Is a resume writing service worth the investment?

If you are out of work or are currently earning less than you would like to, it might seem expensive to spend money on a professional résumé writing service. Because of this you may be tempted to cut corners and go with an inexpensive online company that lets you fill in the blanks and then sends you a half-baked revision. Or, you may try to write your own résumé using an online template. 

For some, this may be adequate; but for most people this option can be a costly mistake. Few people know that a good résumé writer can spend up to 10 full hours or more doing a proper résumé revision. That said, a résumé writing service that puts in this level of effort is going to need to charge accordingly. 

While prices vary, this is a service and final product where ‘you get what you pay for’. Assuming your resume is more than 1 page and you are at the management level or above, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,000 for a professionally prepared résumé. Additional written documents such as LinkedIN Bios and cover letters may come with an additional charge.

By now you might be gasping for air; but think about it. How much do you earn in a month or a year? If your résumé positions you in a better light, the potential advantage of paying the price for an outstanding résumé far outweighs the cost!! In many instances it can be written off as a tax deduction, too.

Just remember that all résumé services are not created equal, so it is important to shop around. Feel free to ask for writing samples and references before you buy. Make sure the résumé writing company you use employs only certified résumé writers. Conduct due diligence before you choose a writer. You should make sure that you are getting what you signed up for. Here are some questions to ask:

- What types of clients do you specialize in writing for?

- Do you have writers on your staff with specialized expertise?

- How will you determine who my writer is?

- Do you have testimonials other than those listed on your website?

- Can I see a sample or two for someone in my field?

- How does the process work? Will I speak with a writer to complete the new résumé?

- Will I need to fill out any forms?

- How long will it take from the time the call with my writer is held to receive the first draft?

- How is the product delivered? Will I also receive it as a text file for online submissions? (As a side note, I strongly recommend that you ensure this comes with your final documents. Creating a text version is a five-minute exercise that you should not be charged for!)

If you choose a reputable firm with a solid track record of helping their clients receive bona fide job offers, you will find the initial expense to be well worth it! A professionally done résumé can help you generate the interviews necessary to put you on the path to a new job. A tangential benefit is that the process of working with a writer will help you become reacquainted with your background as you embark on the interview process.