writing resume rate

How Much Does a Resume Writer Cost? (Average Price and Ranges)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 9, 2023

Data & Studies

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

The opinions and assessments shared on Career Sidekick are our own. We may earn commissions from purchases made after visiting links on our site.

If you’re wondering how much the average resume writer costs, then you’re in the right place.

We researched the prices of 90 resume writers to find the average cost of professional resume writing services in the US.

These are the results…

How Much Does a Professional Resume Writer Cost?

The average cost of a resume writer is $527, based on data from 90 professional resume writers. The cost of resume writing does vary significantly, from below $200 to multiple thousands of dollars. For example, we saw professional resume writing priced at $2,275, $2,450 and $3,000. However, these higher prices are typically reserved for high-end or executive resume writing. 

Deals can be found if you’re at the earlier stages of your career (not an executive, manager, etc.) and looking for budget resume writing services. 

For example, TopResume is a large, reputable resume writing service (and one of the resume writing services we recommend ) with writing services starting at $149.  

What Determines the Cost of a Resume Writing Service?

When we looked at the cost of various resume writing services, we noticed multiple factors that seem to correlate with cost…

1. Location of the Resume Writer

Professional resume writers located in areas with a higher cost of living tend to charge more.

If you’re looking for a good deal on a resume writing service, you may be able to find a very skilled resume writer who simply lives and works in a less expensive city/state, and therefore charges less. For example, the typical resume writer in Milwaukee is going to be charging a lot less than in New York, even with more experience.

However, if you’re applying for finance positions in New York, you’re probably better off with a resume writer who knows that market! So be careful – cheaper isn’t always better. 

2. Writing Experience

The next factor that determines the cost of a professional resume writer is their experience. Resume writers who have been working for more time tend to charge higher rates.

3. Certifications

On average, we saw resume writers charging $100-200 more than their peers if they possessed one or more professional resume writing certifications. 

It may be worth paying extra to get a resume writer who’s certified by a large organization like the Professional Association of Resume Writers .

4. Add-Ons/Packages

For this study, we looked at just the cost of a resume, not LinkedIn profile writing or cover letter writing.

However, add-ons and extras did influence the average cost of resume writing that we found, because some resume writers include a LinkedIn profile or other extras with their “base” service offering for no extra charge. (Or another way of looking at it: You’re paying for it, but it’s already built into the price).

5. Notoriety/”Fame”

Some resume writers have been featured in large publications like Forbes, or have large followings on social media . This often means they’re quite busy and can charge more. More demand for their services leads to higher rates.

Whether these resume writers are the most skilled at delivering a great resume for your job search is a difficult question to answer. Some are among the best, and some aren’t. You should evaluate them the same way you’d assess any resume writer before hiring them (keep reading for tips on how to choose a great resume writer for you.)

The same holds true for lower-cost services. There are many good low-cost resume writing services online. However, some do not deliver a good result.

So here is our top choice for a low-cost professional resume writer online:

Low Cost Resume Writing Service: Our Top Choice

The best low-cost resume writing service we found is TopResume.

Their resume packages start at just $149 , which is a bargain considering how much experience they have in the resume writing industry. 

We don’t recommend going lower than this price point for a resume writer, because you’re running the risk of getting a sub-par result or hiring someone without adequate knowledge/expertise to deliver an effective resume.

Resources for Writing Your Own Resume

One other option you have is to write your own resume. While this can be difficult if you’ve never worked as a recruiter or hiring manager, there are plenty of good resources online.

Now that you know the cost of professional resume writing, I want to leave you with some DIY resources in case you decide the cost is too high and you need to do this yourself.

First, I’d recommend this article on what to put on a resume. It will walk you through each major part of your resume and how to organize it.

Then I’d recommend reading these articles on the most important resume sections (where hiring managers look first):

• Your resume summary paragraph
• Your resume work history
• Resume skills section

Finally, after you’ve written your resume, you want to put some of the same key info onto your LinkedIn. Most hiring managers are looking at LinkedIn even if you applied elsewhere. Here are 5 other reasons you should use LinkedIn , too. 

Here are some of our top articles about LinkedIn to help you transfer your resume info over:

• What to put on your LinkedIn profile
• How to write a great LinkedIn summary/about section
• 10 good LinkedIn headline examples

Is Hiring a Professional Resume Writer Worth It?

Now you know how much a professional resume writer costs, and you have some resources above that will guide you through creating a winning resume yourself if you’d rather not pay.

In the end, the choice is yours. There’s always some risk with hiring a professional. You may hire the wrong person, and get a poor result. However, if you ask some good screening questions, or better yet, ask your network to recommend a resume writer they know and trust, you’re likely to get a great result.

Professional resume writers stay in business for a reason – they’re often VERY skilled at translating your past experience and qualifications into what employers are looking for in your next ideal job.

If you have the budget to pay for the cost of resume writing services, they can be a very good investment for your career.

Every week you’re out of work costs you money (lost potential wages), and if a resume writer helps you land a higher-paying job, the service will essentially pay for itself.

The bottom line is: You just need to be careful in making sure you’re selecting a very good resume writer.

If you want more help deciding, we’ve published a list of our top 6 professional resume writing services here.  

About the Author

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Why do you recommend TopResume?

For the average job seeker (not a manager or executive, not an extremely high-earner) they offer a optimal mix of relatively low cost with relatively good, consistent results. There are certainly other good resume writers out there, though, including in this price range.

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The Best Resume Writing Services Of 2024, Chosen By Our Editors

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A good resume can make a lasting impression on a potential employer, and the best resume writing services can help you get your foot in the door that much faster. Sure, you can tackle the task yourself, but between navigating computerized application tracking systems and adapting to their ever-changing standards, building a modern resume that stands out in the crowd is no easy feat. That’s why we researched dozens of resume writing services to help you land the role you deserve. Our overall favorite is TopResume , which lets you choose from four different packages, but we included seven more options below.

The best resume writing services can help you make a lasting impression on employers.

When selecting our favorite resume services, we considered how easy each was to use, customization options available and turnaround times. Whether you’re looking for a little polish or have no idea where to start, there’s a service on this list for you. After all, why wouldn’t you hire a professional to handle one of the most important documents standing between you and your dream job: a finely-tuned resume? Below, the best resume writing services that cover everything from editing to one-on-one career counseling. And once you get the job, make sure you’re set up for WFH success with our favorite office chairs , standing desks and business laptops .

• Best Overall Resume Writing Service: TopResume
• Best Resume Writing Service With Custom Bundles: Resumeble
• Best Resume Writing Service With Career Consulting: TopStack Resume
• Best Resume Writing Service For Executives: ZipJob
• Best Resume Writing Service Built By Recruiters: ResumeSpice
• Best Quick-Turnaround Resume Writing Service: Craft Resumes
• Best Value Resume Writing Service: ResumeCompanion
• Best Free Resume Building Service: Resume.com

Best Overall Resume Writing Service

A popular service for professionals.

Tiers: Starter, Premium, Ultimate and Executive Elite | Turnaround time: 4 to 7 days

Pros: 

• Free resume review
• Customizes your resume by writers certified in 65+ industries 
• 60-day guarantee; double the job interviews or they’ll rewrite it for free

Cons: 

• Limited to two revisions 

TopResume is a popular option for mid- to high-level professionals seeking resume advice. You can choose from four different packages (Starter, Premium, Ultimate and Elite) that range in price from $149 to $699 and offer a variety of services. No matter which package you choose, you’re guaranteed a professionally written resume from an expert in your chosen industry. If you already have a resume, you can also opt to get a free review on it, and receive feedback on its layout, language and how effectively it communicates your skills.

Best Resume Writing Service With Custom Bundles

A great combo service for your resume and cover letter.

Tiers: Standard, Professional and Premium | Turnaround time: 4 days

• Standard package includes resume and cover letter
• Customizable based on your industry
• 60-day guarantee; receive an interview or rewrite for free
• No refunds on Standard and Professional packages (however, Premium packages include a Money Back Guarantee)

Resumeble offers three package tiers: Standard, Professional and Premium. If you’re just starting your career, the Standard package offers bang for your buck, since it includes a resume and cover letter (most services require you to at least upgrade to the mid-level package for both). Next up, the Professional package is geared toward mid-level employees looking to promote or pivot and includes a LinkedIn profile refresh; and the Premium package, designed for seasoned executives, offers all that plus a back-up resume, cold emails to recruiters and more. While no refunds are offered on Standard and Professional packages, the Premium package comes with a Money Back Guarantee if clients don’t receive at least one job offer within 180 days.

Best Resume Writing Service With Career Consulting

A global platform that focuses on the full professional picture, topstack resume.

Tiers: Basic, Standard, Professional and Premium | Turnaround time: 1 to 2 weeks

Pros:  

• Can view final resume before paying 
• Provides advanced career consultations and interview prep
• Donates 5% of profits to the Fisher House Foundation
• 60-day guarantee limited to Professional and Premium packages
• Longer turnaround time; takes 1 to 2 weeks

TopStack offers four different packages that range from $139 for your basic professional resume to $649 for a more robust selection of services (including career consulting plus help with your resume,​ cover letter and LinkedIn profile). It also focuses on ensuring your resume is ATS-optimized, a must in the modern hiring world.

Best Resume Writing Service For Executives

A service built with leaders in mind.

Tiers: Launch, Fast Track, Premium, Executive | Turnaround time: 3 to 7 business days

• Comprehensive; includes resume, cover letter, thank-you note and LinkedIn profile
• Resumes are ATS-optimized
• 60-day interview guarantee
• On the pricier side

ZipJob is a great choice for professionals at all levels, but its comprehensive executive package makes it especially suited for those at the top of their game. Offerings include an executive-level resume and cover letter, LinkedIn profile optimization and a customizable thank-you letter. To ensure everything is up to standard, you also get a phone consultation with your writer and multiple revisions for all of your documents. And just like ZipJob’s other packages, the executive bundle checks that your resume is ATS-ready (Applicant Tracking Systems), so you can pass early screenings with flying colors.

Best Resume Writing Service Built By Recruiters

A highly rated platform developed by hr and hiring managers, resumespice.

Tiers: Entry Level, Professional and Executive | Turnaround time: 2 days

• Wide range of services offered including for resume, cover letter, Linkedin profile, interview prep and career coaching 
• Quick 2-day turnaround
• 60-day guarantee; rewrite if you don’t get an interview 

Cons:  

• Expensive; $479 for an entry-level resume

ResumeSpice is more expensive than other services. That said, it was developed by recruiters, aka people who’ve truly homed in on what prospective employers are seeking. It’s also one of the highest-rated services on Trustpilot . The company offers a quick two-day turnaround, pre-built packages depending on your experience and the option to tack on its highly rated career-building services. ResumeSpice also has free resume resources and a selection of sample templates, if you’re more interested in the DIY approach.

Best Quick-Turnaround Resume Writing Service

A platform that gets you the fastest first draft, craft resumes.

Tiers: Resume Writing, Basic, Optimal, All-In-One | Turnaround time: 1 day

• 24-hour turnaround time for first draft 
• Writers are PARWCC- or NRWA-certified
• International service; some users experience grammar issues due to language barrier

If you’re in a time crunch, this writing and editing service has a 24-hour turnaround for the first draft of your resume. Craft Resumes features an easy-to-navigate website and delivers resumes tailored to your experiences and desired career path. Like a few other services, Craft Resumes offers a series of à la carte options, such as LinkedIn profile writing, thank-you letters and follow-up letters.

Best Value Resume Writing Service

A subscription-based diy resume builder, resumecompanion.

Tiers: Monthly or 2-week access | Turnaround time: Self-paced

• Affordable; subscription costs $8 a month or 14-day access for $3
• Choose from dozens of professional resume templates
• Offers cover letter, job search and tracking tools
• Self-directed; no hands-on help from writers

This resume builder is a great budget option for a self-starter who wants to learn the ropes and take things into their own hands. You can select from a variety of templates, narrow down the type of job you’re seeking and follow a step-by-step process to perfect your own resume. However, because it’s subscription-based, you’ll have to renew the service if you want to edit your materials in the future.

Best Free Resume Building Service

A robust resume and cover letter resource—at no cost to you.

Tiers: Free | Turnaround time: Self-paced

• Free with dozens of templates to choose from
• Integrated with Indeed; easy to apply to jobs
• Some users say it’s difficult to cancel subscription

If your budget is tight and you don’t mind going the DIY route for your resume, Resume.com is a great resource. It has an intuitive user interface and offers over 20 different resume and cover letter templates to choose from. There’s also an open career advice portal where you can read about career development, interview tips and more.

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The Forbes Vetted team has published a large library of tech guides , including reviews on a variety of online tools and home office essentials like the best document scanners and all-in-one printers .

• Consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs and executive editor Dave Johnson oversee this guide and its iterations; they have over a decade of experience in the industry and both enjoy testing and reviewing the latest in tech.
• Assistant editor Jordan Thomas has over four years of experience covering deals and consumer shopping. For this guide, she scoured the web for the most reputable resume writing services and compared each option to find the best.
• We continue to monitor the best resume services and routinely update this guide to provide the most current information about pricing and offerings. It was last updated in May 2024 by tech updates writer Alexandra Garrett to expand our buyer’s guide.

How We Chose The Best Resume Writing Services

To compile this list, we sought out well-known resume writing services with overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and compared key offerings.

• We looked for reputable resume writing services with proven results; each service had to meet our standards in terms of overall value, turnaround time, professionalism and satisfaction guarantees.
• We evaluated each service side-by-side to determine which performs better at writing a robust resume in an accurate, timely manner.
• Everyone has unique needs when it comes to searching for a job, so we made sure to recommend options that span different career goals and budgets, whether that includes getting career consultation or polishing up an existing resume.

What To Look For When Choosing The Best Resume Writing Service

Resume writing services come in a wide range of prices, and the best options for you will largely depend on your needs and budget. Affordable services like ResumeCompanion offer a step-by-step process for building your own resume for $8 a month, while other services provide a more hands-on approach for around $150. Packages typically go up to $250-$300 when you add Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)-optimization, cover letter writing, interview prep and career coaching.

Turnaround Time

If your job application has a set deadline, take a look at the service’s turnaround time before committing. Most services take anywhere from two days to two weeks to provide a finalized resume. Some promise a draft in 24 hours, like Craft Resumes .

Ease Of Use

When deciding on a resume writing service, take a look at how easy the website is to navigate. Is it difficult to browse different templates, download your files or customize your resume? The job application process is often stressful, so a resume writing service should alleviate—not contribute to—some of that stress.

Customization Options

A resume needs to accurately reflect your unique qualifications, skills and industry standards. For this reason, consider which customization options the service provides. Many of our recommendations use writers, recruiters or HR professionals to tailor your application documents to your unique needs.

Writer Qualifications

With AI solutions like ChatGPT readily available, you’ll want to check whether or not your resume writer is qualified to provide the help you need. To do this, take a look at the service’s writer qualifications. Some services use writers certified by the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC) or National Resume Writers Association (NRWA), while others are run by recruiters or HR professionals.

Privacy Policies

Because some websites and apps collect your personal information, it’s important to check the privacy policies before signing up. Look for whether the site stores or shares that information with third parties, and whether you can adjust your privacy settings to opt out of this setting.

Is It Worth Paying For A Resume Writing Service?

Professionally-written resumes through a reputable service can help you stand out from the competition. They’re often designed to highlight your best qualities, and are keyword-optimized for most applicant tracking systems. If you’re struggling with employment gaps or career changes, a resume writing service can help give you a leg up. And some services will also provide reviews for custom cover letters, Linkedin profiles, interview prep and career coaching.

What’s The Best Resume Writing Company?

The best resume writing company is affordable, offers high-quality review and writing services and is easy to use. Our top pick overall— TopResume —provides the professionalism and quality most mid- to high-level job seekers need, from its free resume review to its customizable options.

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How Much Do Resume Writing Services Cost in 2024?

If you're considering hiring a resume writing service in 2024, you're likely wondering how much it will cost. The truth is the price can vary widely depending on your level of experience, industry, and the specific services you need. While some writers charge as little as $5 for a basic resume, others may charge upwards of $1,000 for a comprehensive package.

However, the cost isn't the only factor you should consider when choosing a resume writing service. A professionally written resume can make all the difference in landing your dream job, so it's important to choose a service that meets your needs and budget.

In this article, we'll explore the cost of professional resume writing services in 2024 and break down what you can expect to get for your money. We'll also discuss the various factors that can impact pricing and provide tips on choosing the right service for your career goals. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your resume writing needs.

Related reading: 10 Best Resume Writing Services US + CA (All Industries)

Cost of resume writing service

Your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers, and investing in a professional resume writer can make all the difference in landing your dream job. Whether you can only spend up to $100 or find yourself able to invest in the $400 and up range, there are resume packages available to fit your needs. 

As you consider your options, remember that a professionally written resume is an investment in your future. A well-crafted resume can open doors to new opportunities, increase your chances of landing an interview, and even boost your starting salary.

So whether you're just starting out in your career or looking to take the next step, finding the right resume writing service is an important step in achieving your professional goals. Let's break down what you can expect in different price ranges, so you can make an informed decision and invest wisely in your future . 

Resumes up to $100

Despite the low price point, you may be surprised by the quality of services you can receive. From basic resume editing to customizable templates, resume packages in this budget-friendly range can deliver what you need. However, you have to be careful. 

Generally speaking, any resume package under $100 is a red flag and should really be avoided. It’s really hard to find someone to write a quality resume for that price. A lot of cheap services on the web also outsource their work to inexperienced or low-quality writers focused on quantity instead of quality. 

If you really don’t have the money to spend on a resume service, you’re better off writing it on your own with help from guides and other trusted resources. There is a ton of information out there to support a DIY approach: head over to the ZipJob blog to get started!

Here are some resources you might like:

USA Resume Format

ATS Resume Test: Free ATS Checker & Formatting Examples  

200+ Resume Examples for Every Job & Industry

Ensure you follow best practices when you write your resume and avoid the common mistakes that could be costing you the interview.

All of that being said, not all services in this price range are created equal. With careful research and consideration, you may be able to find a service that delivers a quality resume without breaking the bank. 

Next, let’s explore the options available for resume packages between $100 and $400, which may offer a better balance of affordability and quality.

Resumes between $100 and $400

In the $100 to $400 price range, you can typically find a resume-writing service that delivers quality results without breaking the bank. With this budget, you can expect a professional resume writer to edit and optimize your existing resume or create a new one from scratch.

It's important to note that prices can vary depending on your level of experience and career goals. Recent graduates or those with little experience may only need a basic resume and can find a quality writer for around $100 to $150. 

However, if you're an experienced professional or looking to make a significant career change, you may need a more comprehensive package that includes additional services such as LinkedIn profile optimization, cover letter writing, or job interview coaching . In this case, you can expect to pay a bit more, ranging from $150 to $400.

When considering a resume writing service within this price range, it's important to do your research and compare services to ensure you're getting the best value for your money. Look for a service that offers personalized consultations, a proven track record, and a satisfaction guarantee. 

You should also consider the credentials of the writers, such as industry experience and certifications, to ensure they have the expertise to effectively market your skills and experience to potential employers. Stay tuned for more tips on choosing a resume writing service. 

Resumes from $400 to $1000

When it comes to resume writing services in the $400 to $1000 range, you can expect a premium level of service and attention to detail. This price range is typically for executives, senior-level managers, and those with specialized experience or in highly competitive industries.

At this level, you can expect more than just a basic resume. Services in this range often include a comprehensive branding package that goes beyond simply writing a resume. This could include a cover letter, LinkedIn profile optimization, networking and interviewing tips, and more.

With a higher price point comes access to experienced, certified, and often highly specialized resume writers who have extensive experience crafting resumes for senior-level executives. These writers have a deep understanding of what hiring managers in your industry are looking for and can craft a resume that highlights your unique skills and experience.

It's important to note that $400 is the average price for a professional resume, and prices can go up from there depending on the level of service and expertise required. For executives, prices may be higher due to the additional time and effort required to brand a senior-level manager and highlight their unique value proposition.

Resumes in the $1000 plus range

While it's understandable to want to invest in your career and find the best possible service, paying over $1000 for a resume is often unnecessary and even downright insane. Prices at this level are often inflated due to factors like celebrity endorsements, aggressive marketing tactics, and overly complicated packages that may not even be relevant to your needs.

