to reinvest some of it into professional development. Luckily, they are events, conferences, webinars, teleconferences, online courses, books, membership sites, mastermind groups, and coaching sessions – there is something to fit every budget and every niche. By investing in yourself and your business, you gain the knowledge, information, and skills to make your resume writing business a success.
6 Steps to Build a 6 Figure Business as a Resume Writer
If you are skilled in human relations, writing, career guidance, or a related field, then you might already have the skills necessary to start a resume writing business. If you want to create a resume writing business, it’s important to know the best ways to help your new business succeed. Here are some steps you can take to start a resume writing business.
1. Choose your type of business
There are several business models you can choose to follow when starting a resume writing business. You can decide if you would like to:
- Work as a freelancer. Most people interested in starting a resume writing business decide to begin as freelancers. Also called sole proprietorship, the freelance model allows you to keep full control over your business. You can choose to search for resume writing jobs on your own, have a third-party agency help match you with potential jobs or both. Freelancing is the most common choice among new resume writing businesses because it is a low-risk way to test your company’s viability.
- Apply for a business license. You might decide that another business type, such as an LLC or a corporation, suits the needs of your resume writing business better. Looking into these and other business licenses is important if you want to go into business with a partner, hire employees, keep your personal assets separate from your business ones and other factors.
- Purchase a franchise. There are numerous established resume writing businesses out there, many of which are franchises. Buying a franchise is less risky than starting your own business, as the franchise model already has a record of success. However, with the lessened business risk comes less control over your business operations.
2. Figure out starting costs and service pricing
Create a preliminary cost analysis for your startup resume writing business. Knowing your initial startup costs, as well as projected costs for the immediate future, helps you figure out how to price your services. Individual costs will vary depending on your business model and license, but here are some things you may include in your budget:
- Monthly internet services
- A reliable computer, word processing software, desk and related office equipment, if you do not already have these
- Monthly office lease, if you choose to conduct at least some of your business in person
- Resume writing certification and other professional development tools
- Website creation and hosting services
3. Handle the logistics
Depending on where you live and what type of resume writing business you want to start, you may need to apply for a business license. Some business licenses require that you register your business for taxes and open a separate business bank account.
If you create your own resume writing business, look into intellectual property protection. This can help protect you if another business tries to copy your logo design, for instance.
If you decide to operate your business from outside your home, research available office spaces and apply for the permits needed for your particular business type and location.
4. Create a portfolio
Most consumers prefer to hire writers with a proven body of work. If you have already written several resumes for others and you have their permission, you can feature those resumes in your paper or digital portfolio. If you have not written any resumes for others, consider creating sample resumes for fake individuals so that prospective customers can see your writing abilities. You could also offer discounted rates to friends and family in exchange for permission to share their resumes in your portfolio.
5. Market your new business
Once you have your new resume writing business set up, it’s time to attract clients.
One of the best ways for a new resume writer to gain customers is by joining a professional organization. This adds you to a database of professional resume writers and increases public awareness of your resume writing business.
Depending on the needs of your particular business, you may want to use other marketing strategies too, such as:
- Creating a website
- Putting together a digital portfolio
- Advertising through social media
- Starting a blog about resume advice and related topics
- Using print advertising methods such as flyers
- Joining local networks
6. Focus on professional development
Professional development is an important business component for all resume writing businesses, even established ones. As the job market, certain industry expectations and related fields continually change, professional resume writers must remain informed and keep educating themselves.
For new resume writers, a good first step is to get certification from a reputable organization, such as Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. Certification helps lend your resume writing business credibility.
There are other ways for both new and established resume writing businesses to further their professional development, too. Resume writers may consider attending conferences, take continuing education classes and networking with other resume and career professionals.
Top Resume Writing Jobs
Looking for a job can be stressful, and finding ways to stand out from other job-seekers is often difficult. Writing a quality resume is challenging, time-consuming, and requires a lot of effort. Instead of stressing out, one option is to have a professional do it for you.
We reviewed nearly a dozen professional resume writing services based on their pricing, customer service, turnaround times, and—most importantly—the quality of their work product. Here are our top picks.
1. Talent Inc.
Talent Inc. specializes in offering resume writing, along with cover letters, to working professionals. They offer flexible schedules, writing tools and direct access to clients.
They do prefer that writers have at least three years of experience writing resumes but this isn’t a hard and fast requirement.
As long as you have the skills, you should send in an application.
Pro Tip: Experience in job recruitment or career counseling is a definite plus – no matter where you apply!
2. Resume Writing Lab
Resume Writing Lab is a resume writing and editing company that also offers cover letters and LinkedIn profiles to their clients. They facilitate contact between their writers and the clients.
