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12 Top Certifications for Professional Resume Writers

Looking to hire (or become) a certified professional resume writer? Learn the details of the top resume certifications here.

Are you looking for a professional resume writer to help you craft the perfect resume?

Or maybe you are a resume writer hoping to obtain a resume writing certificate.

Either way, this article will provide the necessary information.

Does resume writer certification really make a difference?

A certified resume writer undergoes a testing process to ensure they have the skills to craft successful resumes.

There are several associations where a professional resume writer can seek certification.

In this article, you’ll find 12 resume writer certifications available from 5 different associations.

If the professional resume service you choose is connected with one of these associations, that can make all the difference in getting a job!

Find out more about the requirements for each certificate below.

Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC)

1. certified professional resume writer (cprw).

The  Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) credential is offered by the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC). This is one of the most recognized and prestigious certifications in the resume writing industry. The association also offers certifications for career coaches and interview professionals.

Year Founded: 1990

Resume writers will need to be active members of PARWCC to take the exam and use the certification.

Upon registration for the exam, writers will receive a study guide to prepare for the test. The test must be scheduled within a year of application.

Prospective resume writers will receive the test document by email on a scheduled date and they’ll have three days to complete the test and mail the documents back.

Tests are evaluated anonymously by the members of the Certification Committee, and results are available within 6-8 weeks.

Benefits: 

As a resume writer with PARWCC, you will get a personalized CPRW certification to display in your office.

You will also be able to:

• Use the CPRW logo on your website and other marketing material
• Use the CPRW credential after your name
• $150 for membership
• $250 for certification enrollment

National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA)

2. nationally certified resume writer (ncrw).

The  Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) certification is issued by The National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA). They have one of the most challenging certification processes. Certificate holders also need to offer proof of their continuing education efforts to maintain certification. The NRWA also offers another certification for online profile writers.

Year Founded: 1997

Process: 

The candidate needs to become a member of the NRWA to apply for the resume writer certification.

They also have to earn 10 Continuing Education Units (CEU) from the association. CEUs can be earned by participating in conferences and workshops, and also by writing book reviews.

The certification process consists of three steps:

• Earning CEUs
• Passing a quiz and sample submission based on the NCRW Study Guide
• Passing the NCRW examination

People can search for NRWA certified professional resume writers from the NRWA website.

The certificate holder will be able to use the NCRW designation after their name. They will also be able to display NCRW logos on their website and other marketing materials.

• $175 for NRWA membership
• $75 for writing sample review
• $250 for exam registration

Resume Writing Academy (RWA)

The Resume Writing Academy (RWA) is one of the most resourceful professional development organizations for professional resume writers and other career professionals.

The RWA offers three certifications for resume writers:

• Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW)
• Academy Certified Federal Resume Writer (ACRW-Federal)
• Academy Certified Career Storyteller (ACCS)

Year Founded: 2009

Unlike the Professional Association of Resume Writers and National Resume Writers’ Association, RWA certifications are achieved after undergoing training programs associated with each certification from the academy.

You will find a detailed description for each of the certifications below.

The RWA certification programs offer a great opportunity to learn plenty about professional resume writing, including info on the latest industry trends and other vital insights, along with getting the certificate.

You will also get a digital badge to display across your online portfolio.

All the resume writing certificates come with lifetime validity. As an added bonus, the writer will also get to attend an RWA E-Summit for free after completion of ACRW and ACRW-federal programs.

3. Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW)

Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) credential is achieved after undergoing a 3-month resume training program from the academy. There’s also a self-paced version of the program available.

The training program consists of: 

• 5 web classes on grammar, formatting, writing, and homework assignments
• 3 independent industry-specific resume and cover letter writing projects
• Hands-on feedback on all assignments

Cost: $1895 or 3 payments of $650

4. Academy Certified Federal Resume Writer (ACRW-Federal)

Academy Certified Federal Resume Writer (ACRW – Federal) program is specifically designed to train and certify resume writers on the intricacies of resume writing and the job application process for federal jobs.

• Eight hours of instructor-led training
• Writing sample resumes and example applications
• Analyzing federal job postings and gathering content
• Quizzes to confirm understanding
• Projects to refine writing
• Receiving personalized feedback on quizzes and writing assignments

Cost: $2195 or 3 payments of $735

5. Academy Certified Career Storyteller (ACCS)

The Academy Certified Career Storyteller (ACCS) training and certification program helps career professionals master the art of career storytelling through resumes, cover letters, bios, and online profiles. This is an advanced-level certification from RWA. It requires writers to already have an industry-recognized certificate or complete a separate grammar assignment and evaluation of a sample resume.