It's important to remember that the quality of a resume isn't necessarily tied to its price tag. In fact, some of the best resume writers may charge less than $1000 and still deliver exceptional results. It's always a good idea to research your options and read reviews before committing to a service at any price point.

Top 3 tips for choosing a resume writing service

Now that we've covered the different price ranges for resume writing services, it's important to know how to choose the right service for your needs. After all, you want to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. Here are the top three tips for choosing a resume-writing service that will help you stand out in the job market.

We also wrote a more detailed post on how to choose a good resume-writing service .

1. Do your research

Do your research to ensure you go with a reputable company. This is best done using third-party review sites and seeing what other customers had to say. Also, check to see if they have a contact number or live chat available. Not having a way to contact the company or the writer is a good sign that you’re going with a low-quality or outsourced service.

2. Choose how to communicate with your resume writer

How do you want to communicate with your writer?

To collaborate on a high-quality resume, you need to communicate with your writer about your past work experience, skills, qualifications, and the type of position you’re targeting. If the process is simply submitting your resume and the type of job you want, you’ll usually end up with something that doesn’t match your goals.

Different resume-writing services offer different communication channels. Many resume writers work through email or other text-based messages, but some offer phone calls, video calls, or in-person meetings.

Make sure your preference is offered by the service you’re considering before you buy!

3. Be ready to collaborate

Your writer can only work with what you give them. Many people make the mistake of thinking they can submit their outdated resumes and sit back while the writer does all the work.

You need to keep in mind that you need to put in the effort to give the writer everything they need. A good resume writer should be asking you details about what you did and where you’re going, so be prepared to answer any questions.

Investing in a professional resume-writing service can be a game changer in your job search. With the help of a skilled resume writer, you can highlight your strengths and achievements in a way that catches the attention of hiring managers. Remember that when it comes to choosing a resume-writing service, it's important to do your research and read reviews to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, there are resume writing packages available to fit your needs and budget. Don't let a poorly written resume hold you back from landing your dream job. Take the first step towards success by investing in a high-quality resume writing service today.

Ready to take the first step toward your dream job? Let our expert team of resume writers help you land the interviews you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.

Good luck with your job search!

Recommended reading:

Hiring a Resume Writing Service | Is it Worth the Money?

Being Unemployed: How Long is Too Long?

10 Best Resume Writing Services in the USA and Canada

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

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Resume Writing Service Costs [Entry, Mid, & Executive]

We reviewed 100+ resume writing services to find their average costs. See how much a professional resume should cost based on data from top resume services.

You might be asking yourself, “How much does it cost to have someone write your resume?”

If so, you have stumbled upon one of the best articles on the internet with the most accurate and thoroughly researched data.

We have reviewed more than 100 professional resume writing services to bring you their average costs.

Below we will break down the average cost for resume writing as it relates to entry-level resumes, professional resumes, and senior-executive resumes.

Average Costs for Resume Writing

As you will see below, resume writing prices can range drastically. Not all resume writers are created equally. Some resume writers work great with entry-level candidates and they charge very low rates. If you are more senior in your career, you can expect to pay a bit more.

Below we have compiled data from 45 different resume writing services who advertise specifically to entry, professional, and executive-level job seekers.

How much do resume services cost?

We found a range of prices for resume services from $99 to $2597. 

The average cost for an entry-level resume is $220; mid-level is $422; executive-level is $1252.

The overall average cost for all professional resume services is $631.

Keep reading for specific data on each of the resume services we researched.

Entry-Level Resume Service Costs

Entry-level resumes are by far going to be the most affordable and low costing resume writers in the market. The fact is, as an entry-level job seeker the resume is just easier to write and can be offered at a lower rate.

We’ve added pricing info from 15 entry-level resume services below:

• Market Connections – $99
• Resumes Planet – $109
• Resumes for You – $128
• Monster – $129
• Action Resume Service – $135
• Career Perfect – $140
• Capstone Resumes – $149
• Resume Prime – $150
• Resumention – $156
• Resume Writing – $169
• Employment Boost – $169
• Career Thinker – $379
• Resume World – $395
• Find My Profession – $395
• Great Resumes Fast – $595

Average Entry-Level Resume Cost: $220

Check out our list of the Best Affordable Resume Writing Services .

Mid-Level Resume Service Costs

Mid-level resume writing services are for anyone with 3+ years of experience but not quite in an executive-level position. This is the point in your career that a professional resume writing service can really help take you to that next level.

We’ve added pricing info from 15 professional resume services below:

• Resumes to You – $229
• Evolution Coaching – $249
• Market Connections – $275
• Resume Target – $300
• Quality Resume Services – $323
• Resume Right – $399
• Resume Spice – $459
• iCareer Solutions – $495
• Knock Em Dead – $589
• Find My Profession – $595
• Scientech Resumes – $695
• Resume World Inc – $695
• Written By A Pro – $695
• Great Resumes Fast – $799
• Exclusive Executive Resumes – $800

Average Professional Resume Cost: $422

Senior-Executive Resume Service Costs

Executive and C-level resumes require the highest level of skill to create. At the executive level, jobs are extremely competitive and your resume is your foot in the door. If you don’t have an executive-level resume, you can guarantee your competition will. For this reason, and because executive resumes require such a higher level of skill to master, the prices are the highest.

We’ve added pricing info from 15 executive resume services below:

• Employment Boost – $429
• About Jobs – $549
• Resume Spice – $569
• iCareer Solutions – $595
• Resume Pilots – $679
• Find My Profession – $795
• Off the Clock Resumes – $799
• Great Resumes Fast – $899
• Executive Resume Writer – $1,200
• Career Steering – $1,695
• An Expert Resume – $1,697
• Get Hired Stay Hired – $1,895
• Exclusive Executive Resumes – $2,000
• The Writing Guru – $2,395
• Mary Elizabeth Bradford – $2,597

Average Executive Resume Cost: $1,252

Check out our list of the Best Executive Resume Writing Services .

Key Takeaways

The most important take away from this article is that resume writing costs can vary drastically.

Decide what fits your budget and find a writer that meets your standards.

No matter what resume service you go with, understand that higher resume writing fees do not always translate into a higher quality writer.

Find My Profession is proud to offer the highest quality resume writing services at very reasonable rates. We welcome you to check us out online and use our tips below when interviewing us.

Here’s what you should focus on when choosing a professional resume writer:

• Read reviews online. Google the company you are interested in and read their reviews.
• Ask to see resume samples from the company you are considering.
• Get on a call with the company before purchasing a service.
• Find out if your writer will have experience working with people in your line of work.

If you focus on these 4 points above, you are going to find an amazing resume writer!

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Article updated on June 12, 2024 at 5:00 PM PDT

Best Resume Writing Services for 2024

Whether you need to build a new resume from scratch or want some professional advice, we’ve curated the best websites, apps and services to make you stand out.

Our Experts

• She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.

• Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Even you've written a resume before, the job market is constantly changing and it can be hard to keep up. Having a fresh resume ready when you aren't searching can make a huge difference if you need it in a pinch. New formats, new terms, factoring in keywords and making sure your experience is not only up to date but relevant to the job you're applying for can be stressful. Take the pressure off with the best resume writing services.

Some of what you'll need to include in your resume will depend on the industry you want to work in. While it can vary, employers will likely look at your education, work history and skills. We’ve combed through dozens of resume services looking at the most helpful features across a variety of needs. We looked especially closely at the number of custom templates, the amount of guidance the service offered, the ease of navigation and the robustness of the service's privacy policy. Each of these templates and professional writing services will help you create a complete resume that best reflects your skills and experience at an affordable price.

What’s the best resume builder website?

The best resume template and builder should give you a variety of options to customize your resume. Resume.com has many options and customization features that make it a useful tool for almost any candidate applying to any job. You can upload and edit an existing resume, customize an available template from its collection or let the service guide you through creating one from scratch. Resume.com also offers helpful guidance throughout your resume creation process, making sure you include and optimize all your content. Once you’re happy with your resume, you can download it for free in multiple formats.

Depending on where you’re at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. These services include more personalized coaching and features, but they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options for your budget and needs. Because your resume likely includes your contact information and some personal information, we've also included information about each service's privacy policy.

Best resume templates and builders of 2024

A well-constructed resume can help you stand out during a job search.

• Can create new resume or customize templates
• Many free features, guidance while writing
• Integrated with Indeed job search site
• Difficulty unsubscribing from paid services

Best free resume builder

Resume.com is a free resume writer offering dozens of templates for creating your resume or cover letter, as well as job boards and career advice. You have the option to upload and edit an existing resume, create a new one, or customize one of the sample resumes offered on the site. It's intuitive and easy to use, and it creates a professional-looking final product.

When starting from scratch, you'll go section by section, entering your education, employment history, hobbies and interests, professional skills, languages and references. Resume.com provides question prompts and tips for guidance, as well as career-specific examples you can add if you're struggling to find the right words. You can also choose to forgo any of these sections, rearrange sections and add custom ones depending on what you need. As you update and save each section, you can see how it will appear on the page on your resume preview to the right. You can also change the template, font style and size, or spacing at any time and see it update in real-time in the preview. 

Once you're done, you can download your new resume (in PDF, DocX, RTF or TXT format), create a custom URL or print it out. You also have the option to upload it to Indeed, a job search site that partners with Resume.com . The account you make will work with both Indeed and Resume.com . On the privacy side, the site does collect user information. If you want to delete your account, simply click your profile icon and then Account . Clicking Close My Account deletes your account and your data. If you didn't make an account, you can still choose Delete Guest Data . You can also request your data, and the company will send you an email with what it has collected. 

On the review site Trustpilot , Resume.com only has 38 reviews, but of those, 53% of them awarded the site four or five stars. Some negative reviews speak of difficulty unsubscribing from paid services, so read carefully as you use the free aspects of this service . 

• Guided help writing work experience descriptions
• Cover letter and CV help
• Easy to change layout and color styles
• Must pay to download resume

Best option for your first resume

Resume genius.

The website Resume Genius says you can "make a professional resume in 12 minutes." We tested it out and indeed had a solid first draft of an easy resume completed in about 10 minutes. Resume Genius takes you step-by-step through the process, prompting you with questions about your education and work experience to help you fill out the applicable sections. Resume Genius is particularly helpful because you can search for a job and see prewritten text for the description that you can add or edit. When finished, you can easily toggle between different templates to see what looks best for the final product. You also have the option to directly share your resume with Indeed or Resume Library. 

The site can also help you build cover letters and curriculum vitae. After you input all your information, you can choose different layout styles and colors. It's easy to move through, but you have to do it in order and fill in all the information before continuing. Resume Genius also offers examples of resumes, CVs and cover letters for specific jobs, as well as recommended jobs near you. You can download the resume you create for $3 (which starts a 14-day trial for Resume Genius Pro), or $8 (which kicks off a monthly subscription plan). If you fail to cancel your trial before the 14 days are up, you'll be billed $24 every four weeks, according to the site. 

On Trustpilot at the time of this publication, the site has 4.6 out of 5 stars based on more than 38,000 reviews. Note that if you register on the site, Resume Genius does collect personally identifiable information and may share it with third parties for advertising and other purposes, according to its privacy policy. The account deletion process is buried in the Terms of Service . According to Resume Genius, complete data erasure can take up to 30 days, but they may retain "certain information in accordance with privacy laws."

• Easy to customize
• Free downloads
• Optional paid extra assistance with Indeed professionals
• Unclear how to delete personal information

Easiest resume builder to use

Indeed resume builder.

It's free to create a resume or post your current resume on Indeed. If you're building a new one, you can choose between eight templates. The resume sections are highlighted and when you click, each section expands specific text fields. You can swap templates at any time without losing your work, as well. There are also options for toggling sections on and off, in addition to rearranging them. When you're finished, you can download a free PDF of your work history.

Indeed Resume Builder also offers optional professional advice for your new resume. After you download the resume you created, you'll get a prompt and can click Get Resume Help From a Real Person. Fill out a short questionnaire about what type of help you want and upload your resume (it's OK if you haven't built one). This service usually costs $89 unless you've applied to at least 10 jobs using your Indeed resume. According to Indeed, if you haven't received an interview request within 60 days of receiving your new resume, you can request a one-time rewrite. 

For $19, you can take a quiz and get feedback from a professional to get you started. You can also use Indeed's automated instant report system for free. The system returns quick tips to improve your resume. 

Indeed's privacy policy says that it does collect and share user data with third-party providers to connect job seekers with employers and improve services. According to Indeed's privacy policy, you can request an account or personal data deletion and request that your data not be shared while your account is active. CNET reached out to Indeed for more information and we'll update when we hear back.

• Guides resume creation
• Free resume downloads
• Paid tier offers interview advice and cover letter builder
• Have to pay for additional downloads

Most affordable paid resume builder

Cv engineer.

CV Engineer is an easy-to-use smartphone app that creates a professional-looking resume. With 16 templates to choose from, you can tap to enter information into all of the usual sections and add custom ones. When you tap on each section, you can tap through the bottom toolbar to get advice on what type of information to add, as well as view resume examples to show you how the section could look. 

CV Engineer lets you send or download your first completed resume for free, but upgrading to CV Engineer Pro for a one-time payment of $6 gives you access to unlimited downloads. A Scan My CV feature is also included, which can detect common mistakes and suggest improvements, such as places where you can add more information. The Pro version also offers interview advice and a cover letter builder. 

You can download CV Engineer from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store . CV Engineer does collect personal information and can share it with Google Play Services and Firebase Analytics, according to its privacy policy. The app is free to download and ad-free.

• Strong privacy policy
• Example resumes available
• Only one layout available
• Little guidance during creation

Best free iOS resume builder

Resume star 2: pro cv designer.

Resume Star 2 isn't the most visually stunning resume design app for iOS, but it gets the job done. To use, tap each section of the resume, fill in your information and it will fill in a traditional template (you only get one layout). The app offers some example resumes you can start with and edit as needed, including job-specific ones for a: cashier, dental hygienist, receptionist, waitress, mechanic and senior manager.

You can add or delete any sections you like without needing to hit save every time you add information, and you can see your resume update as you go. The autosave feature makes it easy to toggle quickly between the different sections as well. At the end, you'll have a basic resume ready to go. The app's interface doesn't offer as much guidance about how to write your resume or what types of information to include. If you need extra help, tap the information icon in the bottom left and choose the Resume Writing Guide. This will open up a crash course on resume writing in your mobile browser. It also includes a job search feature. 

The app collects payment via donations after you use the service -- you don’t have to pay if you don’t want to. The app connects to iCloud, and you can export your resume as a PDF to any location on your device(s). If you are happy with the service, you can choose the $6 "helped a bit" tier, a standard donation of $10, or the "really helped me" tier for $25. 

Resume Star 2 has a 4.8 out of 5 rating, and more than 1,800 ratings in the App Store . The first version, Resume Star: Pro CV Maker, which is the same except for the iCloud connection, had a 4.9-star rating and more than 16,000 reviews. The site does not collect personally identifiable information without user consent, which seems to make it one of the more secure options available.

• 42 templates to choose from
• Easily customizable
• Little to no guidance during creation

Best free Android resume writing service

Intelligentcv resume builder app.

Intelligent CV's Resume Builder App offers 42 resume templates and allows you to change font colors. Each resume section appears on a list, and you can move through sections in whichever order you choose, save and go on to another. You also have the option to add, delete or rearrange sections such as education, experience and skills. There’s a Help icon in each section for a little bit of extra guidance. Once you're finished, you can download your document for free as a PDF, which you can then save on your device or send via email or text. 

On the downside, the app is ad-supported and ads for other resume creators do pop up, which can get confusing. The app also offers less guidance than some of the other services, which means it's not a great option if you're new to resumes.

Resume Builder App has one of the strongest privacy policies of the bunch. The app does not collect personally identifiable information , though third-party services (including Google Play services and analytics firms) may collect information. The app has 4.6 out of 5 stars and more than 424,000 Google Play Store ratings and is free to download.

• Easy-to-use interface
• Inclusive premium package

Best range of professional tools

VisualCV has an easy-to-use interface that lets you build your resume in the way that works best for you. After signing up, you can upload an existing resume, begin with a prewritten sample or start entirely from scratch. You can use the basic editor to input information in a list form, the visual editor to edit directly on the resume and preview mode to see changes made on either version in real time. Revision history is also available. 

The free basic edition allows you to select from over a dozen professional templates to create, edit and download one resume as a PDF. You can also create one free cover letter and apply to jobs through its job search feature.

To download or share additional resumes, you’ll need to buy VisualCV Pro for $15 a month quarterly or $24 a month monthly. Upgrading unlocks more templates, unlimited creations, downloading, career tracking and the ability to build a personal resume website. The website URL goes through VisualCV but can be shared online. 

In terms of privacy, VisualCV's policy says that it does not sell, trade, rent or license personal information to third parties. As of publication, VisualCV has 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot but only 131 reviews.

Best professional resume writing services of 2024

Depending on where you’re at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. 

As these services include more personalized coaching and features, they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options depending on your budget and needs. Best professional resume writing services of 2024.

• Resume writing and career coaching
• Builds your resume from the ground up
• Quick turnaround
• More expensive options

A premium option for a tailored resume

Resumespice.

Suppose you're totally lost and are willing to invest several hundred dollars into your job search. In that case, ResumeSpice is a resume writing and career coach service created by recruiters that connects you with a "resume expert" to build your CV from scratch. 

Once you choose, you'll fill out a short questionnaire and schedule a phone consultation with a resume expert to discuss your experience, job search and career goals. The expert will take that information and turn around a personalized resume draft within two business days. You can review the draft and request any changes, and you'll get the final version in PDF and Word formats. 

An entry-level resume costs $479, a professional resume costs $589 and an executive resume costs $699. In addition to these packages, you can also add a cover letter, LinkedIn profile, interview coaching or other services to help you be more competitive in the job market.

• 60 day interview guarantee
• Industry-specific advice
• Variety of packages
• Limited non-resume add-ons

A 60-day interview guarantee

Resumewriters.com.

ResumeWriters.com offers a guarantee: If you don't get a job interview with a potential employer within two months of getting your new resume, they'll rewrite it for free. The service claims that in the 20 years and tens of thousands of resumes completed under this guarantee, it averages fewer than five requests for rewrites per year. 

To use the resume writing service, submit your current resume or career information on the site, and an experienced resume writer will contact you to assess your materials and plan out what you need. You'll get a first draft back within 72 hours and can work with the writer on revisions until you're satisfied with the result. 

ResumeWriters offers student, professional, executive and career-change resume services, as well as CV services for those conducting their job search in fields specific to the military, IT and research. The resume services cost $170 for students and $200 for the professional level, with a cover letter, one-on-one consultation and LinkedIn profile. The career change level ($250) is a comprehensive package that includes everything plus a post-interview follow-up letter, and the highest tier is the executive package that guarantees applicants its most experienced writers for $300.

• ATS screening
• Unlimited revisions
• Longer turnaround time (3-7 business days)

A fast pass through HR screening software

Zipjob’s professional resume writers optimize your resume to get through the applicant tracking system (ATS) software used by the majority of employers to automatically scan and sort resumes. An expert writes your resume and scans it through the ATS to ensure it will make it through to the hiring manager's desk. 

To use the service, upload your resume or fill out a form to start from scratch. You'll be matched with a professional resume writer who will work with you to improve it and will then scan the final product to make sure it passes through the screening algorithms. Depending on which package you choose, your resume will be ready in three to seven days. 

You can choose from three packages: Launch (resume writing and unlimited revisions for $139), Fast Track (adds a cover letter and a 60-day interview guarantee for $189) or Premium (adds a top resume writer, LinkedIn profile optimization, future resume updates and expedited delivery for $299).

• Career coaching
• Industry-specific feedback
• Ability to customize packages
• Longer turnaround time (3-5 business days)

An executive resume solution

Find my profession.

Find My Profession offers professional resume writing services as well as career coaching. Every resume gets reviewed by two different consultants. 

You'll find packages that include entry-level, professional, C-level and executive resume writer services, as well as federal. In each, you can choose a base, premium or VIP package depending on your needs. For example, the professional resume package starts at $595 for a resume compatible with automated systems. You can also add help with a cover letter for an additional $119 or a LinkedIn profile for $399. 

You'll get the first draft of your resume within three to five business days after you consult with a writer. Or, upgrade to a priority service for another $149 to get it within 48 hours.

