How Much Should YOU Pay for a Resume Writing Service?

Regardless of why you’re considering a resume writing service – be that because you haven’t written a resume in years and don’t know where to start, or simply because you don’t have the time to write a good one – the cost of such a service is always something that pops up in people’s minds. How much should you pay for a professional to write your resume?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

The Short Answer: The Cost of a Resume Writing Service Varies

A DIY resume is always an option, if you want to save money. However, you might open yourself up to mistakes a professional would avoid. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost of resume writing services – there’s a wide range of prices, from low-budget DIY services to high-end executive resume packages.

While this may seem overwhelming, the beauty of variety is that it provides you with options that can fit your budget and the point you’re at in your career. For instance, you may not need an entirely new resume written from scratch if you already have a solid foundation, in which case a DIY service may be the best option for you to save money.

On the other hand, if your resume is in need of a major overhaul, it might be worth investing in a more comprehensive package that includes one-on-one attention from a professional resume writer

If you’re unsure what package best fits your needs, read on to discover the different types of resume writing options and their associated costs. We’ll help you determine which one is right for you!

DIY

While DIY options aren’t precisely resume writing services, they do provide the tools and information you need to create a resume on your own. This is a great option if you’re short on money or don’t have any significant changes to make to your existing resume. Maybe you just need to change the design or add a few extra keywords to make it stand out – DIY options are perfect for minor adjustments like these. 

DIY resume writing tools vary in cost, with some being free, like blog posts or podcasts that offer tips and advice on how to write your own resume (hello internet!), to inexpensive DIY resume building tools that require a small fee to access.

Essentially, what happens with these services is that you fill out a template with the details of your professional experience and skills and then download the resulting document. Nothing too fancy.

Pros:

• Cost savings
• Direct control over the process
• Variety in terms of style and format

Cons:

• Time-intensive
• Not having a second pair of eyes to review your work
• Potential for mistakes due to lack of writing experience
• Resume services employ professionals who stay up with the most current best practices

Cheap (< $300)

The cost of a cheaper resume writing service may be attractive, but you run the risk of receiving an inferior product. Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile

If DIY isn’t an option for you, there are some more affordable, lower-cost resume writing services that can help get your resume in shape. These services usually offer a combination of template-based and tailored resumes with minimal one-on-one time with a professional.

The outcome is usually a resume that is slightly better than your DIY attempt – but don’t expect any major overhauls. Unfortunately, in some cases, you may end up with a resume that looks like an amateur wrote it, which won’t do your job search any favors. So while it’s tempting to save some money here, it’s important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for.

After you receive your resume, you’ll want to make sure it accurately reflects your professional experience and skills. Also, make sure it follows best practices and doesn’t include anything that would cost you the interview instead of landing it.

Pros:

• Cost savings
• Potential for faster turnaround time than higher-cost resume writing services
• Potential for a better outcome than DIY

Cons:

• Minimal personalization
• Less attention to detail
• Risk of not getting a good-quality resume

Mid-Range ($300 – $800)

If you’re seeking a personalized resume experience and want a resume that stands out, then you should consider a mid-range option. This type of service usually includes personalized one-on-one time with an experienced writer who will review your current resume, ask questions to learn more about you and your career goals, and revamp your entire resume. In addition, you can usually find bundles that include other common services, like cover letters and LinkedIn profile rewrites.

Being in this tier ourselves, we find this service ideal for mid- to upper-level career clients since it offers a great combination of quality and price. You’re not breaking the difficult $1,000 barrier (which can be a tough pill to swallow), and you’re able to recoup your investment by landing more interviews with the help of a professionally written resume.

For the most part, these services have a reliable track record of success and offer great value for the money. The writers know exactly what to do to make your resume stand out and increase your chances of being invited to the interview, so you can be sure that your investment will pay off. 

Pros:

• One-on-one service
• Skilled resume writers
• Attention to detail
• Value for money

Cons:

• It will cost about the same as a standard suit
• Longer turnaround time than DIY and cheaper services

Expensive ($800+)

An executive resume writing service comes at a high cost, but it provides the most dedicated service you can get from highly skilled writers. Photo by cottonbro studio

For those in the C-suite or other executive-level positions, we highly recommend executive resume writing services. This kind of high-end resume package may be necessary if you’re looking for the best of the best and price doesn’t factor into the equation.  

Executive-level resumes often span a long career full of impressive achievements. It can take a highly skilled, specialized writer to determine the best way to present everything.

Executive resume writing services are usually packaged with other offers such interview coaching, career advising, executive bios, and value proposition letters, in addition to the usual cover letters and LinkedIn profile rewrites. So if you’re looking for a complete job search solution, this could be the way to go about it. The extra one-on-one attention, writing expertise, and quality assurance can be beneficial to those who need an edge in their job search.

As with any purchase decision, you should carefully consider if this investment is worth it. If you just want a resume quickly, you may not need all the extra attention, such as career coaching.  

Pros:

• The highest level of dedicated attention you can get
• Multiple rounds of revisions (often unlimited)
• High-quality writing by top-tier talent
• Often comes with bonuses such as career coaching 

Cons:

• Potential for overpaying if you don’t need all the bells and whistles
• The highly collaborative process requires more of your time
• Longer turnaround time 

Final Words of Advice

At the end of the day, writing an effective resume is a complex task that shouldn’t be taken lightly – so put your all into making sure you choose a service that best fits your needs and budget. Whether you choose to DIY or go for a professional service, the most important thing is that your resume reflects who you are in the best possible light.

Be sure to do your research on the company and the writer that will be helping you, too. Ask questions about their qualifications, experience, process timeline, and any guarantees they offer. Remember, it’s your career – invest in yourself, and you’ll reap the rewards.

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