The program consists of 4 sessions and homework assignments and a final project:

• Write a bio
• Write LinkedIn “About” and employment sections
• Write a “tell me about yourself” script and a letter
• Write a resume
• Write a portfolio of documents

Cost: $669 for members and $869 for non-members

Career Directors International (CDI)

Career Directors International (CDI) provides numerous professional development opportunities for career professionals, including resume writer certifications and courses.

The six CDI certificates focus on specific resume writing niches, including:

• Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW)
• Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW)
• Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM)
• Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X)
• Certified Graphic Resume Architect
• Certified Career Storyteller (CCST)

Year Founded: 2000

CDI adopts a tiered approach to resume writing certifications, based on the experience level of the candidates.

As there are a variety of resume writing certifications offered by CDI, you will find a description of each of them below.

Along with getting the CDI seal, the resume writers will get all the free tools and resources as a CDI member.

CDI also organizes the yearly Toast of the Resume Industry Awards (TORI) competition.

So, getting aligned with their best practices can give writers a headstart in achieving the TORI award.

Below is a brief overview of all the resume writing certifications offered by CDI.

6. Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW)

The Certified Advanced Resume Writer (CARW) certification program is for entry-level resume writers looking to get their first industry certification. It is also the most affordable resume certification offered by CDI.

The CARW certification process consists of four parts: 

• Resume sample submission
• Resume and cover letter writing
• Short-essay questions on client information gathering
• Final exam on spelling, grammar, resume writing, design, and related skills

Cost: $200 plus the $97 membership fee

7. Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW)

Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW) is a higher-level certification program offered by CDI to experienced resume writers. The candidate must already possess the CARW certification or any other recognized industry certification (such as the CPRW or ACRW).

The certification process involves submitting the following materials: 

• A 1000-word essay or article to demonstrate philosophy, skills, and expertise
• A portfolio of seven professional resumes
• One ATS-friendly resume
• Two cover letter samples

Cost: $297 plus the $97 membership fee

8. Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM)

The Certified Executive Resume Writer (CERM) certification is exclusively designed for executive resume writers. Consider it a high-level certification program for experienced professional resume writers. As of the date of this article’s publication, there are fewer than 25 CERMs worldwide.

The writer will need to: 

• Have or obtain any other recognized resume writing certificate
• Submit four examples of real-life executive resumes
• Take part in a 10-question Competency Review test

Cost: $297 for members and $564 for non-members

9. Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X)

The Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X) allows resume writers to get certification in their specific field of specialization or niche. For example, if you are a resume writer specializing in IT professions, you can get certified as a Certified IT Resume Specialist (CRS+IT). CDI offers this certification in 20 areas of specialization. The candidate must hold any other recognized industry certification for which testing was required.

Candidates will need to submit: 

• A portfolio of four industry-specific resume samples
• A one-page essay about their specialization

Cost: $197 for each specialization plus the $97 membership fee

10. Certified Graphic Resume Architect

As the name suggests, the Certified Graphic Resume Architect credential is for professional resume writers who also want to get recognized as graphic resume designers. Graphic resumes predominantly use visual elements, which contrasts the style of traditional “plain” resumes. Just like other advanced level certifications from CDI, this one requires that the candidates already possess any of the recognized certifications.

The writer will have to submit: 

• Five resume samples with visual elements
• An explanation of the project details for a selected resume

11. Certified Career Storyteller (CCST)

The Certified Career Storyteller (CCST) is a certification that accompanies a training program…similar to the ACRW certification from the RWA above. This course from CDI aims to train resume writers in the practices of how storytelling elements can be infused into resume writing and personal brand development. The course consists of 17 modules within a 6-part program. It’s a self-paced learning model requiring from 18 to 40 hours of total work.

The process includes:

• Each of the 6 parts involves lesson completion and a review process
• After all lessons are approved, the candidate will submit their final story-based portfolio
• The final portfolio is reviewed within 3-4 weeks

Cost: $2997 plus the $97 membership fee

Career Thought Leaders Consortium (CTL)

12. master resume writer (mrw).

The Master Resume Writer (MRW) credential is offered by Career Thought Leaders Consortium (CTL). CTL is owned by Marie Zimenoff, also the CEO of the Resume Writers Association above. CTL also provides certifications to career coaches, job search specialists, and digital branding specialists. Career professionals get many other tools and resources, like free guides, training, and webinars from CTL.

The candidate must have at least five years of experience to apply for the MRW credential. They also have to pass an English Language & Grammar Examination administered by CTL.

After that, the professional resume writer will need to submit five resume samples if they already have an industry-recognized certificate or 10 resume samples if they are not certified.

The certification has to be renewed every two years.

MRW is an advanced level certification that will project you as an expert in your field. There are only 27 MRWs out there.

You don’t have to become a member of CTL to get this certification. However, becoming an associate will get you a discount.

Key Takeaways

As a job seeker, you have every right to seek as many assurances as you can about your resume writer.

Getting your resume written by a certified resume writer is one of those assurances that should translate into a high-performing resume.