How we tested resume sites and services

When we evaluated the different resume templates and builders, we looked at how each site or app allowed you to create new resumes, browse templates or upload and edit existing resumes. We also looked at how easy or hard it would be to customize different templates and sections, how much guidance was available, how user-friendly it was to navigate, plus reading and understanding each company’s privacy policies.

Some of our picks are free, some enlist the help of professional writers and some require a subscription or one-time payment. When it comes to premium or paid services, we evaluated how inclusive its packages were compared to basic or free versions. In many cases for the professional writing services, these paid tiers included more guidance and additional job search support like a cover letter and LinkedIn editing, suggested jobs to apply to and interview coaching.

Factors to consider when choosing a resume writing service

This was a key factor when compiling this list. Whether you’re looking for a free service to boost your current resume or interested in professional editing services, there’s something for everyone’s price range.

Ease of use

When looking at each website, we looked at how easy it was to navigate, browse templates and add, edit or remove different sections. We also considered whether you can download and share your resume for free and in what format.

Customization options

Customization options were essential, as everyone’s resume is going to look different. Having easy user control over your resume helps you create a resume that meets your industry’s standards and showcases your professional experiences.

Privacy policies

Privacy policies were the final important factor to consider, as many of these are websites and apps that can collect and store your personal information. All of the services and websites included on this list have decent privacy settings, and we noted which ones have exceptionally clear use cases and account deletion policies.

Resume writing FAQs

What is a resume builder.

A resume builder is a company that has a website or app that helps you create and customize your resume. You can use pre-existing templates or create your own from scratch.

What is a resume writing service?

A resume writing service is a company that pairs you with a coach or writer to work with you to create, perfect and tailor your resume, cover letters and other job application materials. These tend to be more inclusive packages and therefore more expensive than simple resume template websites.

What is the best resume format to use?

The best format for your resume is going to depend on the job you are applying to, along with your work experience. Resume templates can help you format and include all the necessary information like your education, work experience, skills and contact information.

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How Much Do Resume Writing Services Cost?

One of the worst mistakes job seekers can make is underestimating the importance of their resume. It’s central to everyone’s ability to build a successful career and pay bills. You can’t hope to get a well-paying job without a good resume, which means no financial security. How much resume writing services cost is nothing compared to the payoff.

A lot of job seekers also believe that writing s resume is easy. They spend an hour or so updating their decade-old resume and think they’re ready to apply for jobs. But that’s a losing strategy.

Such an approach doesn’t take Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) into account. And seeing as the majority of top companies use this technology to filter job applications, neglecting it isn’t something that candidates can afford.

There are many more reasons why hiring a resume writer is critical for maximizing one’s job opportunities. And luckily, it’s not even that expensive—you can get a professionally written resume for a very affordable price.

How Much Should a Resume Writing Service Cost?

The range of prices is extensive. How much resume writing services cost depends on the provider and the level of service you require. You can expect to pay as low as $50 to over $1,000.

Remember that a well-crafted resume can help you get your dream company to employ you. So, while it may seem like a lot of money to pay in times of limited job security, the potential benefits of a great resume are worth the cost.

Why Skillhub Is the Best Resume Writing Service?

If you don’t want to spend too much time researching the market of resume writing services, trust our expertise and go with Skillhub. We’re one of the leaders in the industry, and our writers will maximize your chances of getting employed. Here are a few reasons why Skillhub is worth your attention:

• We have all the required certifications and a large team of writers competent across various industries.
• Given the high quality of our services, our prices are more than affordable.
• We have a friendly and reliable support team happy to help our clients anytime.
• Skillhub is very easy to use.

Cost of Resume Writing Service

Interested in the cost of resume writing service providers? We’ve got you covered. First, you need to know that a lot of factors affect the price, such as the status of the service in the market, the qualification and work experiences of the writer, the client’s seniority level, how in demand the company they’d like to become an employee at is, and more.

But we’ve thoroughly researched the market and done our best to offer you a detailed explanation of the range of prices for resume services. This article will help you ensure that the service you’re considering isn’t overcharging its clients.

Cost from $400 to $1000+

There are quite a few services that charge $400 and up. Such a rate is more common for senior- and C-level resumes, but not always. If you’re willing to cash out, you can go with the resume writing price of $1000 (or even higher).

Keep in mind, though, that the price isn’t always evidence of quality. The most expensive service isn’t necessarily the most competent one. You can get a resume to help you land your dream job for less money.

Still, here are a few pricey services to consider:

• Great Resumes Fast;
• iCareer Solutions;
• Scientech Resumes;
• Exclusive Executive Resumes;
• Find My Profession.

Cost between $100 and $400

This is a much more standard price range in the resume-writing market. Many great services deliver top-notch resumes that meet all clients’ demands for just a little over $100. Some of them, including Skillhub, are among the industry's leaders.

So don’t let the price fool you. A service can have professional writers (with all the necessary training and credentials) and deliver job-winning resumes in a matter of hours while remaining perfectly affordable.

Here are a few great options:

• Resumes for You;
• Resume Prime;
• Capstone Resumes.

Free Resume Writing Services

There aren’t traditional free resume writing services. Even the most naive applicant can’t expect a professional writer with years of relevant work experiences to prepare an entire job application for them free of charge.

That being said, there are a lot of fantastic (and completely free) resources that can help you write a resume yourself. Some offer resume writing advice or templates; others give job seekers a chance to have their resume checked automatically for a surface-level analysis.

If you’d like to get some assistance with your resume without paying, consider these resources:

• Thebalancecareer;
• Resume Worded;

Need Help Getting Employers’ Attention?

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How Much Does a Resume Writing Service Cost?

Experts engage in heated debates when it comes to the question of resume writing services cost. Some believe affordability is key to equal opportunity (since a professionally written resume increases candidates’ chances by over 30%). Others disagree and argue that even a resume a job seeker has written themselves can land an interview.

As is the case with basically any industry, the resume-writing market regulates itself. Someone willing to pay over $1000 for a resume can do so. A more frugal job seeker can find a professional writer who charges only $100. But the “fair” price is probably between $100 and $300.

Average Costs for Resume Writing

The average cost for resume writing services is between $200 and $400. The number depends on such factors as the writer’s skills, the job seeker’s seniority level, the employers and positions they’d like to apply for, and so on.

Still, this is the price range for which most individuals seeking professional resume help aim. And it’s also where the majority of services fall. So if you’d like to get a well-written resume that will meet all of your requirements without costing a fortune, go with the market average and consider one of these services:

Entry-Level Resume Service Costs

One’s seniority level is among the key things that affect how much the services of a professional resume writer cost them. That’s perfectly understandable. Someone at the C level of their career has more accomplishments and work experience, and they’re also counting on a much higher salary. Their resumes also tend to be longer.

On the contrary, an entry-level professional (in any career field) can get a much cheaper resume. If you’re just starting your career journey, consider one of the more affordable services, such as:

• Career Perfect;

Mid-Level Resume Service Costs

The average resume writer cost increases with the client’s seniority level. If an entry-level employee can get a well-written resume for a little over $100, a middle-level worker should expect to pay between $300 and $500 (or more). Their resume includes more data, and they can also afford to pay more.

So if you’ve been in the job market for a while and have achieved quite a lot, it makes sense for you to hire one of the more expensive services. They include:

• Let’s Eat, Grandma;
• Quality Resume Services;
• Resume Right;
• Written By A Pro;
• ResumeZest.

Senior-Executive Resume Service Costs

Finally, a senior-level resume takes the most time and effort to write, reflected in the price. If you’ve reached the heights of your career and have a lot of accomplishments to impress any recruiter with, you’ll need to hire a writer for a senior-level resume.

Those are much more expensive than entry- and even middle-level resumes. You can expect to pay up to and even over $1000. But the end resume is typically worth it.

When it comes to resume services, the best options for a senior-level job seeker are:

• Executive Resume Writer;
• Get Hired Stay Hired;
• Resume Pilots;
• The Writing Guru.

Top 3 Tips for Choosing a Resume Writing Service

No matter your career field and seniority level, choosing the best resume writing service to get you happily employed can be challenging. There are many pros and cons to weigh and factors to consider.

To help you avoid choice overload and make a carefully thought-out decision when choosing a resume writer, here are the three key tips:

• Pay attention to the certifications that the service and writer have.
• Don’t neglect to check other clients’ reviews and testimonials.
• Always ensure that the service you’re considering offers all the necessary guarantees.

If you do, you should be fine, no matter which service you trust.

Research for Service with Certified Resume Writers

You wouldn’t entrust your health to a doctor without a license, right? The same should be the rule in the resume-writing industry. Always choose a certified resume writer, even if this means that their services cost a little more than those of an unlicensed freelance.

There are a lot of relevant certifications in the resume writing market. The bare minimum every job seeker who’d like to invest in their career growth should expect are the Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and the Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC). But shy’s the limit. Some services, including Skillhub, have numerous relevant certifications, including the MRW, CARW, RWA, and ACCS (among others).

Check Reviews and Testimonials

No matter how appealing the website looks and the pricing is, never trust a resume writer before you’ve read their previous clients’ reviews and stories. The number one reason why a professional resume service is a good investment is that it helps a job seeker land a good job and negotiate a high salary.

But you’ll only reach this goal if you hire a reliable service. The resume service cost isn’t the only information you should consider. Look through other people’s reviews—and you’ll instantly know whether or not the writer is with your trust and money.

Check Resume Guarantees

Once you’ve looked through the reviews and decided that you’re happy with them, check the list of resume guarantees the service offers. If there’s none, you’re better off with a different writer. A service that doesn’t promise to increase your chances of landing good jobs isn’t trustworthy.

At the very least, make sure that the service you’ve selected guarantees the following:

• An interview guarantee within a specified time frame (for example, a 4-week interview guarantee);
• A money-back guarantee;
• Unlimited revisions.

Otherwise, you risk ending up with a poorly written resume with zero chances of getting your money (and missed job opportunities) back.

Consider Resume Packages

One more recommendation can help you find a way around the range of prices in the resume writing market and get the best result for your money. Many resume services offer “packages,” fixed-priced deals that include a few extra features on top of a professionally written resume.

For example, Skillhub has three packages: Basic, Standard, and Premium. If you choose the Standard one (with a starting price of only $124), you’ll get a resume and a cover letter on top of all the guarantees. As almost any recruiter expects to see a cover letter in your job application, it’s a good investment.

Key Takeaway

Ultimately, there’s no uniform answer to the question, “how much do resume writing services cost?” As discussed, a lot depends on the industry, positions, what the service offers, and so on. The range of prices for resume services is extensive, which is clear from the varying averages for different seniority levels.

It’s all about setting the criteria that match your unique needs and demands. For example, one of the most significant benefits of Skillhub is that it’s highly competent and affordable. You can get a perfectly-written resume that’ll convenience your dream company to recruit you without breaking the bank.

Top resume services like Let’s Eat Grandma, ResumeZest, and ResumeGo have competent writers to help you fulfill your career dreams. But they’re less affordable, which is often a problem for candidates, especially those beginning their professional journeys.

Most importantly, remember that, despite the guarantees, a professionally written resume doesn’t mean you’ll land your dream job. A lot depends on the interview, salary expectations, and other factors. So it’s up to you to decide how much you will pay to perfect your resume.

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How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide

For most job-seekers, a good resume is what stands between a dream job and Choice D. Get your resume right, and you’ll be getting replies from every other company you apply to.

If your resume game is weak, though, you’ll end up sitting around for weeks, maybe even months, before you even get a single response.

So you’re probably wondering how you can write a resume that gets you an interview straight up.

Well, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about how to make a resume, including:

• The 8 Essential Steps to Writing a Resume
• 11+ Exclusive Resume Tips to Up Your Resume Game
• 27+ Real-Life Resume Examples for Different Professions

….and more!

So, let’s dive right in.

How to Make a Resume (The Right Way!)

Before we go into detail about how you should make a resume, here’s a summary of the most important steps and tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a resume format carefully. In 99% of cases, we recommend the reverse-chronological format .
• Add the right contact details. Leave your headshot out and make sure to include your job title , a professional email address, and any relevant links. (E.g.: your LinkedIn profile , online portfolio, personal website, etc.).
• Write an impactful resume summary. Unless you’re an entry-level professional, always go for a resume summary. If you do it right, it’s your chance to get the hiring manager to go through the rest of your resume in detail.
• Pay attention to your work experience section. Take your work experience section from OK-ish to exceptional by tailoring it to the job ad, making your achievements quantifiable, and using action verbs and power words.
• Add the right skills for the job. Keep this section relevant by only including the hard and soft skills that are required for the position.
• Keep your education short and to the point. Your most recent and highest degree is more than enough for a strong education section. You only need to add more details here if you’re a recent graduate with barely any work experience.
• Leverage optional resume sections. Optional sections like languages, hobbies, certifications, independent projects, and others can set you apart from other candidates with similar skills and experience.
• Include a cover letter. That’s right, cover letters matter in 2024, and the best way to supplement your resume is by adding an equally well-crafted cover letter to your job application. To make the most of it, check out our detailed guide on how to write a cover letter .

To get the most out of our tips, you can head over to the resume builder and start building your resume on the go as you read this guide.

New to resume-making? Give our ‘7 Resume Tips’ video a watch before diving into the article!

#1. Pick the Right Resume Format

Before you start filling in the contents of your resume, you have to make sure it’s going to look good. 

After all, the first thing hiring managers notice is what your resume looks like, and then they start reading it. So, this is your best chance to make a great first impression.

Start by choosing the right resume format.

There are three types of resume formats out there:

• Reverse-chronological. This is by far the most popular resume format worldwide and, as such, it’s the best format for most job-seekers.
• Functional. This resume format focuses more on skills than work experience. It’s a good choice if you’re just getting started with your career and have little to no experience in the field.
• Combination. The combination resume format is a great choice for experienced job-seekers with a very diverse skill set. It’s useful if you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in several different fields and you want to show all that in your resume.

So, which one should you go for?

In 99% of cases, you want to stick to the reverse-chronological resume format . It’s the most popular format and what hiring managers expect to see. So, in the rest of this guide, we’re going to focus on teaching you how to make a reverse-chronological resume.

Fix Your Resume’s Layout

With formatting out of the way, let’s talk about your resume’s layout , which determines the overall look of your resume. 

Does it look organized or cluttered? Is it too short or too long? Is it boring and easy to ignore, or is it reader-friendly and attention-grabbing?

Here are some of the best practices you should apply:

• Stick to one page. You should only go for a two-page resume if you have decades of experience and you’re sure the extra space will add significant value. Hiring managers in big companies get hundreds of applications per job opening. They’re not going to spend their valuable time reading your life story!
• Add clear section headings. Pick a heading and use it for all the section headers so the hiring manager can easily navigate through your resume.
• Adjust the margins. Without the right amount of white space, your resume will end up looking overcrowded with information. Set your margins to one inch on all sides so your text fits just right on the page.
• Choose a professional font. We’d recommend sticking to a font that’s professional but not overused. For example, Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass. Avoid Times New Roman, and never use Comic Sans.
• Set the correct font size. As a rule of thumb, go for 11-12 pt for normal text and 14-16 pt for section titles.
• Use a PDF file. Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless the employer specifically requests otherwise. Word files are popular, but there’s a good chance they’ll mess up your resume’s formatting.

Another thing you need to consider in terms of your resume’s layout is whether you’re going for a traditional-looking resume template or something a bit more modern :

If you’re pursuing a career in a more traditional industry, like law , banking , or finance , you might want to stick to the first.

But if you’re applying to a tech company where imagination and innovation are valued, you can pick a more creative resume template .

Want to Save Time? Use a (Free) Resume Template

Anyone who’s ever tried creating a resume from scratch knows how boring the formatting can be.

Before you can even start filling in the contents, you need to tweak the margins, adjust font sizes, and make sure everything fits into one page while still looking good.

What if you could skip past all that and still create a compelling resume?

Try one of our free resume templates . They’re pre-formatted, so all you have to do is fill in the contents.

They’re also created in collaboration with recruiters from around the globe, ensuring that the templates are visually appealing and ATS-friendly!

See for yourself how one of our templates compares to a resume created in a standard text editor:

#2. Add Your Contact Information

Now that we’ve got all the formatting out of the way, let’s get into what your resume is all about— the information you put on it .

The first thing you want to do when filling out the contents of your resume is to add your contact information .

This section is pretty straightforward but crucial. Your contact details belong at the top of your resume in a designated resume header , so the hiring manager can easily find them.

Even if everything else about your resume is perfect, that all flops if you misspell your email address or have a typo in your phone number. If the hiring manager can’t contact you, it’s a missed opportunity.

So, double-check, and even triple-check your contact information section and make sure everything is factually correct and up-to-date.

Must-Have Information

• Full name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top of your resume.
• Email address. Stick to an address that’s professional and easy to spell, like a combination of your first and last name. (E.g.: [email protected])
• Phone number. Add a reliable number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country. If you plan to relocate for the job or want a remote position, specify it on your resume.

Optional Information

• Job title. Add your professional title underneath. Write it down word for word, whether it’s “Digital Marketing Specialist” or “Junior Data Scientist.” Just don’t make up job titles like “Marketing Wizzard” or “Data Manipulator.” They’re not quirky; they’re just unprofessional. 
• LinkedIn profile . We recommend that you include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile since over 77% of hiring managers use the platform when evaluating a candidate. 
• Relevant links. Include links to personal websites or any social media profiles that are relevant to your field. For example, a developer could include a Github profile, while a graphic designer could link their Behance or Driblle account, and so on.
• Date of birth. Unless this is specifically required in the job ad, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know how old you are. It’s not important for their decision-making, and at worst, it might lead to age-based discrimination.
• Unprofessional email address. Your quirky, old high school email address doesn’t belong on your resume. Instead of [email protected] , go for a [email protected] type of address.
• Headshot. (USA, UK or Ireland) Depending on the country where you’re applying, it might even be illegal to include a picture of yourself on your resume . While it’s the norm to include a picture in most of Europe and Asia, always check the regulations for each specific country or industry you’re applying to.

All clear? Good! Now, let’s look at what a great example of a resume's contact information section looks like:

#3. Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

It's no secret that recruiters spend an average of less than seven seconds on a resume .

When you receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications daily, it's physically impossible to spend too much time on each.

So, what the hiring managers do to go through resumes more effectively is to skim through each resume and read it in depth only if it piques their interest.

This is where the resume headline comes in.

Placed right next to (or underneath) your contact information, this brief paragraph is the first thing the hiring manager is going to read on your resume.

Now, depending on how far along in your career you are, your resume headline can be either a resume summary or a resume objective.

So, how do you choose between a resume summary and a resume objective? Here’s all you need to know:

Resume Summary

A resume summary, as the name suggests, is a two to three-sentence summary of your career so far. If done right, it shows that you’re a qualified candidate at a glance and gets the hiring manager to give you a chance.

Here’s what your resume summary should include:

• Your job title and years of experience.
• A couple of your greatest professional achievements or core responsibilities.
• Your most relevant skills for the job.

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of experience in building scalable and efficient applications. Contributed to a major project that enhanced application performance by 25%. Strong background in Spring Framework and microservices. Aiming to apply robust coding skills to develop innovative software solutions at XYZ Tech Solutions.

Unless you’re a recent graduate or amid a career change, we recommend you stick to a resume summary. Otherwise, a resume objective might be a better option for you.

Resume Objective

A resume objective is supposed to express your professional goals and aspirations, academic background, and any relevant skills you may have for the job.

It communicates your motivation for getting into a new field, so it’s the go-to headline for recent graduates and those going through a career change. As with a resume summary, a resume objective should be brief—around two to four sentences long.

So, here’s what it would look like if you’re a student:

Hard-working recent graduate with a B.A. in Graphic Design from New York State University seeking new opportunities. 3+ years of practical experience working with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, creating illustrations and UX/UI design projects. Looking to grow as a designer and perfect my art at XYZ Design Studio.

Or, on the other hand, if you’re going through a career change, it might look more like this:

IT project manager with 5+ years of experience in software development. Managed a team of developers to create products for several industries, such as FinTech and HR tech. Looking to leverage my experience in managing outsourced products as a Product Owner at Company XYZ.

#4. Prioritize Your Work Experience

The most important part of your resume is your work experience.

This is where you get to sell yourself and show off your previous accomplishments and responsibilities.