While they have very high standards when it comes to their writers, the requirements simply involve having excellent writing, customer service and organizational skills.
3. StandOut CV
StandOut CV is another online resume writing service that is always on the lookout for resume writers. If you don’t have resume writing experience, they also value recruitment or HR experience as well.
According to their site, they offer good rates and flexible working hours as well as training for all new writers.
4. Let’s Eat, Grandma
Let’s Eat, Grandma, (LEG) was founded by brothers Chris and Matt Villanueva in 2014. The Villanuevas realized that job searching can be one of the most stressful times of a person’s life and sought to help candidates in their search. The company provides career advice as well as resume writing services for active job-seekers.
One of the nice things about LEG’s resume writing service is that it includes a cover letter for its Starter Package for $399. Its Accelerated Package runs for $509 and includes everything in the Starter Package plus a LinkedIn profile review, and a cold email guide. And, if you want the Premium Package, it also includes all features of lower packages, plus a second version of your resume or cover letter, a LinkedIn rewrite, all for $649.
5. Monster.com
Monster.com is a site where job seekers visit to apply for jobs and employers post jobs. It was founded by Jeff Taylor in 1994. In 2016, Monster was bought by Randstad Holding, a Netherlands-based human resources (HR) consulting giant.
In addition to its vast database of current job opportunities, Monster offers a resume writing service with three plans. Under the Basic Plan, you’ll receive a customized resume for $129. If you want a cover letter written for you, the Deluxe plan provides one, in addition to a customized resume, for $169. The third plan, Premier, includes a resume, cover letter, and a LinkedIn profile makeover for $349. And, if you’re not happy with your resume after 60 days, Monster will rewrite it free of charge.
Get Paid $28/hr to Write Resumes Online
If you have or are currently searching for a job, you know the importance of submitting a good resume. You also know how hard it is to write a professional resume that gets you hired.
That’s why a lot of people hire professional resume writers to write or edit theirs.
And that makes resume writing a great side hustle for anyone who has talent in writing resumes.
Resumes writing for money can actually be a great way to make extra cash with the flexibility of being able to work from home and turning it into a full time or part-time gig.
You just need to know how to start your resume writing business and where to find work as a paid resume writer. Below are some suggestions.
- WriterBay
- RiseSmart
- Talent Inc.
- WriteZillas
- Boardroom Resumes
- ResumeYard
- UpWork
- Indeed
- Freelancer.com
- SimplyHired
- Fiverr
How to Vet Top Career Coach And Professional Resume Writer Lists
Here are three things to keep in mind when reading these top lists and choosing a career professional:
1. Look at the article source.
The key factor when reviewing these “Top 10” listicles is the original author of the article. You can immediately discredit the article and the source if the author includes themselves on the list. There is a stark difference between third-party articles by a Fortune 500 company and self-produced articles used for self-promotion.
Moreover, if you see someone marketing that they are on a list, be sure to double-check the original list they claim to be on. As a potential client, you must conduct your due diligence.
2. Research the coach’s client testimonials.
While viewing LinkedIn testimonials is a good start to vetting your coach or resume writer, it is only the first step. Look for verifiable testimonials from former clients who reflect your background and career trajectory.
Furthermore, you must confirm these testimonials are from real clients, rather than coaches simply exchanging testimonials with one another to create a false sense of authority and experience. If the career professional only has testimonials from fellow coaches, think twice before partnering with them on your career development and resume writing project.
Finally, working with a coach one-to-one is much different than participating in a mass online course or following someone on social media. Many coaches deceptively market the success of job seekers they have never coached in a one-to-one capacity. Be sure to clarify if the success stories and testimonials you are reading are from one-to-one clients rather than participants in a free email course or online webinar.
3. Focus on client results.
A lot of career coaches and resumes writers focus on vanity metrics such as content views and social media followers. While sharing valuable thought leadership content that racks up millions of content views and thousands of followers shows a commitment to digital marketing, it doesn’t equate to being an effective coach. As a job seeker, a coach’s views and followers will not land you a job at Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, Netflix, Google or any other top tech company.
Dive deeper with your research. Focus on the metrics that matter. How many clients has the coach worked with? Where have their clients landed jobs? Do the coach’s past clients’ successes match your desired results? These are the questions you must ask as you conduct your research.
4 Ways Job Seekers Can Avoid Scams When Hiring a Resume Writer or Career Coach
You need a job, not another paid resume writing scam. At a time when you have the money to fix up your resume, professionally, the last thing you need is people looking to take advantage of your situation.
Sadly, resume writing scams have been around far too long.