If the writer that you choose happens to be certified, that’s a great bonus. But more important than a writer’s certifications are the writer’s skills.

If you are looking for certified professional resume writers with a proven track record, Find My Profession is an excellent option.

We have some of the best certified professional resume writers on our team and they cover 85+ industries.

Check out our top-rated  resume writing services . We are confident that you will be satisfied with our work, and if you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Top 11 Writer Certifications

Updated July 20, 2023 17 min read

Certifications are important for writers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and proficiency in the craft. They provide employers with evidence that a writer is capable of producing quality work and has a strong understanding of the topics they write about. Certifications can also open up doors to new opportunities, as employers may be more likely to hire someone who has taken the time to obtain certifications in their field. Additionally, certifications can help writers earn higher salaries, as employers often value credentials and may be willing to pay more for highly qualified professionals. Finally, certified writers are better equipped to stay on top of industry trends and developments, which can give them an edge over other candidates when looking for work.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications available to writers and explain how they can help enhance a writer's career.

What are Writer Certifications?

Writer certification is a process in which writers demonstrate their skills and qualifications in order to prove that they are capable of producing high-quality content. Certification can include tests, portfolios, writing samples, and other requirements that must be met before the writer can receive certification.

Writer certification can help writers gain recognition for their work and establish themselves as professionals in their field. It also allows employers to quickly identify qualified candidates for writing jobs. Certification can also provide a competitive advantage when it comes to bidding on projects or negotiating higher fees. Additionally, certified writers may be eligible for discounts from certain businesses or access to exclusive resources. Finally, certification helps ensure that the content produced by certified writers meets industry standards and is of the highest quality possible.

Pro Tip: When considering writer certification, make sure to research the organization thoroughly and read reviews from other writers who have gone through the process. This can help ensure that you are getting a quality certification that will be recognized by potential employers.

Related : What does a Writer do?

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Writers today.

1. Certified Professional Writer (CPW)

Certified Professional Writer (CPW) is a certification program that recognizes and validates the writing skills of professionals in the field. CPW certifies that individuals have met certain standards of excellence in their writing, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, clarity, and organization.

The CPW certification process typically takes about two months to complete. To get certified as a CPW, individuals must first take an online assessment test to assess their writing skills. After passing the assessment test, they must then submit a portfolio of their work for review by a panel of certified writers. The portfolio should include samples of professional-level writing such as articles, blog posts, web copy, press releases, and other types of content.

Once the portfolio has been reviewed and approved by the panel of certified writers, applicants will be awarded their CPW certification. The cost for this certification varies depending on the type of assessment test taken and the number of pieces included in the portfolio submission but generally ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

2. Certified Technical Writer (CTW)

A Certified Technical Writer (CTW) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of technical writing. This certification is offered by the Society for Technical Communication (STC). To become certified, applicants must pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as document design, grammar, punctuation, and style.

The CTW exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete. It costs $395 for STC members and $495 for non-members. To prepare for the exam, applicants can take advantage of the many resources available from STC, including study guides, practice exams, webinars, and online courses.

In order to receive the CTW certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking an additional exam or completing continuing education requirements.

3. Certified Creative Writer (CCW)

Certified Creative Writer (CCW) is a certification program from the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors (IAPWE). It is designed to recognize writers who have demonstrated excellence in the field of creative writing. The certification requires applicants to submit a portfolio of their work, which is then evaluated by a panel of expert judges.

The certification process takes approximately three months from start to finish. Applicants must first register for the program and submit their portfolio for review. Once accepted, they will be required to complete an online course on creative writing techniques and principles. After successful completion of the course, they will receive their CCW certificate.

To get certified, applicants must meet certain criteria such as having a minimum of two years’ experience in professional writing or editing, having published work in at least one medium, and being able to demonstrate knowledge of grammar and syntax rules. They must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the craft and principles of creative writing.

The cost for the CCW program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend an in-person workshop. The online course costs $99 USD while attending an in-person workshop costs $399 USD. Both include access to IAPWE resources such as webinars, forums, and discounts on services offered by IAPWE members.

4. Certified Freelance Writer (CFW)

A Certified Freelance Writer (CFW) is a professional designation earned by writers who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field of freelance writing. The certification is awarded by the Professional Writers Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in freelance writing.

The CFW certification process includes an online application, a written exam, and an interview. Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamentals of freelance writing, including topics such as grammar and punctuation, research methods, marketing strategies, and client relations.

The entire certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To apply for the CFW certification, applicants must submit an online application form with a $50 fee. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to take a written exam that covers all aspects of freelance writing. Upon successful completion of the written exam, applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with members of the Professional Writers Alliance board of directors.

The cost for obtaining the CFW certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the Professional Writers Alliance. For non-members, there is an additional membership fee that must be paid in order to become certified; this fee is currently $100 per year.