If you manage to master this section, you’ll know most of what’s there to know about how to make a resume.

There are plenty of good practices for writing your work experience . But before we dive into all the nits and grits, let's start with the basics.

The standard format for each work experience entry is as follows:

• Job title/position. Your job title goes on top of each work experience entry. When the hiring manager looks at your resume, you want them to know, at a glance, that you have relevant work experience for the job.
• Company name/location/description. Mention the name of the employer and the general location, such as the city and state/country where you worked. In some cases, you may also want to briefly describe the company, like when the organization isn’t particularly well-known.
• Dates employed. Add the approximate timeframe of your employment at each company. You don’t need to give exact dates since the standard format for this is mm/yyyy.
• Achievements and responsibilities. This is the core of each work experience entry. Depending on your field, you want to list either your achievements or responsibilities. List them in bullet points instead of paragraphs, so they’ll be easier to read.

Here’s a real-life example:

Your work experience entries should always be listed in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent job and working your way back into the past.

Now that you know how to list your experience, we’re going to show you how to write about it in a way that makes you stand out from the competition, starting with: 

Are you a student with no work experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to writing a resume with no experience here.

Focus on Achievements Whenever Possible

One of the most common resume mistakes is only listing responsibilities in your work experience section.

Here’s the thing—in most cases, the hiring manager knows exactly what your job responsibilities are.

For example, if you’re a sales manager, your responsibilities would be:

• Reach out to potential clients over the phone or email.
• Maintain relationships with existing company clients and upsell relevant products.
• Tracking and reporting on leads in CRM.

Coincidentally, this is also the same list of responsibilities for every sales manager out there. So, 90% of all other resumes probably mention the same thing.

To stand out from the competition, you want to focus on writing achievements in your resume instead. These can be how you helped your previous company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on.

Let’s compare how responsibilities hold up next to achievements for the same job:

• Exceeded sales team KPIs by 30%+ for 3 months straight.
• Generated over $24,000 in sales in 1 month.
• Generated leads through cold-calling
• Managed existing company clients

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there just aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you’re a warehouse worker .

Your day-to-day responsibilities probably include:

• Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment daily.
• Packaging finished products and getting them ready for shipping.
• Assisting in opening and closing the warehouse.

In fields like this, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself through achievements, so it’s okay to stick to responsibilities instead. You can still make them shine by following the rest of our advice about listing your work experience.

Keep in mind, though, that in some fields, there aren’t that many achievements you can mention. Let’s say you work in a warehouse. Your day-to-day responsibilities probably involve:

• Loading, unloading and setting up equipment on a daily basis.
• Package finished product and get it ready for shipping.
• Assist in opening and closing the warehouse.

In such fields, it’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself, so it’s totally OK to stick to responsibilities instead.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Tailoring is what sets an amazing resume apart from an okay one.

Hiring managers don’t need to know about every single job you’ve ever worked at or every single skill that you have.

They only want to know about your jobs, experiences, or skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job doing Google Ads, you don’t need to talk about your SEO internship from eight years ago.

By focusing your resume on whatever is important for the specific role, you’re a lot more likely to stand out and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

Let’s take a look at an example of a job ad:

As you can see, we’ve highlighted the most important requirements.

To tailor your resume accordingly, you just need to mention how you meet each of these requirements in your resume.

You can highlight your relevant achievements and qualifications in different parts of your resume, such as:

• In your resume summary, where you should recap your years of experience.
• Throughout your work experience section, where you should list achievements and responsibilities that reflect your social media marketing experience.
• In your education section, where you can let the hiring manager know you have the degree that they’re looking for.

Include the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you’ve got over a decade’s worth of work experience, you’re probably wondering whether all of it belongs on your resume. In most cases, you’d end up writing a novel if you listed everything you’ve ever done, and that’s not how long a resume should be .

If you’re new to the job market, on the other hand, you probably don’t have any experience, and you’re wondering what you could even add to this section.

So, here’s how much information your resume should include, depending on your level of experience:

• No experience. If you’re looking for your first job , you won’t have any work experience to fill this section with. So, you can either keep it empty and focus on all the other sections or fill it up with any experience gained in student organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and other projects.
• Entry-level. List all your work experience so far. While some of it won’t be relevant, it can still show the hiring manager that you do have some actual work experience.
• Mid-level. Only mention relevant work experience to the position you’re applying for. There’s no need to waste space on jobs that aren’t related to what you’re after.
• Senior-level. List up to 15 years of relevant work experience, tops. If your most recent experience is as a marketing executive , the hiring manager doesn’t care how you started your career as a junior marketing specialist 23 years ago.

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

Did you know that over 70% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ?

Most companies these days use ATS to evaluate hundreds of resumes instantaneously and automatically filter out the ones that don’t meet their criteria.

For example, if a resume doesn’t mention a specific skill or isn’t formatted correctly, the ATS will automatically reject it.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make an ATS-friendly resume .

Here are a couple of tips to help you get past those pesky robots:

• Stick to one page. Sometimes employers set a limit on how long a resume should be. This means that if your resume is longer than one page, it might get automatically disqualified.
• Incorporate keywords. Tailoring your resume to the job helps a ton with beating the ATS. Just carefully read the job description to find hints for what the ATS will be looking for. Then, whenever you find keywords related to your responsibilities and achievements, make sure to include them in your work experience section.
• Use an active voice. Passive voice is too vague and unclear, so make sure to use active voice as much as possible when describing your previous jobs. (E.g.: “Managed a team of ten people,” instead of “ A team of ten people was managed by me.” )
• Leverage powerful action words. Instead of starting each of your sentences with “was responsible for," make your work experience impactful by using words that can grab attention. Saying that you “spearheaded” or “facilitated” something sounds a lot more impressive than “helped.”

Want to make sure your resume formatting passes the ATS test? Choose one of our tried and tested ATS-friendly resume templates , and you’ll be good to go! 

#5. List Your Education

The next section on your resume is dedicated to your academic qualifications. Let’s start with the basics!

Here’s how you should format the education section on your resume :

• Program Name. Your major and degree type should be listed. (E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration” )
• University Name. Add the name of the institution. (E.g.: “New York State University” )
• Dates Attended. Use a mm/yyyy format for the dates you attended. (E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012” )
• Location. If your university is less well-known, you can also add the location. (E.g.: “Stockholm, Sweden” )
• GPA. Use the appropriate grading system for the country you’re applying to work in. (E.g.: In the USA, it would be “3.9 GPA” )
• Honors. Add any honors and distinctions you’ve been given. (E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude )
• Achievements. You can mention interesting papers you’ve written, projects you’ve done, or relevant coursework you’ve excelled in.
• Minor. “Minor in Psychology”

Pretty simple, right? Now let’s see what an education section looks like in practice:

This example includes all the necessary information, plus an eye-catching award and relevant classes this candidate has taken.

Resume Education Tips

Now that you know how to list your education on your resume, let’s take this section to the next level.

Just follow these expert tips:

• If you’re making a resume as a student and don’t have any work experience yet, you can list your education section at the beginning of the page instead of work experience.
• You can add your expected graduation date if you’re still pursuing your degree.
• If you already have relevant work experience, just keep this section short and sweet. Recent graduates can expand on their education more and add optional information like projects, classes, academic achievements, etc.
• Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest degree on top. Your highest and most recent degree is usually enough, so if you have a Master’s degree that’s relevant to the job, there’s no need to mention your earlier degrees.
• Don’t add your high school degree to your resume if you already have a university degree. It doesn’t have as much weight, and you can use the space for something else.
• Only mention your GPA if you had an impressive academic career. Anything below a 3.5 GPA doesn’t need to be on your resume.

Are you in the process of applying for college? Check out our guide to writing a college application resume to wow that admissions officer!

#6. Emphasize Your Know-How in the Skills Section

After your work experience, your skills are the first thing the hiring manager is going to look for. In fact, together, work experience and skills make up 90% of the hiring decision .

So, this is the place where you want to mention all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

There are two types of skills you can include when writing your resume:

• Hard Skills. These are measurable abilities. What you can list here can be anything from coding in Python to knowing how to cook Thai cuisine.
• Soft Skills. Also known as personal skills, these are a mix of communication skills , personal traits, career attributes, and more. They can include leadership, critical thinking, and time management , just to name a few.

Your resume should always cover both hard skills and soft skills . Here’s an example in action:

Now, let’s discuss how you should list your most important skills on your resume.

There are a few essential steps you need to follow:

Always List Hard and Soft Skills Separately

Your resume should be easy and neat to navigate. The hiring manager shouldn’t have to waste time looking for a specific skill because you didn’t separate it into the appropriate subsection.

So, just create separate categories for your hard and soft skills.

Depending on your field, you could customize the name of your “hard skills” subsection to something like “technical skills," “marketing skills," or something else related to your field.

Let’s look at an example of what skills look like on a project manager’s resume :

Methodologies & Tools

• Agile Methodology
• SCRUM Framework
• Waterfall Project Management
• Microsoft Project
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Risk Management

Soft Skills

• Team Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Negotiation

Tailor Your Skills to the Job

You might have some awesome skills, but the hiring manager only needs to know about the ones that are relevant to the job.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an accountant, your gourmet chef skills shouldn’t be on your resume.

Look at the job ad and list at least two to three essential skills you have that are required for the role. Remember—there’s no need to list every skill you have here; just keep it relevant.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Graphic Design or a related field.
• Tech-savvy, with some background in CMS systems such as WordPress.
• Thrives in a stressful environment and juggles multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-reliant, with the ability to manage their own work.
• A can-do attitude and an outside-the-box thinker.
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages.
• Basic understanding of Office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

So, the must-have hard skills here are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Keynote, and Pages. Other good computer skills to have are WordPress or similar CMS systems.

While you can also mention Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, it’s pretty much assumed that you know how to use them since they’re required for most office jobs.

List Hard Skills with Experience Levels

For each hard skill you list on your resume, you should also mention your proficiency level. This tells employers what they can expect from you and how much training you might need.

• Beginner. You have some experience with the skill, whether it’s from some entry-level practice or classroom education.
• Intermediate. You’ve used the skill in a work environment with good understanding.
• Advanced. You’re the go-to person for this skill in your office. You can coach other employees, and you understand the skill at a high level.
• Expert. You’ve applied this skill to more than a handful of different projects and organizations. You’re the go-to person for advice about the skill, not just in your office but even amongst some of the best professionals in your field.

Just make sure to never lie about your actual skill level. Even if you get the job, once you need those skills you exaggerated, it will be pretty awkward for both you and your employer.

Include Transferable Skills

These are the types of skills that are useful for almost any job out there.

Transferable skills can be both soft skills (e.g.: teamwork, creativity, problem-solving skills, and others) and hard skills (MS Office Suite, HTML, writing, etc.)

Whatever job you’re applying to, chances are you have transferable skills from your experience that can come in handy one way or another. So, feel free to include them, even if they’re not specifically required for the position.

Not sure which skills to mention on your resume for your specific field? Check out our list of 101+ essential skills for inspiration!

#7. Leverage Optional Resume Sections

The sections we’ve covered so far are must-haves for any resume. They’re the bread-and-butter for any job application, and if you get them right, you’ll land any job you apply to.

But if you have some leftover space, there are a few optional sections you can choose from to give your resume a boost!

Are you bi-lingual? Or even better  – multi-lingual? You should always mention that on your resume!

Even if the position doesn’t require you to know a specific language, it can still come in handy at some point. At the end of the day, it’s always better to know more languages than less.

To list languages in your resume , just write them down and assign them the appropriate level:

• Intermediate

You can also use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scales.

As a given, you should never lie about your language skills. You never know—your interviewer might turn out to be fluent in the language or even be a native speaker!

Hobbies and Interests

If you want to spice up your resume, hobbies and interests could be just what you need.

While this section isn’t a game-changer, it can help the hiring manager see who you are as an individual.

For example, if you listed “teamwork” as one of your skills, hobbies like team sports can back up your claim.

And who knows? Maybe you and your interviewer have some hobbies or interests in common!

Volunteering Experience

If you’re the type of person who devotes their free time to helping others while expecting nothing in return, chances are that you’re the type of employee who’s in it for more than just the money. 

Seeing volunteer experience on your resume tells hiring managers that you’re a loyal employee who’s after something meaningful.

Several studies show that listing your volunteer experience can boost your chances of getting hired, especially if you have little to no work experience.

Certifications

Hiring managers love candidates who invest in themselves, and that’s exactly what they see when you list certifications on your resume .

If you value continuous learning and strive to expand your skill set, that’s always a plus.

Certifications can also show employers how much expertise you have.

For example, if you’re a Microsoft Cloud Engineer and you specialize in Microsoft Technologies, you should definitely include all essential certifications on your resume, such as the Azure Solutions Architect Expert one.

Awards and Recognitions

There’s no harm in showing off a little on your resume. After all, you want to be a candidate that shines above the rest.

So, if you’ve received any awards or recognitions that make you stand out in your field, make sure to add them.

For example, if you’ve been recognized for your contributions to data science or received a hard-to-come-by scholarship , mention it in your resume. Just keep your entries here relevant to the field you’re applying to.

Publications

Whether you’re a freelance writer or a distinguished academic, publications are always impressive.

If you have any published works (online or in an academic journal), you can add them to your resume. Just make sure to include a link so the hiring manager knows where to check your work!

Are you looking for a career in academia? Check out our guide to writing the perfect academic CV to get started!

Working on side projects can show off your passion for your field. Whether they’re university class projects or part-time entrepreneurial endeavors, they’re relevant.

For example, if you worked on a mock software product as part of a university competition, it shows you went through every step of product creation, from ideation to creating a marketing strategy.

This project also shows off your organizational skills , and if you mention it in your resume, you stand a better chance of landing the job you had your sights set on.

But projects can also be personal, not academic. For example, you might manage an Etsy store where you sell hand-made arts and crafts to customers online. This is a great opportunity to highlight your creativity, management, and customer service skills .

Overall, hiring managers love employees who do cool work in their free time, so projects are always a great section to add to your resume.

Looking to kickstart your career? Check out our guide on how to get an internship for useful tips and real-life examples!

Extracurricular Activities

Every college freshman knows that extracurricular experience can make a difference in their application.

Especially if you don’t have a lot of experience outside of school, extracurricular activities are a great way to show potential employers your skills and give them insight into you as a person. Different clubs and after-school projects can help you gain real-life skills and considerably increase your chances of landing your first job after college.

For example, joining a student government organization can hone your leadership skills and teach you how to work as part of a team.

For example, if you’re part of a student government or public speaking club, these activities can help you hone your leadership and presentation skills.

11+ Expert Resume Tips

You’ve got the gist of how to make a resume. Now, it’s time to make it really stand out from the crowd!

Follow these exclusive resume tips to take your resume game to the next level:

• Match the professional title underneath your name to the job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Mention any promotions from your previous jobs. Use the work experience entries for them to focus on the achievements that helped you earn them.
• Describe your achievements using Laszlo Bock’s formula : accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z . This way, your work experience can go the extra mile and show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table.
• Always list your achievements and responsibilities in concise bullet points. This makes your resume more reader-friendly, and it’s more likely that the hiring manager will see your impressive achievements at a glance.
• Don’t use personal pronouns like “I” or “me,” and don’t refer to yourself by name. Stick to a slightly altered third person, like “managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.” instead of “he managed data integrity at XYZ Inc.”
• Name your resume sections correctly, or it might get rejected by the ATS. Swapping out quirky names like “career history” or “expertise” for “work experience” and "skills" makes it easier for the hiring manager to find what they’re looking for, too.
• Prioritize important keywords instead of adding all of them. Make sure the relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences you add all make sense in context, too. Your goal is to get past the ATS and impress the hiring manager.
• Focus on transferable skills if you don’t have a lot of relevant work experience. Any extracurricular activities or personal projects can help you stand out here.
• Add a strategic pop of color to headings, bullet points, or key elements you want to highlight. It can help your resume stand out, but don’t overdo it—you want the information to be more impressive than the color palette.
• Don’t include the line “references available upon request.” Hiring managers already know they can request a list of references from you, so there’s no need to waste valuable space on it.
• Make sure your resume is optimized for mobile viewing. Most hiring managers use their mobile phones as often as desktop computers, so save your resume to a PDF file and make sure your formatting stays intact across any device.
• Rename the resume file you plan to send so it includes your name and the name of the position you’re applying for. It’s a small detail that can turn into a crucial mistake if you forget it.
• Read your resume out loud when you’re done. This is a great way to catch awkward phrases or spelling mistakes you might have missed otherwise.
• Use a tool like DocSend to track your resume. You’ll get a notification any time someone opens your resume, and you can see how long they spend reading it.

FREE Resume Checklist

Are you already done with your resume? Let’s see how it holds up!

Go through our checklist for perfecting your resume and see where you stand!

If you missed some points, just go through your resume one more time and perfect it.

And if you ☑’d everything—congrats! You’ve learned all there is to know about writing a resume, and you’re good to go with your job search.

Need to write a CV instead of a resume? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with dozens of examples!

9 Resume Templates for Different Industries

Looking to create an effective resume without dealing with the formatting hassle? Just choose one of the templates below.

#1. Traditional Resume Template

Good for traditional industries like finance, banking, law, and manufacturing.

#2. Modern Resume Template

Good for both contemporary and forward-looking industries, including entrepreneurship, medical technology, and engineering.

#3. Creative Resume Template

Good for creative industries, including entertainment, design, and architecture. 

#4. Minimalistic Resume Template

Good for experienced professionals in basically any industry who want to let their achievements do the talking. 

#5. IT Resume Template

Good for any IT-related profession like software development, cyber security, and DevOps engineering.

#6. Tech Resume Template

Good for the tech industry and everything it encompasses.

#7. College Resume Template

Good for college students and recent graduates alike.

#8. General Resume Template

Good for multiple industries, including HR, education, and customer service.

#9. Executive Resume Template

Good for senior professionals across different industries, including hospitality, marketing, and logistics.

17+ Resumes for Different Jobs

Knowing how to write a resume is one thing, but making a resume that stands out is something entirely different. Without inspiration, even top career experts might stumble on a roadblock or two.

Check out the following effective resume examples for specific jobs to get a better sense of what a good resume looks like:

#1. Nurse Practitioner Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a nurse resume here.

#2. Data Scientist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a data scientist resume here.

#3. Business Analyst Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business analyst resume here.

#4. Digital Marketing Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a digital marketing resume here.

#5. Software Engineer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer resume here.

#6. Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a construction project manager resume here.

#7. Customer Service Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a customer service resume here.

#8. High School Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a high school resume here.

#9. Student Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a student resume here.

#10. Server Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a server resume here.

#11. Actor Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an actor resume here.

#12. Web Developer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a web developer resume here.

#13. Engineering Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineering resume here.

#14. Computer Science Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a computer science resume here.

#15. Architect Resume Example 

Check out our full guide to writing a data analyst resume here.

#17. Remote Job Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a remote job resume here.

#18. Sales Associate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales associate resume here.

#19. Receptionist Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist resume here.

Want to see more examples? Check out our compilation of 80+ resume examples for different fields .

• Administrative Assistant Resume
• Bartender Resume
• DevOps Engineer Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Graphic Designer Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Pharmacist Resume
• Recruiter Resume
• Supervisor Resume

Next Steps After Your Resume

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to make a resume, it’s time to talk about the rest of your job application.

After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To land the job you deserve, you also need to write a captivating cover letter and ace that upcoming interview. Here’s how:

#1. How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

The companion piece to every resume is the cover letter.

Most job-seekers flinch when they hear that they have to write a cover letter. What do you even mention in a cover letter, anyway? If you were good at writing cover letters, you’d be applying for a job as a writer !

In reality, though, writing a cover letter is very simple once you know its purpose.

Think of your cover letter as a direct message to the hiring manager. It’s your chance to briefly explain why you’re such an awesome fit for the position. And with a few cover letter tips to point you in the right direction, you’ll write the perfect cover letter for your job application.

Just follow this structure:

• Add the contact details. Include the same contact information as on your resume, plus additional contact details for the hiring manager, including their name, job title, the company’s name, and location.
• Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by mentioning who you are, what your work experience is, and why you’re interested in the position. Mention a standout achievement or two, relevant skills, and what you’d like to do for the company you’re applying for.
• Explain why you’d excel at the job. Find the requirements in the job ad that you meet, and elaborate on how you fulfill the most important ones. Research the company so you know what you like about it, and mention it in your cover letter. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job and confidence that you’ll be a great fit for their team.
• Wrap it up politely. Conclude your cover letter by recapping your key selling points and thanking the hiring manager for their time. Then add a call to action, such as “Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided phone number so that we can discuss my application in greater detail.” Then, add a closing line and follow it with your full name.