With more and more “resume writers” appearing daily, it has become increasingly important to know how to spot resume scams.
Below, we offer tips on how you can avoid these scams in order to find the very best resume writing companies in existence!
1. Learn to See the Signs
Sign – Too good to be true: There is no doubt that a good resume can generate interest and lead to an interview. Yes, even with online job applications. However, if someone guarantees you, “Our resumes will 4x your interviews every time!” run the other way.
Flip Side: While resume writer satisfaction guarantees are fine, make sure to read the fine print. A company offering to rewrite your resume if you are not receiving interviews in 60-days is perfectly fine. That’s just an outstanding level of customer service.
Sign – Abnormally low or high prices and no explanation: Resume services can range in price from low-ball ($100) to through-the-roof ($3,000). With no guarantee that your paid-for resume will lead to results, you must question why something is either “not expensive” or “way too expensive”. If there are no details explaining the cost, something strange is happening.
Flip Side: It’s true that more often than not a $1,000 resume is going to be more effective than a $100 resume. However, this is not always the case. Make sure to read customer reviews, and learn about your writer’s credentials in order to justify the price you will be paying.
Sign – Lack of human interaction: Think about it. How will anyone be able to create a great resume for you, if they never spoke one word to you? How will they know what your resume should really say if you never even told them the type of job you wanted? Walk the other way if the only thing you get is robots and live-chat consultations.
Flip Side: Many high-quality resume services do not offer in-person visits. That’s perfectly normal. We live in the 21st century. At the very least your writer should be scheduling a phone consultation with you and/or having you fill out a resume worksheet in order to receive the necessary information to write your resume.
2. Interview the Resume Writer
Hey, as mentioned above, this person is about to write your resume that gives details into your next career move. It is a good idea to speak with your writer or a representative of the company. Find out the following:
- What is your experience with writing resumes for people in my industry?
- Can you provide examples of previously written resumes?
- Do you have any reviews from past customers on third-party sites?
- How did you get into the profession of resume writing and how long have you been doing it?
If the person you are talking to is not proud to answer these questions above, this is a sign the paid resume writer has something to hide. It would be a good idea to avoid such a person in order to avoid a potential scam.
3. Contact People With Large Networks or Reputation Websites
One example of a person to contact would be the founder of Find My Profession, Mike Podesto. He has a LinkedIn following of more than 50,000 business professionals who trust his insight on the topic of resumes. There are also resume writers who approach him in order to be featured in a guest blog on his website.
There are also associations like the National Resume Writers’ Association or the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Even though expertise credentials are great to see, it certainly does not make a resume writer perfect just by belonging to a group. Certifications are usually indicators that a person has passed a test or taken some form of training. So, as with advice in #2, it is always better to interview the people you contact.
And if all else fails, go to trusted third party sites like Sitejabber and Trustpilot. DO NOT trust reviews that are posted directly on the company website. These are easily written and added by website owners.
To save you some time, we have compiled a list of the best, honest, non-scammy resume writers in nearly every major city in the U.S.
4. Hire a Hidden Gem and Not a Resume Mill
The hidden gem of a resume writer is always worth much more than the resume mill that produces the same type of product every day. The resume mill-type resume typically outsources their work and uses a generic templated approach.
In today’s world, being unique and something no one has ever seen before matters. Every business wants the next best thing or the person who is on top of business trends. Some resume services put out the same product time and time again, but each person’s career path is his or her own.
You want your resume to be the product of the hidden gem. The fact that you found a hidden gem of a paid resume writer indicates you know the true definition of a professional resume.
In short: If you have the financial means, avoid high-volume resume mills and look for a writer who will take the time to work with you 1-on-1 to custom craft your resume.
Resume Writer Jobs For Beginners
If you are interested in pursuing this career path as a beginner, following several steps can help you increase your chances of becoming a resume writer.
1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree
The first step in working as a resume writer is earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Communications, Journalism or a similar area of study. You need strong writing and editing skills, and business knowledge can also help you learn common terms used in the corporate world.
If your college or university offers courses in human resources, consider taking some of these courses or pursuing a minor in this area of study. Human resources professionals are heavily involved in the hiring process and review resumes of applicants when they come in, so having a background in this area is helpful when you are writing resumes for individuals who want to stand out.
2. Look for internship opportunities
During or after your college experience, look for internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience. You might not be able to work as a resume writing intern, as many resume writers are self-employed individuals, but you can find opportunities to work with HR professionals or hiring managers to review resumes and identify what sets strong resumes apart.
As an intern, you can strengthen your resume writing skills by learning more about what recruiters look for in resumes and being part of the reviewing and hiring process.