5. Certified Copywriter (CCP)

Certified Copywriter (CCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Copywriters Association of America (CAA). It is designed to recognize and reward copywriters who demonstrate excellence in their craft. The CCP certification requires that applicants pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in writing, editing, and researching for marketing and advertising copy.

The CCP exam is administered online, and typically takes about two hours to complete. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience as a copywriter or related field to be eligible to take the exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as grammar, punctuation, style, structure, research methods, persuasive writing techniques, and more.

To get certified as a CCP, applicants must submit an application form with proof of their professional experience and pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. After submitting the application form and passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CCP certification within four weeks.

The cost of taking the CCP exam is $200 USD. This fee covers all costs associated with taking the exam including registration fees, study materials, and access to practice exams.

6. Certified Grant Writer (CGW)

A Certified Grant Writer (CGW) is a professional who has completed specialized training and passed an exam to become certified in the field of grant writing. The CGW credential demonstrates a mastery of the principles, techniques, and strategies of successful grant writing.

The certification process typically takes several months to complete. It includes completing an online training program that covers all aspects of grant writing, including research, proposal development, budgeting, and evaluation. After completing the training program, applicants must pass an exam to demonstrate their proficiency in grant writing.

To become a Certified Grant Writer (CGW), you must first complete an approved training program. There are many online courses available for those interested in becoming certified. Most programs require between 15-20 hours of coursework and include topics such as research methods, proposal development, budgeting, and evaluation. Once you have completed the coursework, you must then pass an exam to demonstrate your proficiency in grant writing.

The cost of becoming a Certified Grant Writer (CGW) varies depending on the training program chosen. Most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD for tuition and fees associated with the coursework and exam.

7. Certified SEO Writer (CSEO)

A Certified SEO Writer (CSEO) is a professional who has been certified by an independent organization to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of search engine optimization (SEO). The certification is designed to ensure that writers have the necessary skills and understanding to create content that meets the needs of both search engines and readers.

The certification process typically takes between two to three months, depending on the organization offering it. To become certified, applicants must pass a series of tests and assessments related to SEO topics such as keyword research, content optimization, link building, analytics, and more. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of their work for review.

The cost of obtaining a CSEO certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Some organizations offer free certifications while others charge a fee for their courses or exams. It’s important to research each organization before signing up for a certification program in order to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Overall, becoming a Certified SEO Writer can be an invaluable asset for any writer looking to break into the digital marketing industry. It provides proof of your knowledge and expertise in this ever-evolving field, which can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or freelance gigs.

8. Certified Business Writing Specialist (CBWS)

Certified Business Writing Specialist (CBWS) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field of business writing. The CBWS certification is awarded by the Professional Association of Business Writers (PABW), an international organization that sets standards for excellence in business writing.

The CBWS exam covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, style, document design, and audience analysis. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to write effective business documents and communicate effectively in a variety of formats.

It takes approximately two hours to complete the CBWS exam. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in business writing or related fields and submit a portfolio of their work for review by PABW.

The cost of the CBWS exam is $200 USD and includes access to study materials and practice tests. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive a certificate from PABW recognizing their achievement as a Certified Business Writing Specialist.

9. Certified Journalism Professional (CJP)

Certified Journalism Professional (CJP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Journalists (IAJ). It is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional journalism. The CJP is awarded to journalists who demonstrate excellence in their field and have achieved a high level of professional accomplishment.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. The criteria include having at least five years of experience in journalism, being a member of IAJ or another international journalism organization, and submitting two samples of published work. Applicants must also submit a statement outlining their commitment to ethical practices in journalism.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions about journalistic ethics, media law, news writing, and reporting techniques. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the CJP exam is $250 USD for IAJ members and $350 USD for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 USD for those who wish to maintain their certification status.

10. Certified Web Content Strategist (CWCS)

Certified Web Content Strategist (CWCS) is a professional certification offered by the Content Strategy Alliance. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and skills in web content strategy.

The CWCS program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as content strategy fundamentals, writing for the web, SEO, user experience design, and analytics. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and requires two hours to complete.

The cost of the CWCS program is $495 USD, which includes access to the online course and the final exam.

11. Professional Resume Writer Certification (PRWC).

Professional Resume Writer Certification (PRWC) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge required to write effective resumes. This certification is offered by the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC).

The PRWC certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as resume writing techniques, job search strategies, career planning, and interviewing skills. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To be eligible for the PRWC certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in resume writing or related fields. They must also submit a sample resume for review by PARW/CC.

The cost of the PRWC certification varies depending on the applicant's membership status with PARW/CC. For non-members, the fee is $295 USD; for members, it is $195 USD. The fee includes access to the online exam and one year of membership in PARW/CC.

Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their PRWC certificate within four weeks via email or mail. The certificate is valid for five years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking a refresher course or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Writer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a writer certificate depends on what type of writing you are planning to do. If you are writing for publication, such as books, magazines, newspapers, or websites, then it is likely that you will need some kind of certification. Many publishers and editors require writers to have some kind of professional credential in order to be considered for publication.

However, if you are an aspiring writer who just wants to write creative pieces for yourself or to share with friends and family, then a writer certificate may not be necessary. Even if you want to get published one day, there are many other ways to build your portfolio and credibility as a writer without having a formal certificate. You could take courses on writing from online schools or community colleges; join writing groups; attend workshops; volunteer for literary magazines; read books about the craft of writing; practice your skills by joining online forums and submitting work for feedback; and submit articles and stories to publications. All of these activities can help you hone your craft and build your reputation as a writer without needing a formal certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a writer certificate depends on their individual goals as a writer and what they hope to accomplish in their career. If becoming certified is something that will help them reach their goals faster, then it might be worth pursuing. However, if they plan on taking more time-consuming but ultimately more rewarding routes towards achieving their goals as writers, then they may decide that it’s not necessary for them at this stage in their career.

Related : Writer Resume Examples

FAQs About Writer Certifications

Q1. What is a Writer Certification?

A1. A Writer Certification is an accreditation that demonstrates the writer has met certain standards of writing proficiency. It is usually awarded by an organization or educational institution after the writer has completed a course or program in writing, and it can be used to demonstrate their writing skills to employers and clients.

Q2. How do I obtain a Writer Certification?

A2. To obtain a Writer Certification, you must typically complete an approved course or program in writing from an accredited organization or institution. Different certifications may require different levels of education, experience and/or examinations in order to qualify for certification.

Q3. Are there any benefits to having a Writer Certification?

A3. Yes, having a Writer Certification can help you stand out amongst other writers in your field and show potential employers that you have the skills necessary to perform well as a professional writer. It can also open up new opportunities for employment, as some organizations prefer candidates who have been certified in their particular field of writing.

Q4. What types of Writing Certifications are available?

A4. There are many types of Writing Certifications available, such as Technical Writing Certifications, Journalism Certifications, Creative Writing Certifications and Business Writing Certifications, among others. Depending on your area of expertise and the type of job you are seeking, different certifications will be more beneficial than others for demonstrating your skill set to employers and clients.

Q5. Is there a cost associated with obtaining a Writing Certification?

A5. Yes, there are often costs associated with obtaining a Writing Certification depending on the type of certification you pursue and the organization offering it. These costs may include tuition fees for courses or programs related to the certification as well as examination fees or administrative fees associated with obtaining the certification itself

Editorial staff

Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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Side Hustles

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Home Side Hustle Basics How to Become a Resume Writer

How to Become a Professional Resume Writer

September 15, 2023

Written by:

Erica Warren

Erica is a freelance writer and proofreader. As the owner of Words with Erica, she helps indie fantasy authors polish their...

Startup Time

Startup Costs

Remote-Friendly

College Required

Certification Required

If you’re a talented writer looking to make some extra cash, resume writing is one of the best ways to put your skills to work. It’s a relatively easy side hustle to get off the ground, and it’s one that you can do remotely.

Keep reading to find out how to add this in-demand service to your repertoire.

01. What does a professional resume writer do?

Resume writers help people create or update their resumes before applying for jobs

As you probably know, a resume is a document that details your work experience, skills, and education. It’s essential for anyone who wants to land a job or transition into a new career.

A lot of people find resumes intimidating and put off creating or updating theirs. Many would rather hire a freelance writer to do it for them. Professional resume writers provide this service, creating polished resumes for people so that they don’t have to do it themselves.

As a resume writer, it’ll be your job to produce a professional-looking document for each client and do so in a way that presents their qualifications and experience in the best possible light. They’ll be relying on you to boost the odds that they’ll get hired quickly.

Who can become a resume writer?

Anyone with the right set of skills can write resumes for money. Above all, you’ll need to be a strong writer with good attention to detail. You’ll also need a certain amount of technical savvy (to use the software required to create a resume), and if you have design skills, that’s also a plus.

You don’t need a college degree or a special certification to do this kind of work—you just need to be able to convince potential clients that you’d do a good job.

That said, there are professional resume-writing certifications, and getting one can be a big help. We’ll go over this in more detail below.

02. How to start a resume writing side hustle in 5 steps

Brush up your skills, consider getting the CPRW or NCRW certification, and land your first client

Professional resume writing isn’t the hardest field to break into, but it does take some work. Follow these five steps to get started writing resumes professionally:

1. Build your skills

Although most resumes are short (between one and two pages long), it still takes time, effort, and expertise to craft an excellent one. Brush up the following skills:

Writing and editing

Traditional writing skills are a must for a resume writer. You’ll need to summarize your clients’ work experience with simple but descriptive language that will grab a hiring manager’s eye.