Sounds easy, right? Here’s a real-life example to drive the point home:

Do you need more help perfecting your cover letter? Learn what the most common cover letter mistakes are and check out cover letter examples for all professions here.

#2. How to Ace Your Next Interview

Once you’ve perfected both your resume and cover letter, there’s only one thing left.

It’s time for the final step—the dreaded job interview.

Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, you probably hate the interviewing process. No matter how experienced you are, it can be nerve-wracking. Sitting there while someone’s prodding into your past experiences and judging you isn’t fun.

But did you know that most interviewers ask the same questions?

That’s right—all you have to do is learn how to answer some of the most common interview questions, and you’ll be an interview away from landing your dream job!

Just check out our complete guide to the 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers and learn how to ace your next interview.

FAQs on How to Make a Resume

Do you still have some questions about making a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below!

#1. What does a good resume look like in 2024?

For your resume to look good in 2024, make sure it’s organized and clean and isn’t longer than one page.

Be sure to include information that adds value to your application—leave out the focus on your relevant work experience and skills that you can back up, and list as many achievements as possible. 

If you’re using a resume template, choose one based on your industry. Conservative industries like law, banking, and business require more traditional resume templates. But if you’re going for an industry like design, architecture, or marketing, you can go for a creative resume template . 

Remote work is also big in 2024, so if that’s what you’re after, tailor your resume to match the job you want.

#2. How do you make a resume in Word?

The best way to create a resume in Word is to use a pre-designed Microsoft Word template. To access them, you should: 

• Open MS Word
• Click “file” from the menu bar 
• Select “new”
• Type “resume templates” in the search bar 

That said, Word resume templates are generic, hard to personalize, and overall not very stylish.

Want a resume that looks good and is extremely easy to make? Check out resume templates to get started!

#3. How do I write a resume for my first job?

If you’re writing your first-ever resume for an entry-level position, the hiring manager won’t expect you to have any work experience.

However, you can make up for your lack of experience with your skills and academic achievements.

For example, you can take advantage of extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering experiences, and other non-professional experiences. You can use them to highlight the skills you’ve gained and what you’ve achieved so far.

So, your first job resume should have a resume objective, emphasize your education, and replace your work experience with any internships, volunteering, independent projects, or other experiences.

#4. How to make a resume on Google Docs?

You can make a resume on Google Docs by choosing one of their templates and filling it in on the go.

All you have to do is go to your Google Drive’s template gallery, choose your preferred template, fill in your information, and your Google Docs resume is ready to go! 

That said, Google Docs templates aren’t the most user-friendly choice. You don’t have much flexibility with the layout and formatting isn’t that easy. For example, you tweak a section to the slightest, and the whole resume becomes a mess.

If you want an easier option, check out our resume builder !

#5. What kind of resume do employers prefer?

Typically, employers prefer one-page-long resumes that follow the reverse chronological format. 

Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes every day, so they don't have the time to read three-page resumes. Try one of our one-page resume templates so you don’t go over the recommended resume length.

Meanwhile, the reverse-chronological format is the most popular because it draws attention to your most recent jobs and professional achievements, which is the #1 most important thing hiring managers look at when evaluating a resume.

#6. How many jobs should you put on your resume? 

You should only include relevant job positions on your resume.

This means that your work experience section should be tailored to the job you are applying for. If you’ve worked five different jobs and they can all add value to your current application, then you should include all five. 

If, on the other hand, you’re applying for, say, a customer service position and some of your past jobs don’t have anything to do with customer service, you should skip them.

#7. Should I put my address on my resume? 

You can put your location (city, state, or country) on your resume, but you don’t need to put your entire physical address.

Putting a physical address on a resume was the norm back when companies would contact you via mail. In today’s world, everyone communicates via email, which is why adding a correct and professional email address to your contact information section is far more important than putting your physical address. 

So, just include your location or-–if you’re a remote worker—specify you prefer to work remotely by writing “working remotely from [location].”

#8. What information should I leave out of my resume?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include your birthday or your headshot on your resume. This norm varies from country to country but it applies to the USA, Canada, and UK.

If you have plenty of achievements to list under your work experience, then you can leave your basic work responsibilities out of your resume. 

In your education section, you should only include your highest and most recent degree. So, if you hold a Ph.D., you can list that and your Master’s degree and leave your Bachelor’s degree and high school diploma out.

Finally, leave out any skills that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for.

#9. Is a resume a CV?

Depending on where you are, a CV (Curriculum Vitae) and a resume might be completely different things.

In most of the world, though, including Europe and Asia, they are used interchangeably for the same document. Both CVs and resumes are one to two pages long, and list skills and experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Sometimes more detailed resumes that go over one page are referred to as CVs. These are typically only used by senior professionals, executives, CEOs, etc.

In the USA, however, a CV is a completely different document. Typically, CVs are detailed and comprehensive documents that highlight your entire academic and professional history. They’re often used for academic, scientific, or research positions, which is why this type of CV can also be referred to as an academic CV.

You can create your CV using one of our CV templates !

#10. Should I write my own resume?

Yes, you should always write your own resume.

Your resume is your opportunity to show the hiring manager your communication, writing, and presentation skills . Employers also evaluate you based on how effectively you can convey information about yourself, and there’s no one that can represent you better than yourself.

Writing your own resume lets you introduce yourself authentically. You have the best understanding of your skills and experiences, and you can personalize them to make your resume stand out.

And, as a bonus, the experience of writing your resume yourself can be reflective and insightful, so it might help you understand your professional journey and career goals better.

#11. Can a resume be two pages?

Generally, we strongly recommend that your resume stick to one page.

Hiring managers go through hundreds of resumes every day, and keeping your resume to one page increases the odds that they’ll see your qualifications faster.

In some cases, like when you have a lot of relevant experience, your resume can go over two pages. But this exception is reserved for senior professionals with over a decade of relevant experience and tons of skills and achievements that simply can’t fit on one page.

#12. Is a simple resume okay?

Absolutely, a simple resume is often more than okay—it's preferable.

Before your resume even gets to the hiring manager, a complicated layout could get it rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS). A simple resume template can help get your application straight to the hiring manager.

A clean layout can also make sure that your resume is easily readable and looks professional. This can focus the hiring manager's attention on your work experience and skills without excessive clutter or flashy colors to distract them.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

If you’ve followed all of our advice until now, congrats! You’re probably an expert on how to make a resume.

To recap, let’s go through some of the most important lessons we’ve learned so far...

• Use the right resume builder to make the process as smooth as possible. You don’t want to mess around with formatting for hours before even starting to work on your resume!
• Focus on your achievements over responsibilities. This can help you stand out from all the other applicants, especially if you back your claims up with data.
• Include all the must-have sections, like the resume summary, work experience, education, and skills. Then leverage optional sections if you have leftover space.
• Tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. Everything listed on your resume should be relevant to the specific job you’re applying for, and you should write a new resume for every new job application.
• Take the time to perfect your cover letter. It’s just as important as your resume, so make sure you pay as much attention to it!

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Your Guide to Writing a...

Your Guide to Writing a Resume in 2023

29 min read · Updated on December 19, 2023

Use this guide to help you craft the perfect resume and finally land your dream job.

Whether you're sprucing up your outdated resume or starting from scratch, the task can quickly become daunting. Not only do you want to clearly convey your experiences and skills, but you also want to present the information in a way that's easy to read and visually appealing. It's easy to get wrapped up in seeking answers to seemingly straightforward questions: Should you include your mailing address? What skills should you list? Is it OK to use two pages? Should you save it as a PDF or a Word document?

Also, don't forget even the smallest of details — and you definitely need to give your resume at least 20 proofreads.

Before you become completely frazzled, go ahead and bookmark this page; this is your ultimate guide to writing a resume. 

In this guide, you'll learn how to: 

Add your contact information 

Create the perfect professional summary 

Craft your skills section 

Compile your work experience 

List your education and professional development

Remove your references 

Determine page length 

Format your resume 

Master your resume design 

Figure out if you need professional help 

Adding your contact information

Starting from the very top of your resume, let's dive in with your contact information . Yes, this might seem straightforward, but there are some details you'll want to note. Here's what you need to know.

Writing your name on your resume may seem simple, but you might be surprised by some of the questions that arise. Do you have to list your legal name, or is it OK to use your nickname? Should you include your middle name or just your middle initial? What about your academic credentials? Or suffixes, like Jr. or III?

There's not necessarily a right or wrong answer here, but you'll want to think about your personal brand. If your name is Katherine, but everyone calls you Kit, then write Kit. You can also include a nickname in quotes between your first and last name. For example, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Smith. Middle initials and names are often deemed unnecessary, but if you have a common name, like Robert Smith, you can include it so you stand out. You don't want to be mistaken for the other Robert Smith, right? Meanwhile, suffixes are definitely unnecessary. Chances are, no one at work is calling you “John William Henry III.”

If your name proves difficult to pronounce during your job search, you can help a recruiter or hiring manager out by including a pronunciation key. Here's an example: Meixiang (may-shang) Li.

When it comes to listing your academic credentials with your name (think: PhD or MD), only list doctorate-level degrees and highly specialized designations that are relevant to the jobs you're applying for. 

Overall, the best rule of thumb is to think about your personal brand. Keep it consistent; you'll want the name on your resume to match the name you use on your cover letter, the name you use to sign your emails, and the name you use on LinkedIn.

Mailing address

Back in the day, including a mailing address on your resume was a given. After all, you were actually mailing your resume. Today, listing your physical mailing address isn't necessary. In fact, because identity theft has become so rampant, many experts suggest simply listing your city, state, and ZIP code. Employers won't actually need your address until the final stages of a job offer.

Listing your city and state is important for employers filling location-dependent positions. Additionally, some companies only hire locally to avoid relocation expenses so if you live in Tampa, Florida, but apply to a job in Charlotte, North Carolina, an employer might automatically toss your resume. However, if you have plans to relocate, you can write, “Relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, in August 2020.” If you're seeking and writing a resume for a remote job , you can write “Remote” or “Location independent” next to your city and state, as well.

Phone number and email address

These are arguably two of the most important pieces of information on your resume; this is how an employer will get in touch with you after all. In fact, incorrect or missing contact information is one of the top resume mistakes people make .

For your phone number, list the best way to get in touch with you. This should never be a work number; instead, it'll likely be your cell phone number. Before adding your phone number, make sure your voicemail message is professional and states your name. There are a few ways you can format your phone number on your resume:

555-555-5555

(555) 555-5555

555.555.5555

Like your phone number, you don't want to use a work email address. You also don't want to use that old AOL email address you made back in 1999. Your email address should be professional; it'll often be some variation of your name and/or your specialty or job title. For example, [email protected] would work just fine. Also think about upgrading to a modern email provider, like Gmail, and create this email just for your job-search needs, if you haven't already.

Social media and online portfolio

These days, including your LinkedIn URL or a link to your online website or portfolio is standard. If you want to include your LinkedIn, be sure to create a custom LinkedIn URL . This is super simple, and it'll keep your resume looking clean and your online presence easily searchable. You'll also want to make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated and reflects the information on your resume. Take the necessary steps to make sure your LinkedIn profile stands out from the crowd. If you have an updated website or portfolio, you can link that in your contact information as well.

Crafting the perfect professional summary

Now that you've got your contact information down, it's time to dive into perhaps one of the most difficult parts of your resume: your professional summary. If it's been a while since you updated your resume, you might be wondering what this is — what happened to the resume objective statement? Here's the thing: Objective statements are outdated . In fact, they make professional resume writers absolutely cringe. They're generic, unclear, and typically include overused adjectives to vaguely call out your five-year plan. They don't offer any real insight into who you are and what you can offer a potential employer.

Instead, a good professional summary should highlight your achievements, experience level, value, industry, and immediate career goals. To determine what to include in this section of your resume, ask yourself these questions:

Why am I qualified for this position? (Yes, your professional summary should be tailored to each job application.)

What makes me a good candidate for this role? Think about your experience, education, and skills.

How have I used these qualifications in previous roles to create results and provide value?

Sometimes the best way to write a professional summary is to read a few examples. Use these as inspiration:

“Recent graduate of a top-tier university with experience developing and analyzing cost models, performing quality assurance reviews, and building process solutions to improve forecast accuracy and compliance for internal and external clients…”

“Respected human resources leader with more than 10 years of experience overseeing operations, projects, and staff in healthcare organizations. Proven track record in guiding sizable, cross-functional teams in the design, redesign, and launch of cutting-edge business solutions, driving greater efficiency, engagement, and revenue for national organizations…”

Although your professional summary can be difficult to conquer, it'll feel great to get it down on the page. Plus, it'll help set the tone and focus for the rest of your resume, making the resume-writing process much easier.

Mastering your skills section

When crafting your professional summary, you should also start thinking about your relevant skills so you can tackle the skills section of your resume. The skills section gives you the opportunity to list the hard and soft skills you can't necessarily call out in your work experience. It's also a section that's easily scannable and digestible, giving recruiters and hiring managers a quick glimpse into who you are and what you offer.

Hard skills and soft skills to include (or not include)

First thing's first: When it comes to determining what skills to include on your resume, it's important to understand the difference between hard and soft skills . Hard skills are the more technical skills listed on a resume ; they're applied skills you've learned, and they're more easily measured. A few general examples of hard skills include machine operation, computer programming, and accounting.

Showcasing soft skills on a resume , on the other hand, are interpersonal skills you often use each day. They're tied into your emotional intelligence and often describe your more innate, natural abilities that are more difficult to quantify. A few general examples of soft skills include teamwork, leadership, creative problem solving, and time management.

It's important to include both hard and soft skills on your resume. The best way to start brainstorming your skills is to simply brain-dump: grab a piece of paper and start making a list. Think about the skills you've had since you were a child, the skills you've acquired in school and through training, the skills you've used to succeed at your job, and the skills needed to excel in your industry.

Now that you've got a large list, it's time to narrow it down and pick the strongest of the bunch. Use these resume tips to help make your skills section really stand out:

Don't list skills that are a given: For example, if you're a professional content writer, you don't need to list the generic “strong written and verbal communication skills.”

Stay relevant to the job: Include any relevant technical and soft skills called out in the job description; don't waste space by listing irrelevant skills.

Be specific and clear: If you want to highlight your project-management skills, list specific software programs you have experience using, like Asana, Wrike, or Trello.

Organize your list: Try to create some sort of pattern by listing related skills together. The goal is to keep your list coherent and easy to read. You'll also want to list the most important skills toward the top and work your way down.

Don't forget soft skills: It's easy to get hyper-focused on your technical skills, but companies want to see your soft skills, too. This is a great time to offer some insight into who you are and how you might stand out from other candidates who possess the same technical skills as you.

If you're still struggling, use this general list of the top 10 job skills employers look for as inspiration: 

Time management

Collaboration

Emotional intelligence

Adaptability

Adaptive thinking

Service orientation

Cloud computing

Knowledge of new social and digital media

Artificial intelligence

Again, the more specific and unique your skills list, the better. Additionally, you'll want your skills to match the job listing as much as possible, so you'll probably want to update it for each job application.

The importance of keywords

Notice how much of the advice so far encourages you to use the job listing as a tool when creating your list of skills? There are a few reasons for that. First off (and perhaps most obviously), a recruiter or hiring manager wants to see that you have the skills needed to be good at the job. Second off (and perhaps a little less obviously), listing these skills can help you beat the bots .

Now, we haven't mentioned these resume bots — or, more accurately, applicant tracking systems (ATS) —  so now's a good time to debrief you. Many large companies use applicant tracking systems to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applicants' resumes. It's basically an electronic gatekeeper that helps streamline the recruitment process.

So the question becomes: How do you make sure your resume gets past this system and into the hands of a human? One way is to highlight certain keywords on your resume. That's, in part, how these systems will score you. There's no real science to determining what keywords you should include, but here's a good strategy: Gather three to five job descriptions that are similar to the type of job you're pursuing. Run these descriptions through a free word and phrase frequency tool like Online-Utility.org's  Text Analyzer and see which terms are used most often. The words that are generated are some of the words you'll want to weave into your skills sections, if applicable. You should then sprinkle these terms into your career summary and work experience, as well.

Compiling your work experience and professional history

Now it's time to dive into the heart of your resume: your work experience. Chances are, this will take up the majority of your resume's real estate. If you're struggling to get started, remember you've done a lot of the hard work already; revisit your professional summary and your skills section to help guide you.

When it comes to formatting this section, you have a few options — but we'll get to that later. Right now, let's just focus on crafting the bullet points that'll appear under each job title.

In general, each position should include three-to-four bullet points — and no more than six-to-seven. Additionally, you might get stuck if you've held multiple jobs at the same company. How do you format that? You can either stack positions under the company's name or keep them separate on your resume . Now, let's dive into the meat of this section.

Demonstrating your value: Doer vs. achiever

When it comes to listing your professional experience, you'll want to start thinking through the lens of an achiever — not a doer . But what does that mean? A doer is someone who simply lists day-to-day job responsibilities. Sure, they're doing their job, but they're not looking at the big picture and at what they've actually achieved. An achiever, meanwhile, focuses on their accomplishments and how it affected their job performance and company. Here's an example of a doer vs. an achiever statement on a resume:

A doer: “Developed and delivered sales strategies.”

An achiever: “Doubled annual sales volume in two years, from $5 million in 2017 to $10 million in 2019.”

See how the achiever highlights a more specific accomplishment? This will help you stand out and show your value to a potential employer . If you're struggling to get into the achiever mindset, answer these questions first:

What changed at the company because of my work?

How did my projects impact the bottom-line?

How did my work affect the people around me?

When did I take charge and show initiative?

Additionally, as an achiever, it's important to highlight the data behind your accomplishments and results. This will vary from job-to-job and industry-to-industry, but you might include quantitative details such as the number of social media impressions garnered in an ad campaign, revenue earned, number of new members, or the size of the team you managed. The goal is to show  — not just tell. Whenever possible, format your bullet points as “ result by action .” Here are a few examples:

“Reduced turnaround time 23% by streamlining the budgeting process for the organization's five business units.”

“Generated $1.3 million in new business for the online subscription business by developing an integrated marketing campaign that included online ads, targeted emails, social media initiatives, and TV commercials.”

If you're having trouble describing your job positions, look at the company's website and similar job listings to help you get started. And, once again, you'll want to look at the job postings you're interested in and make sure the experiences you list are relevant.

From here on out, you should also make it a goal to track your professional wins throughout the year. This will make updating your resume a whole lot easier in the future — trust us.

Using powerful verbs and the active voice

To help you maintain that achiever mindset, use this simple tip: Start each bullet point under your experiences with a powerful verb while avoiding reusing the same verbs throughout your resume . The more powerful and descriptive the verb, the better. Here are some examples of strong action verbs that are good for resume writing:

Hypothesized

You'll also want to avoid using the passive voice on your resume as much as possible; these sentences tend to be longer and less punchy. Here's an example of passive versus active voice:

Passive: “The ball was thrown by Lisa.”

Active: “Lisa threw the ball.”

As you can see, the active voice gets straight to the point and is more impactful. Identifying passive voice sentences can be tricky — even for grammar wizards — but this simple trick will help. Ask yourself: Can you add “by you” after the verb? If so, that means you're using passive voice. You can also often spot passive voice with “to be” verbs, like “were,” “has been,” or “being.”

By using strong action verbs and avoiding the passive voice, you'll be able to craft a clear and easy-to-read resume that'll stand out from the rest.

Volunteer experience

Wondering if you should include your volunteer experience on your resume ? It's not necessary, but it can be great if you:

Recently graduated and need more professional experience

Want to fill an employment gap

Are changing careers and want to demonstrate skills you didn't use in a previous job

If you do add volunteer experiences to your resume, think about the skills you used and how they'll help you excel in your next career step. Again, make sure it's relevant and ties back to the jobs you're interested in.

You can list your volunteer positions under your professional experience, or, if you're a recent graduate, you might create a new section titled “Leadership and Volunteer Experience,” where you can list any leadership roles you held in clubs and organizations as well as your volunteer experience.