3. Gain experience
The best way to get experience is to start writing resumes. Ask your friends and family members if you can craft resumes for them to improve your skills and practice turning an individual’s background and work history into an engaging and appealing summary. You can also look for opportunities to volunteer, such as with organizations that assist with workforce placement and other similar agencies.
4. Attend workshops
Colleges, universities and professional organizations often host workshops that teach people how to craft professional resumes. Attending these workshops can help you gain insights into resume writing and improve your skills. A workshop might cover proper resume formatting, how to include references, the purpose of an objective and other components of a great resume.
5. Get certified
The National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA) and the Professional Association of Resume Writers (PARW) offer certification options for resume writers. Choosing to go through the process to obtain certification can show your commitment to your craft, as well as qualify you to charge more for each resume you write.
The certified resume writer salary average may be higher than the average for a non-certified resume writer because of their proven qualifications.
Obtaining certification usually involves submitting a portfolio of resume and cover letter samples, as well as passing written and practical tests demonstrating the applicant’s knowledge of the industry and resume writing skills. If you become certified through the PARW, you can also choose to be included in the association’s searchable directory, which can help clients find you and request your services.
6. Find clients
Understanding how to become a professional resume writer can help you gain the education and skills needed to apply your skills and craft resumes for job seekers. The final step is finding clients who want to use your services and stand out from other applicants when applying to open positions.
You can look for clients through professional social media and network sites, online classifieds and even your own professional network. Setting up a website that demonstrates your skills and includes details about what you offer is another way to generate business and connect with people who are looking for professional resume writing assistance.
Online Resume Work From Home
If you’re looking for work-from-home opportunities, you need to have a resume that reflects your telecommuting experience. Having a resume that demonstrates your experience with this type of employment lets hiring managers know that you have the skills to excel in a work-from-home position. This can help strengthen your overall candidacy.
When hiring managers review resumes for work-from-home positions, they’re looking for key skills that translate well into the remote workforce. Make sure to tailor your resume to the specific type of job you’re applying for. Since you’re applying for a remote job, it’s also important for your resume to reflect your remote work experience.
Hiring managers want to know that you meet the basic qualifications for the job you’re applying for. Along with including your relevant work experience, it’s important to list any work-from-home companies you worked for. This demonstrates your ability to work independently in a work-from-home environment.
How to Become a Resume Writer
Technically, anyone who has written a resume can hang out a shingle stating they’re a resume writer. In reality, becoming a respected resume writer takes time and skill. While certifications aren’t a requirement, it does help your reputation and confirm your commitment to the craft.
Networking with other resume writers, attending job fairs and volunteering at the local job bank in your area shows the community the service you provide has value and increases your future business. Knowing what a client needs to present themselves positively to future employers will help you become a busy resume writer.
Take classes for job seekers available at the library or other community service providers. This gives you an insight into what your clients are experiencing. It also may give you the opportunity to speak to another resume writing professional and have them critique your personal resume.
Research the market and set your prices at a reasonable rate. This may vary based on your skills and certifications. As you start out, you may offer to write resumes for free, or at a steep discount, but don’t do this for long as people will think you’re volunteering your services.
Offer to write the resumes of family and friends who are looking for employment. This increases your portfolio and keeps your resume writing skills sharp. Provide a contract that explains your pricing, even if it’s a free resume, and have your client sign it. This keeps everything professional.
Create a job skill questionnaire for clients to answer questions such as the type of jobs they’re applying to, past work history, skills and certifications. Once you have the information necessary, you can begin writing their resumes.
Keep accurate business records of all money coming in and going out. Save all your business-related receipts together. You’ll need to have this information at tax time, and it’s a good business practice if you need to refer back to a client’s charges.
Earn certifications in the resume writing industry to increase your credibility as a professional and to differentiate yourself from other resume writers. There are a few options when taking this test, the Certified Professional Résumé Writer offered by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches and the The National Resume Writers’ Association Certification.
What Qualifications do I Need to be a Resume Writer?
Resume credentials essentially mean the resume writer has submitted their work for assessment against set standards and been approved as meeting these standards by an industry body.There are a lot of different standards available and it can be confusing to understand what resume writing credentials mean. Below are a summary of the key resume credentials and what is involved for a writer to have earned these.
Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW) – This is a credential certified by Career Directors International as their first level of certification. To be awarded this credential a new writer needs to:
- Provide a blind sample of work to be reviewed by a panel;
- Develop resumes and cover letters for fictional candidates;
- Answer short essay questions on resume information gathering techniques; and
- Pass a final exam assessing their mastery of spelling and grammar, and skills around client information gathering and interpretation, and writing and design strategy.
Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW) is a Master-level qualification offered by Career Directors International (CDI). To be awarded this candidates must submitt a portfolio of resume samples that are judged by an expert panel of CMRW peers. This includes seven professional resumes, one ASCII resume conversion and two cover letter samples and a professional essay.
Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM) is a specialized credential offered by CDI for executive resume writers. To be awarded this credential a writer must submit a portfolio of 4 resume samples at executive level plus a competency review. These resumes are assessed by a panel against set criteria.
Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X) – this CDI credential designates a resume writer as an expert in a field. To achieve this a writer must provide four sample resumes for different positions within the industry to showcase versatility which are then assessed by an expert panel. There are currently 19 areas of specialisation available.
Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) – this credential requires submission of a resume and cover letter sample, proof of 10 continuing education units, and a 2-part NCRW exam that includes a proofreading exam and a resume and cover letter writing exam. This is certified through the National Resume Writers Association.
Master Resumes Writer (MRW) – this credential requires each writer to have a minimum of 5 years of paid resume writing experience. To be awarded this credential the writer must submit a portfolio of work (5 for already certified writers, 10 for non-certified writers) that demonstrates their expertise in resume strategy development, resume content writing, resume formatting and design and sit a English language and grammar test. This is certified through Career Thought Leaders Consortium.
Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) – This credential requires the completion of 4 modules:
- a multiple-choice test of industry knowledge,
- a grammar, spelling, punctuation and proofreading test,
- essay questions,
- the development of a résumé and cover letter based upon background information provided on a hypothetical client.
Academy Certified Resume Writers – ACRW – to be awarded this credential a writer is required to undertake a training program incorporating progressive assignments covering resume strategy, writing, and design; English language and grammar skills; and cover letter and thank-you letter writing. Writers must then complete three independent learning programs (ILPs) incorporating a resume and cover letter writing assignment. This credential is offered by the Resume Writing Academy.
In addition to these credentials you may also like to consider if the writer is a member of a professional career body such as The Career Development Association of Australia or Career Industry Council of Australia or similar associations in your country.
Is Resume Writing a Profitable Business?
Professional resume writing services vary widely depending on who is offering the service. Those with extremely low overhead and little experience may charge as low as $20 or less. Those with a wealth of knowledge though in a highly paid field can charge $700 or more for resume writing and up to $1,000 if it includes customized cover letters and thank-you notes.
Fortunately, most of the money you make will be pure profit. If you have 100 clients in a year, then you can make $100,000 at the top price echelon. These services are definitely worth it for many people, and the average yearly salary of a resume writer is just under $60,000 a year.
You can make your business more profitable by understanding and assisting with the entire job-seeking process. Offer practice interviews or coach job candidates on how to sell themselves both on paper and in-person. You can also do public speaking in schools about what it takes to make a resume that counts.
Do You Need a Certification to be a Resume Writer?
Does resume writer certification really make a difference?
Yes!
A certified resume writer undergoes a testing process to ensure they have the skills to craft successful resumes. There are several associations where a professional resume writer can seek certification.
Each resume writing certification has its own set of rules and regulations and granted by its affiliated resume writing organization.
NCRW / NCOPE — National Resume Writers’ Association
ACRW — Resume Writing Academy
MRW — Career Thought Leaders
CARW / CMRW / CERM / CCST / CGRA / CRS+ — Career Directors International
CPRW — Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches
How Much Should I Charge to do a Resume?
Researching resume writing services online will quickly reveal a new resume can cost anywhere from $5 to over $1000. It depends on where you are in your career and the position you’re targeting. For the average job seeker, the average price of $200 is more than enough to get a quality resume.
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The cost for professional resume services will change based on factors like resume writers’ industry, years of experience, certifications, and what services they offer in addition to resume writing.
There are a number of different resume writing pricing options available. Be prepared to spend around $200 for a quality resume. A cheap resume is usually a waste of money and a quality resume shouldn’t empty your bank account. If you don’t have the money to spend, you’re better off writing it on your own. Do your research and go with a reputable company.
How do I Sell my Resume Writing Services?
A resume writing service is a recession-proof concern that can be the sole focus of a business or an offshoot of an existing writing or career-oriented service. The cost to enter the market is relatively low and the business can be operated from a home or office. If you have a flair for writing and work well with people, then a resume writing business may be lucrative business opportunity.
Advertise your professional resume writing services. Create business cards, place ads in media that your target market reads, send a newsletter to current and potential customers with career tips and join networking organizations. Websites and blogs are additional ways to offer services.