Basic editing and proofreading skills are essential as well. You may be asked to edit an existing document instead of creating a resume from scratch. You’ll need great attention to detail to spot and correct any errors and to be sure you don’t introduce any mistakes yourself.

As a resume writer, you’ll need to gather information on each client’s background and the job market in general. You’ll also need to gain a thorough understanding of terms specific to their industry. This will help you highlight relevant skills to persuade the hiring manager that the client is a good fit for the position.

Note that clients may want you to use particular keywords that are specific to their field or the job they’re applying for. Even if they don’t, you should be prepared to research this on your own. Many companies use automated systems to process incoming resumes, and it’s important to include any keywords they’ll be scanning for.

Communication

You need to understand your clients to create good resumes for them. This may require interviewing them via phone, email, video call, or a fillable form to get the information you need—their education, work experience, skills, accomplishments in the field, etc.

The client may ask for revisions if they’re unhappy with an aspect of the final product. You’ll need good listening skills so you can understand and incorporate their feedback. Sometimes, you might also need to tactfully explain why their suggestions are off-base and you recommend doing things another way.

Computer skills

While you don’t need expert technological skills, you’ll need proficiency with the software programs that are commonly used for writing and laying out resumes. Microsoft Word and Canva are both popular programs with editable resume templates.

As mentioned, you might need basic design skills to customize each client’s resume and make it visually pleasing. You also should know how to export documents in a variety of formats, such as PDF.

2. Considering furthering your education

You don’t need a degree to become a resume writer, but having a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, journalism, or a similar discipline will give you an edge. If you have a degree in an unrelated field (such as engineering), that can be an advantage, too—you can leverage your industry knowledge to write resumes in that niche.

If you don’t already have a college degree, it probably doesn’t make sense to get one just to launch a resume-writing side hustle. However, there are less formal types of education that you can pursue as well.

For instance, consider taking a human resources course (either online or at a local university) to learn about the hiring process from the perspective of a hiring manager.

You could also contact a company in your area and ask to shadow someone in their HR department while they review resumes. There’s a surprising amount of bad resume-writing advice out there, and you’ll have a leg up (both when it comes to landing clients and doing your job) if you have direct insight into what hiring managers are actually looking for.

3. Get certified (if you plan on pursuing this long-term)

Getting a professional resume-writing certification isn’t required, but it will give you an advantage when you pitch your services. You have several options:

Become a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

The Certified Professional Resume Writer credetial is the industry-standard certification given to experienced professional resume writers who pass a test administered by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC) . They offer a training program to prepare you for the test, although taking it isn’t required.

In order to take the test, get certified, and maintain your credential, you’ll need to have an active PARWCC membership.

• CPRW exam : $295 (one-time fee)
• PARWCC membership : $175 (yearly)
• Training course : $500 (one-time, optional)

Become a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)

The Nationally Certified Resume Writer certification is a similar credential offered by the National Résumé Writers’ Association (NRWA) .

The NRWA also requires membership to go through the testing process, and you’ll need to participate in their in-house continuing education program and submit a writing sample for review before taking the exam.

• NCRW exam : $250 (one-time)
• NRWA membership : $175 (yearly)
• Writing sample review : $75 (one-time)

Note that there are several other certifications for professional resume writers, but they’re fairly niche. Most of the time, when people claim to be “certified” in this industry, they’re talking about either the CPRW or NCRW, with the CPRW being significantly more widely recognized.

4. Gain experience

A lot goes into writing a winning resume, and your first few projects may take you longer than you’d like, but as you practice and develop your skills, you’ll get faster and better.

Here are some ways to gain experience so you’re ready for your first job:

• Begin with yourself : One way to gain experience right away is to be your own first client. Create a resume for yourself to showcase your skills to potential clients.
• Help out people you know : Ask to revamp existing resumes for your friends and family and add those to your growing portfolio as examples of your work.
• Volunteer : Donate your skills to recruitment companies or nonprofit organizations that help unemployed people find work.

5. Look for jobs

With a great number of people seeking new employment all the time, the demand for resume writers is consistently high, so finding jobs shouldn’t be difficult. Look for work in the following places:

Online job boards

Your best bet is to register on online platforms that list jobs for freelancers, such as:

Create a profile showcasing your skills and start applying to jobs.

Other sources of resume-writing work

You can also find job opportunities by contacting:

• Recruitment agencies : Search LinkedIn for recruitment agencies looking to hire freelance resume writers.
• HR groups : Reach out to local HR groups that regularly hire new resume writers and ask about internship opportunities or entry-level positions.
• Individuals : Talk to people you know who have recently been laid off or who are looking for a new job. New graduates wanting to enter their chosen field and business executives looking to advance their careers also make good potential clients.