If you don't have enough room on your resume but want to showcase your philanthropic efforts, you can always highlight them on LinkedIn. Chances are, an employer will check out your profile, especially if you included the URL in your contact information.

Sorting out your education and professional development

Now it's time to tackle the education and professional development section of your resume. If you're out of college, you can go ahead and wipe out any mention of your high school activities. If you've only recently graduated and feel as though your degree (or degrees) can help you land a job, feel free to place your education section at the top of your resume . Otherwise, once you've got some experience under your belt, you can move it to the bottom.

Still have a few questions? Here are some answers to a few frequently asked questions in regards to listing your education on your resume:

If you started college at one place but finished at another, only list the college you earned your degree from.

If you didn't finish college, you have a few options. If the job you're applying for requires a high school degree, list your high school. You can also list any relevant coursework.

If you're still in college, you can simply list your expected graduation date.

If you finished college more than 15 years ago or are wary of age discrimination, older job seekers can delete your graduation date.

If you're a recent grad, you might also feel inclined to include your GPA or even major test scores. However, unless the job description mentions these as a requirement, you can leave them off.

In this section, you can also list any professional development courses, programs, or certifications you've received, as long as they're relevant.

Ditching your references on your resume

When it comes to listing references on your resume , the process is simple: Don't do it. Employers typically don't ask for references until you've at least completed an initial phone screen so you're just wasting valuable resume real estate. 

When the time comes to provide references, you can prepare a simple list of at least three references and include your references' names, titles, relationship to you, and contact information. Before you pass this list along, make sure each person is comfortable being your reference and that you have their best contact information. You should also send them a copy of your resume and explain what type of job you're seeking. Then, they'll be fully prepared to speak on your qualifications.

Determining page length

This is perhaps one of the most common resume questions: How long should your resume be? The advice varies. Some people think you should stick to one page, even if you have 20 years of experience. However, if you have 15 or more years of experience, you shouldn't try to squeeze it all onto one page; this will overwhelm the reader. You also don't want to cut relevant experiences that show your career progression so creating a two-page resume is the way to go. 

Do note that if your resume is going to be two pages, make sure you're using more than just a few lines on the second page. If that's the case, cut a few lines and get it all on one page instead.

If you're struggling to keep your resume to two pages, limit your experience to the past 15 years. Really, employers are mostly focused on your recent work —  they don't really care about the internship you had 20 years ago. If you're worried you'll leave something off, feel free to include a “ Career Note” or “Earlier Career History” section . This is a simple way to summarize your work history without taking away valuable space from your most recent experiences.

On the other hand, if you feel like you don't have enough work experience to fill out your resume, think again. Your resume can include internships, fellowships, and skills-based volunteer experiences. Also, break out of the mindset that your experience can only be paid positions. Consider adding any unpaid internships, college research projects, volunteer experiences, part-time jobs or side gigs, and club leadership positions. Think about the skills you've gained from these experiences and how they'll help you succeed in the workforce.

Whether you've got 20 years of experience or zero years of experience, your goal is to include the most relevant information, so don't get caught up in including every single detail of every single job you've ever had.

Formatting your resume

Now that you've got all your information together, it's time to figure out how you want to format it. You've got a few options:

The chronological resume

The chronological resume format is simple: Just list your work history in reverse chronological order with your most recent experiences up top. This is one of the most common ways to format your resume because it's straightforward and easy to follow. It also allows you to show off your career growth.

The chronological resume tends to be best for professionals who have extensive work experience in the industry they're targeting and few employment gaps.

The functional resume

A functional resume is less common these days, but it can still be helpful in a few scenarios. With a functional resume, instead of listing your work history, the focus lands on your skills. With a functional resume, you'll want to include a professional summary at the top, followed by grouping your skills or qualifications into themes. You'll still include your employment history, but this will go at the bottom of your resume.

Functional resumes can work if you're changing careers or have large gaps in your employment history . However, most resume experts agree this isn't the strongest way to write your resume. Instead, a hybrid, or combination resume, can give you the best of both formats.

The hybrid (or combination) resume 

The hybrid resume , sometimes called the combination resume, is a mix of both the chronological and functional resume. It's often the best way to present your work history alongside your skills. It's also the best way to satisfy the applicant tracking system with the important keywords it wants to see. This format is also easier for recruiters and hiring managers to review; they can quickly see your skills and take inventory of your job history.

Tailoring your resume to each job application

Wait! Before you start moaning and groaning because you don't want to write a new resume for each job you apply for, hit pause. Yes, you should be tailoring your resume to specific jobs, but this won't necessarily require you to write an entirely new resume each time. You can easily customize your professional summary, skills section, and work experience to match each specific job.

The best way to write a targeted resume is to consider the job posting. See what skills and experience the company wants, and consider how you fit the description. Call out your most relevant experiences and qualifications in your professional summary, and integrate those keywords into your skills section and job descriptions.

Proofreading your resume (more than once)

The most common resume mistake (and job deal-breaker) is spelling and/or grammatical errors. Since you're knee-deep in writing your resume, you've probably read the same lines approximately 100 times. This will often cause your brain to auto-fill words so you'll read what you meant to write but haven't actually written.

That's why thoroughly editing and proofreading your resume (more than once) is so important. Here are a few strategies to help you eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors:

Have a friend or family member read your resume. They don't have to be editing wizards, but a second set of eyes can help identify easy-to-spot errors or typos your brain didn't process.

Read each line of your resume aloud. Not only will this help you identify errors, but it'll also help you determine if your resume makes sense and is easy to read. If you're stumbling over words, that's a sign you need to spend more time workshopping your sentences.

Temporarily change the font to something drastically different, like Curlz MT or Comic Sans. This will help you see the text differently enough to slow your brain down and process each line. Just remember to change the font back after you're done!

And if you're tailoring your resume to each job listing, that's great! But just remember you're introducing more opportunities for errors. Before you get too eager and click submit, give your resume a final read.

Consistency is key

While you're proofreading your resume, you'll want to keep an eye out for lapses in consistency. These are small details, but if a company is sorting through dozens — or hundreds — of resumes, this can make a huge difference.

To spot inconsistencies, look at repetitive areas on your resume. For example, listing the location of each job. You don't want to write “Denver, Colorado,” for one job, and “St. Louis, MO,” for another.

Dates are also often inconsistently formatted. For example, you don't want the date to read “Feb. 2016 to Jan. 2020” for one job but “August 2015 – January 2016” for another. Note the “to” versus the hyphen and the abbreviated months versus the spelled-out months. Again, these are small details, but nailing this will show off your attention to detail, which is important for just about every job.

Save as a PDF or Word document?

You might've always been taught to save your resume as a PDF, but that's not best practice since it won't make your resume friendly for the applicant tracking systems . Sure, a PDF will help preserve the design and format of your resume, but applicant tracking systems are less likely to read it correctly. Of course, if the job listing says PDF files are acceptable, then you can submit your PDF. However, if a file type isn't specified, play it safe by submitting a word document, saved as a .doc or .docx file.

Mastering the design (without a degree in graphic design)

So far you've carefully selected each word on your resume, and you've decided on your format. Now it's time to make your resume look good . The reality is, recruiters typically spend less than 10 seconds reviewing each resume they receive, so first impressions matter. Here are some important details you need to keep in mind as you lay out your resume.

Creative designs

When it comes to crafting a strong resume, your best bet is to keep things simple with a clean and modern resume design . Sure, you might feel the need to stand out from the crowd by using creative fonts, fancy borders, and custom logos, but the truth is, that will likely work against you. Many recruiters and hiring managers shuffle through hundreds of resumes, and they'll quickly become impatient when they can't readily find the information they need. The key is to focus on the quality of the content, making sure it's easily scannable and digestible. Additional distractions aren't necessary.

Additionally, you want your resume to be ATS-friendly so avoid including anything that could make it difficult to scan and interpret. Keep reading for more specifics on this.

Don't embed images

In the spirit of keeping things simple, you'll want to avoid embedding images on your resume , as well. That means no headshots, logos, or intricate infographics. Again, this can overwhelm the reader and also trip up an applicant-tracking system.

If you want to use images, include them on your personal website, online portfolio, or LinkedIn profile (all linked at the top of your resume). You can show off your creativity more on those platforms.

Avoid using common resume templates

The internet is full of resume templates. A quick Google search will reveal millions of results, with even Microsoft Word offering resume templates . These can be a great guide, but it's often best to start from scratch. Find examples you like and pull elements from each one into your own resume. This is a great way to customize your resume (do you know how many people use downloadable resume templates?) and leverage the design to your advantage, highlighting the most important — and impressive — aspects of your resume.

The importance of margins and white space

When it comes to resumes, margins are important. You might be tempted to adjust your page margins so you can fit more on your resume, but you don't want to make your margins too small. This will eliminate important white space (the empty space on the page) and make your resume look overly crowded. The reader's eyes will likely glaze over.

You'll also want to use obvious headings to call out your various sections (think: career summary, skills, experience). This will make your resume super scannable and add in even more white space so the reader won't feel overloaded with information.

Choosing font type and size

When it comes to choosing a font, keep it simple. Stick to common fonts, like Times New Roman, Arial, or Cambria, and if you want to get “creative,” you can use two fonts. For example, you might use a sans font (like Arial) for headings, then a serif font for the rest of the copy (Serif fonts have little feet on the ends of the letters, like Times New Roman).

No recruiter — or applicant tracking system — wants to see Curlz MT or Comic Sans. Not only does it look unprofessional, it's more difficult to read. You also don't want to make your font too small or too big. If it's too small, it'll be difficult to read. If it's too big, it'll look like you're just trying to fill up the page.

Again, the key is to keep your resume looking clean, simple, and modern.

When in doubt, ask for professional help

How are you feeling about your resume? If you're feeling confident, awesome! It's time to start searching and applying for jobs . If you still have some questions or can't help but wonder if you're on the right track — or simply want to throw your computer across the room at this point — that's OK, too. It might be time to call in a little reinforcement: a professional resume writer.

Signs your resume needs a professional rewrite

A professional resume writer can help you put your best foot forward, beat those resume bots, and save a ton of time (and frustration). Here are five signs it's time to hire a professional resume writer :

You're not the strongest writer: It's OK! Many people aren't, and a professional can make sure your resume is clear, concise, and free of typos.

You're not sure what to include: Whether you're fresh out of college with zero job experience or you've got 25 years under your belt, it can be difficult to decide what to include in your resume. A resume writer can help you figure out what's the most important pieces to keep and how to present your experiences in the best light.

You're bad at bragging: No, you don't want to just brag all over your resume , but you do need to be able to step back and evaluate your accomplishments and gauge your skills. Sometimes this can be difficult, but a resume writer will offer an outsider's perspective and help you understand your greatest strengths.

You never hear back: If you've applied to dozens of jobs with no response, that's frustrating. A resume writer can help you identify your problem areas and sort out any issues you might not be seeing.

You're in a unique situation: If you find yourself wondering what you should actually include on your resume or how to explain certain situations (like an employment gap or even getting fired), a professional resume writer can help guide you.

Is it worth it? The monetary value of a professional resume

If you're considering hiring a professional resume writer, you might wonder if it'll actually be worth the money. Here's the thing: Investing in a professional resume rewrite can save you a ton of time that you could use to network, find open positions, and more. It can also potentially help you earn more money when it comes to negotiating your salary and benefits .

And there's even data that backs up the benefits of a professionally written resume. In a TopResume, industry-first study , job seekers who used a professional resume writing service reported finding a job at a 32 percent higher rate. Plus, those with a professionally written resume reported that they expected to earn seven percent more than applicants who used the DIY approach.

And, hey, the cost of hiring a professional resume writer equates to 36 grande Caffe Mochas from Starbucks. Sure, caffeine is important, but so is getting your dream job.

Think you could benefit from a professionally written resume? Learn more about TopResume's services today and get started on landing your dream job.

Recommended Reading:

5 Signs It's Time to Hire a Professional Resume Writer

What Is an ATS? How to Write a Resume to Beat the Bots

How to Speed Up the Resume-Writing Process

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Resume Writing Tips

How much does it cost to hire a resume writer.

Executive resume writing service costs can range from $300-3,000 depending on the process, years of experience of your resume writer or career coach , how many hours they’re investing into writing a resume , your work history , experience , and the credentials of your writer .

An executive resume that is developed from a questionnaire you complete online, does not include a telephone consult with the resume writer, a writer who does not hold a certification or may not be based in the US, and is written using a company-mandated resume template and wording will cost between $300-600.

For an executive resume writer who is certified, US-based, conducts a 60-90-minute telephone consultation, does not use questionnaires, and develops personal-brand-focused resumes you can expect to invest between $1,200-$4,000. Pricing will vary based on your experience and any resume writing package extras that are included such as LinkedIn profile writing, coaching, or educational material.

Request service and pricing information for executive resume writing services here.

Professional resume writing service costs can range between $200-2,000. The fees will depend largely on the type of resume written , the experience of the certified resume writer , the process the resume writing company uses, and the skills and experience of the professional writer .

A professional resume that is written from answers provided on a worksheet or questionnaire and that do not include a telephone consultation will trend on the lower end of the price range. If the resume writing service uses writers who are not US-based, do not hold a certification in resume writing and are reliant on company-mandated resume templates and wording you can expect to pay between $100-$300 for the professional resume.

Resume writing services that include a 60-90-minute consultation with your resume writer, are personal-brand-focused, developed by a certified resume writer based in the US will be on the upper end of the pricing spectrum between $1,000-$2,000 depending on your career level and the experience of the resume writer.

Crafting a quality resume that will catch a potential employer ’s eye takes a lot of time, attention to detail, and expertise—three things that most people searching for a job do not have. Enter professional resume writers.

Professional resume writers are people who have dedicated their careers to crafting documents that will help you reach your career goals . An executive resume writer can create an executive resume and cover letter that will blend your work experience , accomplishments , and skills in a way that attracts the attention of potential employers.

The results from hiring a certified resume writer usually speak for themselves; higher resume response rates, double and triple the income, more interviews, more offers – these are usually the results of a good executive resume or professionally written resume .

Resume Writing Services Cost – Are Executive Resume Writers Worth It?

Professional resume writing services can be a great choice when you’re struggling to find the right wording or make the right impression with your current resume .

Ever heard the saying you get what you pay for? It holds very true in the world of professionally written resumes . If you’re paying for a $50-100 resume, you’re likely getting a resume template that has been used with thousands of other people (probably your competition) with your same content plugged into a dressed-up format. On the other hand, if you’re investing $500+ into professional resume writing , committing to a 60-minute or longer telephone consultation, and the process includes revisions and a guarantee with a trusted and certified resume writer , you’re likely on the right path. In the world of executive resume writing , resume services can range anywhere from $50-$1000+.

If you don’t want to write your resume and you want a good resume that is polished, concise, and professional , here are a few things to look for:

Resume writing service costs usually equal the amount of time needed to create a truly distinctive and branded resume.

If you are an executive looking for a six-figure position, you want an executive resume that positions you well for the role. I love the math Louise Fletcher of BlueSkyResumes uses in her article when she explains the investment. Here’s what she has to say:

Here’s a very rough ballpark way to estimate the payback time for your resume and cover letter .

An average work year, taking into account holidays, weekends and vacations, is 2,000 hours (yes, I know you work a lot more than that! But let’s start there). So to calculate your hourly rate, just divide your salary by 2,000.

Resume Writing Packages | Resume Package Costs

Many resume writing companies offer resume packages which may be an ideal option to get a bundle price. I know that many services offer resume packages . We offer three packages:

Our executive resume package includes an executive resume and cover letter , Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, and an applicant tracking system-optimized version of your resume. It also includes a 60-90 minute telephone consultation, two rounds of revisions, and 3-5 business day turnaround time.

We offer a VIP premium package that includes an executive resume , cover letter, and LinkedIn profile content writing service . It also includes the three resume documents , the phone consultation, revisions, and a 3-5 business day turnaround time.

The third executive resume writing service package we offer is the VIP platinum package. It adds the remaining career documents that we create, a thank you letter, and a career biography and also adds the executive recruiter distribution.

Resume Writing Guarantees Are Worth It

Reputable resume writing services generally offer a guarantee for their work . An example of a common guarantee would be free resume revisions or a rewrite if you don’t land an interview within 60 days. Some resume writers offer complimentary job search coaching, too.

60-Day Interview Guarantee – this guarantee basically states that if your resume does not generate any interviews in 60 days, the resume writer will write you a new resume at no charge.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee – a satisfaction guarantee normally means that the resume writing service guarantees that you will be happy with your resume, and if you’re not, they will do whatever it takes to ensure you are satisfied.

How to find a resume writing service you can trust

When looking for a certified professional resume writer to help you write a professional resume , it’s important to remember price isn’t the only factor. I advise you to review resume samples the service creates so you’ll know if the quality of their work aligns with your expectations. If you’re looking at resume samples and the quality is poor, it’s a good sign to walk away.

After you’ve reviewed resume samples , look at their Better Business Bureau rating to read real client reviews and complaints and ensure they have an A or A+ rating. It’s one of the only true ways to verify the background of a company.

Look for third-party review websites and scrutinize the reviews you read. Do the reviews include the writer ‘s name and details about the experience working with the resume writing company? If so, it’s probably a trustworthy review. If the review is vague or generic, like “I didn’t like working with this company” or “I enjoyed working with this company” they’re probably not a legitimate review. Take that into account when you’re doing your research.

Speaking of research, look up the company owner or resume writer on LinkedIn. If prospective employers can look you up on LinkedIn, then you can certainly look up the person behind the company. Find out how long they’ve been in the industry, what their brand is, what they’re known for, and how active they are on LinkedIn. This is a great way to judge the character and values of the company.

You can also check out their website and blog to find out what the company values and the principles the company is based on. Are they a golden rule company that believes in treating others the way they would want to be treated? Are their blogs informative and helpful? Are their blogs self-promoting or negative about others in the industry?

I also advise you to reflect on the investment in terms of how many days of employment it would take to cover the price of the executive resume . A great executive resume can shorten your job search by weeks or months and result in a substantial increase in income, more than covering the price of the professional service. Think about the long-term value that you’re receiving in terms of time saved, income doubled, and job search shortened. What is that worth to you? That should be how you decide how much you’re willing to invest in a resume writing service.

Here’s feedback from a client of ours named Carlos:

“I tried your services blindly three years ago, and after my initial results, I utilized your services three more times as I sought growth in my career . Each time accounted for exponential and explosive growth. I went from making $50k to $175k in just three short years. I also saw a 30% increase and a two-level bump. Excellent work . I now run a regional Logistics and Supply Chain network supporting operations in 12 states and an account valued in excess of $160M. My resume writer was able to portray my skills and personality on paper, revealing my personal brand to the world. The document matched my personality to a T. Everyone I interviewed with saw me as a total package and complimented my resume for being concise and matching my personality and skill set. I have recommended your services to over 50 associates.” – Carlos Llanes.

If you want prospective employers to contact you for an interview , you need a resume that will attract the attention of the hiring manager .

If you’re ready to hire a professional resume writing service to work with a professional resume writer , we’d be happy to review your resume and discuss your career goals . You can review services on our website at Great Resumes Fast.

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About the author

Jessica hernandez, president, ceo & founder of great resumes fast.

Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.

What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.

You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!

I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!

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The 20 Best Resume Writing Services

Have you ever wondered why some people are not afraid of losing their job? They have courage to ask for advancement and salary raise and quit jobs they are not happy with. They seem to ignore the global unemployment crisis and look for a better position most of the time. Paradoxically, they get lots of interviews and are accepted for the most desirable jobs.

What secret knowledge do they possess?

In most cases, the secret weapon boosting confidence of these people is detailed resumes showing their best sides. In present day reality, HRs can judge who you are by only a few lines of your resume. Therefore, creating a masterpiece resume is a must.

The next question is what makes a perfect resume. Simply enumerating your skills and experiences is not enough. Even perfect formatting, coupled with impeccable grammar and style is not enough. To know what recruiters want to see in your resume you need to think like a recruiter. In other words, not everyone can develop a talent of writing resumes that rock and win interviews. You, however, may use professional resume writing services, which employ former or current recruiters who are ready to share their secrets.