You can also choose to set up your own website and start advertising your services by connecting with people on social media.

03. How much can you make with a resume writing side hustle?

Rates for freelance resume writers are variable, but you can expect to earn upwards of $50 per resume

The rates you can get away with charging will vary widely based on the complexity of the resume and the industry the client wants to work in.

Writing a standard resume for somebody who wants to land a job at a retail store might pay between $50 and $75 . Meanwhile, a resume for a business executive seeking employment at a Fortune 500 company might pay between $200 and $300 .

As you’d expect, the latter type of job will also be much tougher to land, with a lot more competition from your fellow freelancers and CPRWs. Remember that you can charge more if you’ve been certified or have several years of experience.

Other jobs that use the same skills as resume writing

There are always people applying to jobs, so resume writing is in high demand. But if you aren’t sure whether it’s the right fit for you, there are other similar side hustles you could try.

Consider pursuing these services instead of or in addition to writing resumes:

• Writing cover letters : Many job applications require a cover letter, and writing a good one takes specialized skills. People will hire you to write a cover letter for much the same reasons they hire you to write their resume. This is a good side hustle to add if you particularly enjoy the “writing” part of being a CPRW.
• LinkedIn profile optimizer : People looking for employment may also pay you to optimize their LinkedIn profile, which can act as a sort of resume itself. Potential employers are more likely to hire someone with a complete, professional profile.
• Copywriting : If you want to flex your writing muscles, try writing blog posts, articles, or marketing copy for businesses or websites. Knowledge of SEO is especially prized in this industry.
• Proofreading or editing : Professional writers often transition into careers as editors or proofreaders. While many of the same skills apply, you’ll need additional training to perform these services.

Resume writing is an engaging and rewarding side hustle that can start off small and grow into an entire business if you so choose. Helping people get jobs could become your job!

Robert Jellison

Managing Editor

Robert is a writer and editor for SideHustles.com. He has 7+ years of experience in freelance writing and previously worked as the in-house editor for Compose.ly, a platform for remote and part-time writers.

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We Help Resume Writers Build Successful & Profitable Resume Writing Businesses

We Love Helping Resume Writers Whether They're Researching, Launching or Scaling Their Businesses

Here’s How To Become a Resume Writer

By Teena Rose

So, you’re researching how to become a resume writer and you’re not sure if this business is right for you.

Am I right? 

Maybe you’ve written resumes for friends, family members, and now, you’re looking for a side-gig or a business you can run from home.

In this post, we’ll outline how to get started on your journey to becoming a resume writer.

We’ll answer questions, such as:

• Do you need any formal training?
• What about resume writing courses?

And, we’ll even talk about whether you can make a decent living with this specialized writing skill and we’ll cover where resume writers get most of their clients.

Let’s get started.

Do You Need Formal Training to Write Resumes?

You can learn all about the intricacies of writing resumes if you’re determined to do so.

After all, many resume writers were born in the 1990s, when there was only one formal resume writing organization at that time.

The libraries and bookstores were little help in those days to those seeking guidance on the subject.

Fast forward, and everything is different now. We have access to:

• Published Award-Winning Resumes
• Resume Templates & Examples
• Multiple Industry Organizations

Here at ResumeBiz.com, we offer video training and weekly resume writing tips to our members . Be sure to check those out.

Our members are busy, so we intentionally produce tips that incrementally improve our member’s writing skills, without them being “thrown into the deep end” to drown in too much information.

What about certifications?

Just as with any specialization, there are certification programs for resume writers.

Although there are several training programs online, the primary go-tos for a certification continue to be the PARW/CC, NRWA, and Resume Writers’ Academy.

One of the biggest challenges IMHO to becoming certified is the cost.

Resume writing certifications can range from a few hundred to a few thousand, which makes it a barrier to entry for some.

What About Resume Writing Courses?

Access to information is generally easy if you know where to look.

Gaining access to free and low-cost resume writing courses can be found by scanning online tools, such as Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera.

Fleshed out courses expose you to a multitude of resume topics, including:

• Types of resume formats
• Writing strategies to overcome job-hopping/career gaps
• How to write better resume copy
• Differences between CVs and resumes
• Resumes strategies for new grads to executives
• Complying with ATS
• Writing for all types of jobs

Could you still learn resume writing without a formal course?

Absolutely. It’s called trial by fire, which tests your writing abilities under the pressure of working with a client.

This may be ideal for you.

Maybe you’re one of those folks who love the pressure and produce some of your best results in that environment.

If you are, the “learn as you go” model can work.

Can You Make a Living Doing This?

I’m about to give you a non-answer: maybe.

I’m sorry. I know you’re looking for a BIG FAT YES.

However, the truth is to be successful, you need to be skilled, driven, and motivated, and have the stamina.