The following list of top 20 legit resume writing services will guide you in the world of resume writing and it will help you discover the service matching your interests and situation:

1. Resume101

The service specializes in creating CVs, resumes and LinkedIn profiles that attract potential employers. The company cares for its reputation and hires only the best and most experienced writers. Safety and confidentiality are important priorities of this service. Clients can be certain that their personal information will never be shared with third parties. The other important advantages of this service are decent prices and outstanding quality.

The prices depend upon your chosen proficiency level:

• Entry level – $99
• Professional level – $119
• Executive level – $159

Customer Reviews :

“Gratified with the quality of the service. Highly professional, speed and agility is commendable.” – Dr. Miller

Founded in 2010, Fiverr is a marketplace for freelancers offering various services. These include design, programming, digital marketing, business services, resume writing, AI services and more. It’s a great place to find professional resume writers. Fiverr now has over 3 million gigs, and its database continues to grow.

The platform works on a simple principle: you start by exploring services using categories, keywords, and filters to find the right freelancer for your needs. After discussing your project with your preferred freelancer, you choose a Gig package or request a custom offer and provide your requirements. Once the job is completed, you receive the delivery and can share your feedback with the community.

Pricing : The price varies based on the specialist’s background and rate. Gigs start at $5, but finding an experienced writer at that price is difficult. Check reviews from previous customers to ensure the seller can complete your assignment. Generally, resumes by writers with a 4.8-5.0 rating cost between $85 and $250.

“I just had my resume redone on Fiverr, and it turned out amazing. The writer really understood my background and highlighted my strengths perfectly. The whole process was super easy, and I got my new resume pretty quickly. Definitely worth it if you need a resume upgrade!” – Diane Negvesky

3. Skillroads

This resume writing service persuades its visitors that they already have what they need for a successful career start. To reveal professionals in themselves, clients can use the convenient features. The direct communication with a professional resume writer and the client’s constant input and feedback increase the effectiveness of cooperation. You may compare the variety of available features, including cover letter writing, resume writing and editing to choose what suits you best.

Pricing : The pricing on resume writing services starts from $89, while editing is cheaper, starting from $69.

“I had no idea how to present my working experience at all, especially for it to look attractive for HR’s and employers. I’ve found Skillroads and ordered CV from them. Thanks to their CV I have the new job. It’s a trustworthy service.” – Audrius V.

4. ResumesPlanet

The professional writers and editors from this company claim that your resumes and CVs need to be eye-catching and professionally-written. It is possible to send your current resume to this service or simply provide your career information and expect experts to write your resume from scratch. The service allows you choosing your career level, such as professional, executive, military, career change etc. The website has 24/7 live chat. You will be able to directly communicate with your writer.

Pricing : The price on resume writing depends mainly upon your chosen deadline. Thus, a 5-day delivery costs $76.51, while a 24-hour delivery is more expensive and costs $110.54.

“I never realized how much I was missing from my resumes until I saw what you produced. Even now, I am kicking myself thinking of the things I missed. I am very grateful for your work and I will tell my friends.” – Elizabeth Pick

5. ResumePrime

The Resume Prime can help you make your resume stand out from the crowd of other applicants. For this purpose, they have a team of professional writers and editors. The company uses an individual approach to every client and customizes every resume. Their customer support is friendly and customer-oriented. You may check resume samples available on this site to make sure that this company deserves your attention.

The company offers 6 packages:

• Professional (2+ years) – $190
• Executive (C-level executives, VPs) – $230
• Entry level (0 to 1 year) – $150
• Student (college, graduate school admission) – $110
• Military (2+years) – $230
• Federal (federal government jobs) – $230

“This is truly one excellent resume service company. I’m happy with the way they tweak my so outdated resume. They are very patient with me especially when I asked about their service because I’m quite skeptical at first (sorry about that) and thank you for offering the coupon, it helped me a lot.” – Aubrey Bell

6. MyPerfectResume

This website provides customized, high-quality resumes within 4-5 business days. The most impressive fact about this service is their over 20 years of experience. During those years, they have developed proven strategies that guarantee your successful career growth. Additionally, if you want, your resume writer can include industry-specific keywords in your resume. The company also offers career planning help and interview advice.

Pricing : You can download basic resume templates for free while exploring the platform.

TopResume also offers four pricing options for their resume writing services:

• Starter : For $149, you get a professionally written, formatted, keyword-optimized resume, plus 30-day access to 15 job search tools and resources.
• Premium : For $219, you get everything in the Starter package, plus a cover letter and a 60-day interview guarantee.
• Ultimate : For $349, you get all the Premium services, plus an executive resume writer and a complete LinkedIn profile makeover.
• Elite Executive : For $699, you get all the above services, plus a two-day interview preparation session, two-day resume delivery, and unlimited resume revisions.

“Great service to use, they go above and beyond to make the customer happy. My resume was complete and I told them I was satisfied, but I thought of some improvements, and they were happy to make the improvements! Great company!” – Mike

The website has writers specializing in all major industries. From their experience of writing resumes for candidates with various qualification levels, the company promises to double or even triple your interview invitations by boosting your resume effectiveness. The writers use ATS (an automated resume scanner used by 90% of all employers) to ensure passage. After your writer completes your resume, it goes through this automated checker to check its quality and make some improvements if necessary.

There are three main packages:

• Launch (professionally written keyword rich resume) – $119;
• Fast track (resume + cover letter + 60 day interview guarantee) – $179;
• Premium (all of the above-mentioned + Linkedin profile + future revision)

“The writer assigned to my account not only did an excellent job with my resume but he also provided honest feedback and insight into why I was getting very little interest in response to my job applications. My re-written resume and cover letter were provided well within the 48 hour time period. I am really happy with the results, I highly recommend Zipjob to anyone.” – Richard

“I’ve tried a few resume writing services. Usually, you send it in and don’t hear anything until it arrives in your email a week later. Zipjob has a really good system for stying in touch with the writers!” – Stacey G.

8. ResumeWriters

The recipe of quick success from this company is working one-on-one with a certified resume writer, specializing in your field. They definitely know what they are talking about, judging by 17 years of their experience in the field. The website employs experts in over 70 industry fields. An important advantage offered by this company is the guarantee of getting interview invitations. Otherwise, expert writers promise to rewrite your resume once again for free.

Depending upon your qualification, the website has 3 packages:

• Student – $169.95
• Professional – $199.95
• Executive – $299.95
• Career change – $249.95

“I thought you might like to know that I got a new job this week and I am officially off the market. Thanks a lot for your work rewriting my resume. I found an awesome opportunity and I am really happy. It took less than 30 days from your re-write to find me a good job.” – Erin L.

9. ResumeWritingLAB

This resume writing company can help you improve format and content of your resume. Their years of experience allow resume writers to make your application documents look good in the eyes of recruiters. Writers and editors do their best to make your resume stand out from the crowd of your competitors. It is possible to order a resume, CV or a LinkedIn profile or all of these.

Pricing : The price of resume writing is $119 (for a resume to be written from scratch). Resume editing is relatively cheap and it costs $79.

“I’ve worked for Resume Writing Lab since 2012. This Company helped me to develop lots of valuable skills and qualities so important for modern labor market. I was inspired by the attitude of this service to the customers. They really care and you never feel that you offer something bad or useless.” – Emad H.

10. GreatResumesFast

The two main things that make this service extremely popular among clients is tight deadlines and reputation. This company has been mentioned in various remarkable resources, including Time, Fortune, Forbes etc. Personalized resume writing service comes up to your best expectations and even exceeds them. The company has different services for different industries (such as military or IT, for instance) and different qualification levels (professional, executive etc.)

The company offers 4 packages:

• Basic – $595
• Value – $695
• Success – $995
• Career launch – $1695

“The resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile were fantastic, the responses were timely, and I have already recommended this service to others.” – Cory McTonic

11. ResumeProfessionalWriters

The company has a unique offer – they promise you an interview within 60 days after you receive your resume or CV written from scratch or edited. Otherwise, the service will rewrite your document until your complete satisfaction for free. Along with creating your documents, this company can improve your LinkedIn profile or write a stunning cover letter, which grabs attention. In years of their experience, this company has written over 10000 resumes and other documents.

Prices depend upon chosen quality:

• Basic resume $125
• Deluxe resume $195
• Premium resume $305
• Ultimate resume $495

“Like most people in the “job search market” I’ve talked to recently, I was struggling with my resume. I had seen several writing companies advertised on the web, especially coming from different job boards, but then I searched on “best resume writers” and found that RPW was listed very highly. I gave them a try and have been very pleased. Sabrina Cortez turned around my first draft very quickly and was very responsive to any edits I requested. I’ll start using the new version this week so we’ll see how it goes, but overall I am very satisfied and would recommend this company!” – Tom Brodie

“Writers from Resume Professional Writers are truly expert in resume writing. I struggled with creating a functional resume and definitely needed assistance. My writer uses the information that I sent her and drafted a really impressive resume very quickly! I am extremely happy with both the resume and cover letter and would not hesitate to refer her to others. I showed the resume to some of my friends and they really loved it as well! Thank you Resume Professional Writers, I will definitely avail your services again!” – Joyce G.

12. TopResume

This resume writing service promises to double the amount of interview invitations you receive. To begin with, you may request a free critique of your current resume. If you feel like improving what you already have, you may want to receive one-on-one support from a professional resume writer. Your personal writer will help you create a modern resume, based on your career story and meeting all the high standards of your industry. Additionally, you may want to improve your LinkedIn profile.

There are three main packages to choose from:

• Professional growth – $149
• Career evolution – $219
• Executive priority – $349

“Just needed a few tweaks on my resume but they really pulled it together. Would have never thought of some of the ideas or wording myself. I used to not send a cover letter, but with my new and improved one, I do it all the time.” – Ken Keyes

“My resume was great but the addons I purchased weren’t worth the extra I paid. I wish I hadn’t bought them. The resume was more than I could imagine. It looks great and highlights my work well however the LinkedIn and additional job postings weren’t worth the investment.” – Janae W.

13. SuccessfulResume

Acknowledged as one of Australia’s leading resume writing services, this company has over 40 offices in Australia and abroad. Even if you are looking for a US or UK resume writer, this website is the place to go. They will be able to find an appropriate writer match for you. Additionally, their services include LinkedIn profile creation, interview coaching and training. Their main goal is to make your next job application effective.

Pricing : The prices depend upon the service you choose, your qualification level an deadline.

“I have just got the first job I applied for using your resume and application letter.. it was a really good investment for me. I would like to tell you how much I appreciate your efforts in writing and designing an excellent resume and letter package, I also found the interview tips leaflet very useful. I would recommend you to anyone.” – Quyen Tran

14. CareerSteering

Along with upgrading your resume, this award-winning service can help you improve your personal brand. This company is popular with executives and top managers. The pop-up window on the website allows you to book a consultation and share your career goals to maximize the effectiveness of cooperation. Whereas this company consults individuals who want a six-figure-plus salary, it can be helpful for mid-level professionals as well.

Pricing : This website offers premium and professional-level packages. A 180° career acceleration package costs $2295. The price of a professional-level resume can be cheaper, but it always depends upon a specific situation.

“I just want to let you know that I landed a CFO position 3 weeks ago. Various interviewers throughout the process were impressed with my resume and bio. Thanks for your help. I have recommended your services whenever I get a chance.” – Darron Watson

15. VelvetJobs

This service offers much more than simply creating a resume. This website can curate you through the process of job search. A team of curators can select companies that match your search criteria. The company has curated over 1 million successful jobs in top industries. With this service, you can build your resume online by using thousands of prewritten bullet points or templates. Alternatively, you may hire an expert to create a resume for you.

If you are not satisfied with an opportunity to build a free resume online, the following three resume packages are for you:

• Professional resume $199
• Professional resume + $249
• Executive resume $459

“I was pleased with the re-write of my professional resume through VelvetJobs. I worked with a great communications coach who was able to summarize my 30 years of experience, pull out the highlights, and provide suggestions for filling in the details later. We had a lengthy conversation at the beginning of the process – and at the end of our discussions I had a product that I am happy with and able to use in the future. I can definitely recommend the service.” – Kiko Harvey

16. CraftResumes

Successfully working in this niche since 2014, this resume writing service promises to powerfully sell your skills. The company hires certified resume writers and HR specialists. Their competence and experience guarantee powerful results. If you need your resume urgently, they are ready to negotiate it. The website works with international clients from 50+ countries. The goal of this service is to bring you the results you want in days, not weeks.

Pricing : The price depends upon your specialization and the package you choose:

• Entry: $139 for resume writing
• Professional: $229 for resume writing
• Executive: $339 for resume writing

“I just wanted to say that I have already received 3 times the calls from employers this week, and the new formats you’ve created have taken it a new and much improved level. I am very impressed with your work and the professionalism you have brought to a rather unorganized and lengthy background. Many many thanks!” – James L.

17. BrightSideResumes

This service was created for executives and mid to senior level professionals. The Bright Side website is nationally certified as one of the most efficient services in career promotion. The service uses an individual approach for writing all types of personalized documents, including cover letters and other types of employment-related correspondence. Personal rebranding on LinkedIn and other social networks is possible. You may check out resume samples on this website before making your final choice.

Pricing : Pricing depends upon your proficiency level. Thus, a graduate resume costs $395, while an executive resume is the most expensive one and it costs $975.

“Cliff is a not only a great writer but a great listener. By hearing the candidate story he can develop a powerful resume with a strong narrative. Cliff demonstrated a great deal of patience and flexibility when working with me.” – Sam M.

18. ResumeWritingGroup

The service has decades of experience in resume writing. This company offers quality guarantee you may only dream of. If you use their resume and follow their advice and you are not employed in 45 days or less, they promise to give you a full refund. Furthermore, they will give you extra $100. The website has no limitations in terms of your professional experience and specialization.

The prices depend upon your proficiency level:

• Entry level – $89
• Senior and high level executives $199
• Federal and government resumes $189

“Andrew and his team were super prompt in a last minute resume request. I couldn’t have asked for better service! Quick to answer emails and passionate about the service they provide. Their attention to detail along with expertise resulted in receiving a perfect resume in less than 24 hours that landed me the job! They went above and beyond!” – Vanessa S.

19. Resumeble

Resumeble isn’t just another resume writing service; it’s a great choice for anyone looking to succeed in the competitive job market. What makes Resumeble special is its network of expert resume writers in over 80 industries. This ensures your resume is more than just a document – it’s a tailored reflection of your professional journey that speaks directly to potential employers.

The process starts with a one-on-one consultation. Your dedicated writer learns about your career and highlights what makes you unique. This personalized approach helps your resume get noticed by decision-makers, not just ATS systems. Resumeble’s commitment to delivering ATS-optimized resumes with a 98.4% interview rate is just the beginning.

Three service packages are available:

• Standard: $157
• Professional: $297
• Premium: $397

“I would really like to write a testimonial for you. You just were so friendly, supportive and helpful with all my needs. You not only wrote me an excellent resume, but you made me feel like I could do the job I wanted. You were so encouraging and I just feel so happy to have come in contact with you. You are the best!” – Debbie Zamburek

20. SimplyGreatResumes

This service claims that key to a successful career upgrade is effective online branding. Your presence on LinkedIn and other networks is essential for your successful employment. The resume writing service is available to professionals and executives of all levels. The professional resume writers from this service focus on keyword optimization and your uniqueness. A complex strategy from Simply Great Resumes can bring your career to the next level.

Prices are calculated, depending upon your proficiency level:

• Professional $599
• Experienced professional (10+ years of experience)
• Executive $899

“After not needing to edit or pay attention to my resume for many years, I felt the need to seek some professional advice. My resume improved greatly but the best part was talking to someone who knew much more about it than I did. My resume editor was extremely helpful, courteous, and genuinely interested in what I wanted to accomplish. I would recommend the service to anyone who is interested in highlighting their talents/ experience.” – Benjamin M.

So, the right choice of a resume writing company can be your window of opportunity for getting a better job and better life. Hopefully, this list of top 20 reliable services will help you make an informed choice, taking into account your preferences and financial situation.

Best Resume Writing Services FAQ

📝 why hire professional resume writing services.

A great professional resume writing service is the ultimate choice for everyone who needs help with applications. Whether you are new to writing resumes and cover letters or your written resume doesn’t seem to get you invited on many interviews, we are right here to help you.

To ensure that you have the best shot at getting the job of your dreams, you need the expertise of the top professional resume writing services. Such expertise can guide you into what to include and exclude in your resume, how to approach the cover letter writing process, how to manage your LinkedIn profile, etc.

The options are limitless with a fine company. The reputation of a service should tell you everything you want to know. In long years of providing resume help, we’ve helped thousands of people who simply want to avoid being tricked by those fake and scam services.

Don’t let it up to luck. The resume is a huge influence on how the employer or admission board will see your application, and whether or not you will be considered a great candidate. Let us help you find the right service to describe your abilities in a way that leaves the readers in awe!

📝 What If You Don’t Choose the Top Resume Writing Services?

What happens if in pursue of a good resume, you choose to go with the cheapest or first choice instead of seeking for the top rated resume writing services? Obviously, the top rated companies are those who provide continued quality, so the risk of doing this is quite big.

Resumes don’t always come at a high rate. As a matter of fact, some reputable companies offer quite a reasonable rate for resume help, and many of them have a variety of packages you can choose from to save some money in the process. It is the smartest investment you can make in terms of starting your career right. Even if it seems like an unnecessary thing to you now, you will surely appreciate the benefits it offers later.

But, that’s only if you make the right choice. Some services go so far with their scams, they even publish fake reviews online to trick you into believing that they are the right choice for you. To help you avoid all this and aim your investment toward the right service, we’ve done the research for you. Instead of spending hours asking around for a nice resume writing service, you need a couple of minutes checking the reviews on resume-writing-service.reviews to see what the market offers.

Don’t let great promises and low prices trick you! We don’t just base our reviews on a nice website or affordable pricing. To actually help you find a nice company, we look at every little aspect of it – quality, pricing, and reliability, just to mention a few.

📝 How to Choose the Best Resume Writing Services?

Our job here is to provide you with a detailed description of what a company is all about. We will tell you about their reliability and writing experts, the packages and prices offered, as well as the customer service provided during our order preparation with the service.

But, that’s where our job ends. It is up to you to choose the best service for you. That’s the difference between this site and many similar sites whose goal is to push you into making a decision. This website does not serve to promote a certain site or diminish another one. It is just a grouping of honest and up-to-date reviews written by people who’ve had their share of getting their resumes written online.

The people working on these reviews know everything there is to know to be able to determine if a company is an excellent choice for you or not. They will look at everything you might be interested in, let you know of the details, and give you some guidance into getting a proper resume. As a result, you can choose one of the best services at a price that is realistic to you and get invited to all the interviews you wanted to get into.

Don’t you worry – this doesn’t make any extra expenses for you. We don’t charge you for our assistance. Our sole goal is to aid others in finding a reliable resume service and not get tricked by the many scam companies that exist online.

📝 Why Should You Trust Our Resume Writing Service Reviews?

Out of all feedback available online, why should you trust our resume writing services reviews?

There are many reasons for this. The first one is the most important one to those in search of quality resume help – our assistance is free of charge. Since you’re in search of a job or admission into some institution, you probably aim to earn some money or earn more money than what you currently get. This means that you cannot afford to pay fortune for a resume that might or might not turn out to be a success, especially since you might be applying to a very hard-to-get job. Don’t worry, we won’t be charging you anything for our help.

Secondly, this site is created by people who have experience with resume writing services. Some of us have worked in such companies, making them aware of the tricks used to scam customers. Others have been using such services in the past, which also helps in detecting the flaws and finding the advantages from ordering from a specific company.

Finally, because we give you a fast way to check a company and avoid being scammed by the fake ones. Without having to check what a company offers and how they handle resumes, you can have access to the list of most promising services that can aid you with your application.

We have your back! All you have to do is sit down, take your computer or smartphone and open our website. Spend a couple of minutes reading reviews, and find the company to write your resume!

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Helen Nesterenko is the founder and CEO of Writtent.com that is all about finding amazing writers and creating great content.

Other posts by Helen Nesterenko

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I’ve reviewed 1,000+ good (and bad) resumes. Here are my tips on perfecting yours.

Hey guys! So over the past few years, I’ve looked at 1,000+ resumes and analyzed what differentiates a good resume from the bad. And, well, I ended up learning a lot.

I’ve been lurking on Reddit for like forever and wanted to give a bit back to the community. So, I created this mega-list of ALL the best resume tips & tricks I’ve learned over the years.

Hope you guys find it useful.

So, the tips are...

Use a professional email. This one sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how many people still use extremely casual emails ( [email protected] , anyone?)

Always double-check your contact information. You typo that phone number or email, and you’re not getting a callback.

Try to mention achievements over responsibilities when possible. HR knows what your responsibilities are. What they WANT to know is how you stand out from the rest of the candidates. Keep in mind, though, that some positions don’t have achievements as such. In cases like that, it’s OK to go for responsibilities.

Good Example : Hit and surpassed the monthly KPI by 20% for 5 months in a row

Bad Example : Generated leads through cold calling

4. Mention only relevant work experience . If you’re applying for a job in sales, HR doesn’t care about your experience in accounting.

5. If you are a student with not a lot of work experience , jam-pack your resume with other experiences.

Think, extracurricular activities, personal projects you’ve worked on, volunteering, whatever else you can come up with. Don’t have much of that, either? Proactively work towards getting skills and experiences that are going to be useful for your future job.

In this case, you can even fill up your resume with work experience that’s not that relevant. Did you wait tables during the summer but now you are applying for a marketing job?

You can still mention it - it shows that you’ve done SOME work in your life, and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty.

6. Back up your experiences with data & numbers. All the entries on your resume should be super-specific. This allows you to stand out from the other candidates & show the recruiter that you’re a high-achiever.

DO : Managed and optimized the client’s Facebook ad account, increasing the ad ROI from 42% to 65%

DON’T : Managed the client’s Facebook ad account

7. Are you about to switch careers? Mention it in your resume summary. Do something like:

“Sales professional with 5 years+ years of experience looking to transition into the position of a front-end web developer. Previous experience developing websites for 3 local business clients.”

This shows that you’re not just applying to random jobs - you’re ACTUALLY trying to transition into a new field. The 2nd sentence can be used to show the experience you DO have (if you have any).

8. DON’T spray and pray . Most job-seekers go all-out with their job-search, applying for dozens of jobs per day. This, if you ask me, is counterproductive. You’re better off hand-picking the 5 best jobs each day, and tailoring your application to each of them.

9. Speaking of tailoring - t’s pretty generic advice to “tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for,” but what does it mean in, y’know, practice?

So here’s how this works - most people make a single resume, and apply to dozens of positions with it.

The optimal approach is, instead, to create a different variation of your resume for each position you’re applying for, and apply to a handful of positions each day instead.

As for how to do the actual tailoring, first off, you need to read the job description in-depth. Then, go through your resume and see if you’ve mentioned all the skills and responsibilities that are required for the position.

In most cases, you’ll see that there ARE several essential skills and responsibilities that you DO have, but you didn't mention on your resume because you just didn’t think they were that important. This, usually, makes a huge difference.

10. DON’T go over 1 page . Common advice, but again, a TON of people disregard this. Unless you’re a senior professional with 20+ years of experience, there’s no excuse for going over 1 page.

The recruiter doesn’t care about every single thing you’ve done in your life - they care about your relevant work experiences.

If you have 10 years of work experience in accounting, for example. 80% of your resume should be all about that, and 20% about any other experiences that help build up your profile for the position.

You shouldn’t mention what you did in high school, for example. Or which extracurricular activities you did in uni.

Surprisingly, students tend to be the ones that make 2-3 page resumes. Since they have a ton of extracurricular activities from university and want to stand out, they just jam everything they’ve done at uni into the resume.

Or, they also tend to go the other way around - they just mention their university, classes they’ve taken, and end up with a half-a-page resume. This isn’t a good approach, either.

11. Don’t fluff . “Critical thinker” “good communicator” “strong teamwork skills.” What do these words have in common?

Well, it’s that every single recent graduate stuffs these in their resume. Avoid generic buzzword terms, because, let’s face it - they don’t help, and they are just space-fillers.

12. Don’t include a photo . You want to get a job, not a date.

13. Use DocSend to track your resume. This is a very little-knock hack, but it works pretty cool.

DocSend is a tool where you can upload your CV, and whenever anyone looks at it, you get a detailed run-down of how long they were looking at it, and when.

This is useful for a bunch of reasons, including:

You’ll know if the recruiter never looked at your resume. This means that your resume probably got lost in their inbox, and you should ping them.

Or, option 2, the recruiter looks at your resume for <5 seconds. This means that your resume doesn’t prove to the HR that you can do the job, and it requires further work.

Or, if they DO look at your resume for more than a minute, that means that they’re interested, and will probably get in touch soon.

Unfortunately, DocSend doesn’t work if you’re applying for bigger companies that ask you to fill in an application on their website. Small businesses or startups, though, are free game.

14. If you have a B.A., don’t include your high school information .

15. Proof-read your resume . Use Grammarly for this, or ask a friend to give you a 2nd opinion

16. Feel free to include a hobbies section , but ONLY if you have space to fill, and no other relevant experience to fill it with. Hobbies are a good way to show a bit of your personality, but it’s not what’s going to get you the job.

Most recruiters are 50/50 on the section - some think it’s a waste of time, others think it helps humanize the candidate a bit more (and you might end up talking about the hobbies in the interview)

17. Follow up on your application . Sometimes, your application ends up lost in the recruiter’s inbox - and that’s OK. HRs make human errors, too. Pro tip: use an email tracking tool like Streak to see if the recruiter opened your email. If they didn’t, you know for a fact that you need to follow up.

18. Finally, keep in mind that when it comes to resumes & recruitment, a lot is opinion-based . Every single recruiter or HR manager has their own opinion on the resume specifics.

Some of them hate the hobbies section, others advocate for it.

Some of them recommend removing the resume objective section, others think it's useful.

If you find conflicting opinions on the web, don't just take either side as gospel - try to understand why they're recommending something, and how you can use it to your advantage.

...And that’s about it! Hope you guys found the tips useful ;) Let me know if you have any questions / feedback / completely disagree with something I wrote.

Job Search Statistics: We Analyzed Nearly 1 Million Job Applications. Here’s What We Learned.

We analyzed a million job applications to uncover the blueprint that will help you get invited for a job interview.

Customers Interviewed by:

“If I could just get to the interview, I’ll be able to land the job.”  

Many job seekers have this thought as they send out resumes. They hope to break the barrier and get their resume in front of a hiring manager. But how can you position your application to show you’re the best candidate for the job?

By analyzing our data of almost a million job searches, we have a roadmap that shows you exactly what steps to take to boost your chances of getting an interview. 

We looked at data points like:

• Did the applicant include a job title that matches the job description?
• Did the applicant include a cover letter?
• Did the applicant use LinkedIn optimization?
• Did the applicant list higher degrees?
• Did the applicant list relevant certifications?

Our review of the data found that seemingly small details matter on your resume when you’re trying to get an interview.

Read our report to uncover the data-backed variables that will help you land a job.

Boost your interview chances by 3.5 times by using the job listing title on your resume

Job titles quickly describe your role and how you differ from other candidates. The hiring manager can determine your position, work responsibilities, and seniority level at a glance.  

Aligning your job title with the job description can improve your chances of getting an interview by attracting the attention of the hiring manager and recruiter. 

A job title match is critical for the ATS, the applicant tracking system . When you apply for a job, the ATS stores it in a digital database. Hiring managers then input keywords to find the strongest candidates.

Job titles are essentially keywords, so when the hiring team inputs the job title into the digital search engine, your resume will float to the top of the results. 

Our analysis shows that matching the exact job title on your resume makes it 3.5 times more likely you’ll land an interview.

You can add your job title match in two places:

• Resume headline
• Work experience

“If you are unsure about using a title different from your current job,” Suzanne Berger , an Innovative Career Consultant, says you should “Consider that titles are specific to a company, and your skills are transferrable to many roles. Matching your headline to the posted role with a summary of your relevant skills highlights that you have the skills needed for the posted role, no matter what your job title is at your current company.”

Your resume headline job title is the place to narrow your work history down to a theme that aligns with the hiring manager’s goal. This title isn’t static and should change to match the job description. Write a unique resume headline with the job title match for each application. 

“ The resume headline is your first impression to the reader ,” shares Kelli Hrivnak , Founder of Knak Digital, a boutique recruitment firm that specializes in identifying and matching technology, digital marketing, and creative talent with hyper-growth businesses. 

“Come in strong with a hook that grabs their attention and keeps them reading. What could this entail? The target job title or a brief unique value proposition, like Data-Driven Finance Strategist: Optimizing Financial Operations .”

Tips for writing your resume headline with a job title match

Write a winning resume headline that will land you an interview with a few quick tips:

• Include relevant keywords.
• Keep it short.
• Use title case.
• Write multiple versions.
• Reference certifications, licenses, or achievements.

Extra advice from Kelli Hrivnak , Founder of Knak Digital: “Focus on your results, not years of experience.”

Don’t let a lack of practical experience keep you from showing off in your resume headline. Add awards, scholarships, study abroad opportunities, or fellowships to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Increase your interview chances by 1.9 times by including a cover letter

Cover letters still boost your interview chances in today’s job search. Hiring managers still read cover letters and they can be a differentiating factor—if another applicant has similar qualifications, but you wrote a standout cover letter, it can give you a competitive edge. 

We studied the data and it shows that including a cover letter with your resume makes you 1.9 times more likely to be invited for an interview compared to those who left out a cover letter.

Write a cover letter fast

Writing a standout cover letter is easier said than done. But Jobscan’s cover letter generator makes it painless. The AI tool pulls information from your resume and the job description to write a personalized and impactful cover letter.

This cover letter example below shows the key components of a standout cover letter. Well-written cover letters can boost the strength of your candidacy and expand on key experiences that support your resume.

Change the recipient information from generic “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” Browse LinkedIn and find the person most likely to read your resume, whether that’s a recruiter, hiring manager, or a department manager in smaller companies.

Use the power of AI to write a cover letter in seconds, personalized to your resume and the job description.

Enhance your chances of getting an interview by 1.5 times by using LinkedIn optimization

Recruiters and hiring managers can’t find out more about you without an optimized LinkedIn profile . 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to vet potential candidates and 87% use LinkedIn specifically to find candidates for jobs. 

According to Clair Levy of Precision Resume Solutions, “Recruiters and hiring managers love to do a little LinkedIn snooping (in a good way!) before deciding who gets that golden ticket to an interview.”

Our data analysis shows that job seekers who used Jobscan’s LinkedIn optimization tool were 1.5 times more likely to land an interview than those without an optimized profile. 

In today’s digital world, Clair shares that “a candidate’s LinkedIn presence can make a huge difference in getting an interview.”

How to optimize your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn optimization can boost your search impressions by 6 times. Jobscan’s premium LinkedIn Optimization tool is an effortless way to create a big impact in minutes. It performs over 40 checks on your profile, including:

• Hard skills
• Measurable results
• Negative tone
• Vanity URLs

By offering sample phrases and word suggestions, you can write a professional LinkedIn profile that encourages recruiters to chase you instead of the other way around.

Attract recruiters with an optimized LinkedIn profile and land your next job interview.

Raise your chances of landing an interview by 2.5 times by listing a higher degree

Your college degree, whether a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, can boost your chances of getting an interview for your dream job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that those with degrees face lower rates of unemployment . 

Those without a degree faced the highest rate of unemployment at 5.5 percent in 2022 , while those with advanced degrees had an unemployment rate of 4 percent or less. 

Our analysis of a million resumes shows that job seekers with a higher degree, including bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD are 2.5 times more likely to get an interview than those without a degree. 

Keep reading: How to List Degrees on Your Resume

Multiply your chances of getting an interview by 2.9 times by including professional certifications

Earning certifications to include on your resume can provide a range of benefits for your career by helping you advance in your role and make a higher salary. But it also enables you to stand out in your job search. 

According to Jobscan’s data, you’re 2.9 times more likely to get an interview if you have a professional certification relevant to your industry and role. 

Certifications can help elevate your resume by:

• Showing your commitment to continued learning.
• Highlighting your specialized skills and knowledge.
• Providing a competitive advantage.

Free certifications to add to your resume

You don’t have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for professional certifications in your resume. You can access free or low-cost certification courses from reputable organizations online, including:

• Google Analytics Academy
• Cisco Academy
• HubSpot Academy

Find more free courses: 27+ Free Certifications to Add to Your Resume in 2024

How to list certifications on your resume

You can create a dedicated resume section to emphasize your certifications. To list certifications on your resume , include:

• The full name of the certification
• The issuing organization
• The date of completion and expiration, if applicable
• Location, if completed in person

“One benefit of earning free certifications is acquiring industry knowledge that you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile as keywords. You may not be able to demonstrate these areas as skills or expertise, but adding them as additional training or courses completed gets these keywords in front of recruiters.”

— Steph Cartwright , Job Search Strategist, Certified Resume Writer, and the solopreneur behind Off The Clock Resumes.

Key takeaways

Ultimately the key components you need to secure an interview are:

• A job title match
• A cover letter
• An optimized LinkedIn profile
• A properly listed degree
• Relevant certifications

With an optimized resume filled with highly relevant details of your experience and credentials, you’ll position yourself as a candidate no recruiter can ignore.

Tailor your resume for each job application. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, use strong action verbs, and ensure it’s formatted cleanly. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with numbers when possible.

Personalize your cover letter for each application. Address it to a specific person if possible, and clearly state why you are interested in the position and how your skills and experiences make you a great fit. Share a brief story or example that demonstrates your qualifications and enthusiasm.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary that highlights your skills and achievements. Engage with content related to your industry, join relevant groups, and connect with recruiters and industry professionals. Regularly update your profile and share your accomplishments.

Use a multi-faceted approach: apply through job boards, company websites, and recruitment agencies. Set up job alerts to stay updated on new openings. Research companies you’re interested in and apply directly on their career pages. Customize your application materials for each job to increase your chances of standing out.

Research the company and the role thoroughly before your interview. Practice common interview questions and prepare your answers using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer, and dress appropriately. Arrive on time, be polite, and follow up with a thank-you email after the interview.

Review your resume and cover letter to ensure they are tailored and error-free. Consider reaching out to employers for feedback. Expand your job search criteria and try new job search strategies. Networking can also uncover opportunities that aren’t advertised.

Yes, a polite follow-up can show your enthusiasm and keep your application top of mind. Wait about a week after submitting your application, and send a brief email expressing your continued interest and asking about the status of your application.

Kelsey is a Content Writer with a background in content creation, bouncing between industries to educate readers everywhere.

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How to Write a Nursing Resume (With Expert Advice!)

Putting together a nursing resume can be tough—it's a competitive field, and you need to make your skills and qualifications stand out from the crowd. While some elements are consistent across the board (e.g. having your name, contact info, and education listed, for instance), it’s easy to underestimate the power of nuance and individuality in resume writing .

Below, we’ve outlined how to create (and update) an effective nursing resume, thanks to expertise from Nursing Professional Development & Education Specialist, Damion K. Jenkins, MSN, RN .

Get your amazing resume out there—apply now to these amazing nurse jobs on The Muse »

How to write a nursing resume in 5 steps

When crafting a nursing resume, Jenkins emphasizes the importance of following a structured approach to ensure that yours makes an impression with the hiring manager. Above all, you want your resume to be organized, easy to read, and succinct.

Step 1: Start with a strong summary statement

“Begin with a strong summary that highlights your qualifications and career goals,” Jenkins says. “Make sure to use keywords from the job description and qualifications required.” (Here's how to read a job description the right way .)

Your summary statement will speak to your past, present, and future as a nurse, while also making it easy for a recruiter to draw clear connections between your professional life and the job in question.

Need specific ideas? Read this next: 20 Resume Summary Examples to Make Writing Your Own Easier

Step 2: Include non-negotiable sections

Next, make sure you’ve accounted for the non-negotiable sections that every nursing resume needs. According to Jenkins, these include: your contact information, a professional summary of your achievements, your nursing education, licensure and certifications, clinical experience, and relevant role-specific skills.

On top of that, list any professional affiliations, volunteer work, and professional references. Together, these sections will make up the bulk of your resume.

Step 3: Highlight your most valuable skills

A good nursing resume includes hard and soft skills , both of which are necessary for patient care. Jenkins suggests highlighting specific clinical and interpersonal skills that are considered very valuable in the nursing world, including patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, critical thinking, conflict resolution, customer service, and effective communication.

Certifications like BLS, ACLS, PALS, or a specialty-specific certification should also be prominently featured.

Step 4: Do a thorough check for mistakes

As a nurse career coach and mentor, Jenkins has come face-to-face with countless nursing resume mistakes. To make your resume shine, he urges you to check their resumes for the following:

• Grammatical errors and typos
• An unprofessional email address (e.g. anything besides your first and last name, with a number, if necessary)
• Irrelevant information that doesn’t pertain to the role
• Dense blocks of text

Using this list to clean up your resume will improve your chances of getting noticed during your job search . Consider this your list of “don’t dos.”

Step 5: Follow nursing resume best practices

In terms of what you should do, Jenkins endorses the use of bullet points for better readability (vs. long text blocks), using keywords from the job description to help your resume pass through application tracking systems (ATS) , tailoring your resume for each job application, and proofreading vigorously.

Your nursing resume format should be clean and professional, and up to date with any new skills, certifications and experiences.

“Remember, keeping your resume concise and relevant matters,” he says. “If you are including a detailed summary about the dog-sitting job you had as a teenager for a charge nurse position, chances are that your resume won’t make it through the initial screening process.”

Nursing resumes FAQs

How often should you update your nursing resume.

Nurses should update their resume at least every six months, or immediately after acquiring a new skill, certification, or job experience. “Regular updates ensure that your resume is always current and ready for new opportunities, reflecting your most recent and relevant qualifications,” Jenkins says.

How should nurses describe their nursing experience and clinical skills?

To make your experience and clinical skills stand out, use action verbs and quantify your achievements , says Jenkins.

For example, a solid resume bullet point could be:

Provided care for a 30-bed unit, reducing patient falls by 20% through the

implementation of a new safety protocol and interprofessional collaboration with hourly rounding.

“Highlight specific clinical skills and procedures you’re proficient in, and showcase any leadership roles or special projects you’ve undertaken,” he says. “Be proud of your positive outcomes, and include stories that highlight how you’ve grown professionally through some failures and unanticipated setbacks. Hiring managers don’t want robots—they want to know that they have people who are resilient and willing to adapt to the needs of the organization.”

What are the essentials for a new grad nurse resume, versus a nursing student or experienced nurse resume?

For a new grad nurse…

• Emphasize your clinical rotations, relevant coursework, and any nursing-related internships or volunteer work. Include a strong objective statement tailored to the role you’re applying for

For a nursing student resume…

• Focus on your education, clinical placements, and any healthcare-related work experience.

And for an experienced nurse…

• Prioritize your professional experience, listing roles in reverse chronological order (most recent experience first) with detailed descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.

How should a nursing assistant, travel nurse, or nurse practitioner tailor their resume?

Per Jenkins’ advice, a nursing assistant resume should…

• Highlight your direct patient care experience and any specialized skills like phlebotomy or EKG administration, as well as team work, interdisciplinary collaboration and ability to follow instructions & escalation of abnormal findings.

A travel nurse resume should…

• Emphasize your adaptability, diverse clinical experiences, and ability to quickly integrate into new teams.

And a nurse practitioner resume should…

• Detail your advanced practice skills, patient caseload, and any specialized areas of practice, as well as leadership or teaching roles.

What are the essentials for a critical care nurse or emergency room nurse resume?

As for critical care nurses and ER nurses, Jenkins recommends emphasizing your ability to handle high-stress environments, proficiency in advanced life support, and experience with critical interventions such as intubation and other bedside emergency procedures.

Be sure to mention the diverse populations you’ve worked with, such as pediatric or trauma patients, and highlight your experience with critical care monitoring equipment and protocols.

What about nurses re-entering the workforce or changing specialties?

“For nurses re-entering the workforce or changing specialties, consider taking refresher courses or obtaining new certifications relevant to your desired role,” Jenkins says. “Note any continuing education or recent volunteer work to demonstrate your commitment to maintaining your skills. Finally, tailor your resume to showcase transferable skills and experiences that are applicable to the new specialty.”

Resume writing doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but you can still put together a standout nursing resume by using this guide. Good luck out there!

Once you get that interview, read this: 16 Nursing Interview Questions You Might Get Asked (and How to Answer Them)