As with any business, building one takes time, which some people don’t have the patience for.

You must focus on improving your mind, which is another key factor in ensuring your success. The most successful business professionals in the world will tell you that continued learning has been the key to their success. You must be a lifelong learner to be successful in any business.

If you’re generally a high-achiever in your professional and personal life, then congratulations. You have a better chance of success than most.

Where Do Resume Writers Get Clients?

The most obvious is the website. However, there’s a new trend of resume writers that are drawing clients from one platform.

For example, resume writers who set up and “farm” their LinkedIn profiles are finding that to be a profitable way of attracting new business.

There are many resume writers with just YouTube channels or Pinterest accounts, who have found ways to sidestep the traditional ways that others have used to attract business in the past.

Of course, there are other channels worth looking into. For example, Facebook, LinkedIn ProFinder, and Twitter. And, let’s not forget your local market, so holding monthly coaching sessions at your local library is a great way of getting your services in front of potential buyers.

For less seasoned resume writers, sites such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Scripted are worth a look. The one pitfall to sites like these however is that the pay isn’t great. It’s best to use these sites to gain experience, but make it your mission to move away from them as quickly as possible.

More From Forbes

Four things to consider before hiring a professional resume writer.

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Is it worth it to have a professional create your resume? I've gotten mixed feedback on mine and reached out to a few services, mostly in the $800-$1,200 range. – HR Director

Male business professional at an interview. Recruiter reviews the resume.

There are pros and cons to having someone else create your resume. HR Director seems to be exploring the option in order to improve on the “mixed feedback” received on their resume to date. However, outsourcing this key part of your personal brand may not improve your results.

1 - Even the professionals don’t agree on best resume practices

If your ultimate goal is having uniformly positive reviews from everyone who looks at your resume, then I would rethink that expectation before hiring a resume writer. If you survey hiring managers, recruiters and even professional resume writers about common resume questions, you get different answers. How long is too long for a resume? What should you include in the summary section? Should every resume even include a summary? Which is better – functional or chronological? (As a recruiter for 20+ years, you can see what I think are the most important features in a resume here .)

There is a myriad of different issues to consider with any resume, for both content and formatting. People have their own preferences and opinions, so even professionals routinely involved in the hiring process won’t all agree on best resume practices. If the professionals can’t agree among themselves in general, it’s unlikely they can all agree on what they think of your resume specifically. Hire a professional resume writer, as long as you recognize this is one expert’s take, and you still may get mixed reactions.

2 - Writing the resume is just one part of creating it

Even if someone else writes the resume, you still have to relay the facts, details and nuances to someone else. The professional resume writer might guide you, but only if they know your target industry, role and level well enough. At a minimum, your resume writer should help you capture key dates, titles, degrees and other building blocks for the content. However, you can do that for yourself, and there are templates readily available online to help prompt you.

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What distinguishes a resume is what information is included (and what is not), how the information flows and what is emphasized. Yes, a talented writer can help improve organization and flow, but they will only be as good as the information you give them. You still need to know what is compelling to your target industry, role and level. You still need to dig through your background for the most substantive and relevant results and examples.

3 - Your resume is just one part of your application – and not the most important one

Even if you have a beautifully put-together resume, you still need to get it to the right person, get through the interview process , drive the process to a decision and negotiate the offer. This also presumes that you’re targeting the right positions in the first place – i.e., ones that align with your current interests, priorities and life circumstance.

The resume is not even the entirety of your marketing material. You also need to optimize your LinkedIn profile , write compelling cover letters , structure your networking pitch and curate strong references . If you’re changing careers – i.e., going after a different role or industry or both – your resume is arguably the least important marketing tool because it’s backward-looking by design and therefore highlights your old career.

4 - Whatever you decide now, plan for updates

Even if you do decide to go with a professional resume writer, you will have updates, not just for the new job you hopefully land, but whenever you accept a new responsibility at your current job, complete a substantive project, take a relevant course or some other career development. As you talk to more people and more companies, you get real-time market feedback that may cause you to rethink what is compelling to your target area (and therefore what content to include in the resume).

A strong resume is continually updated. It changes when your background changes, but also when your interests dictate that your resume needs to attract a different audience. It changes as your career progresses, and you need to add items and inevitably delete things. You might need a completely different resume style or format if you career dramatically changes – e.g., you move into academia and need a CV, you start a business and need a bio more than a resume.

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How to Become a Professional Certified Resume Writer?

Resumes are essential in job searching, and only a job seeker who has sent out hundreds of these documents will know how utterly complicated it is to write. There are basic rules of writing, and each of these is there to improve the chances of your application being approved.

Because this is a sensitive document, and people are desperate to get jobs, they turn to professional resume writers to help them write their documents.

Anyone who has written a resume at least once in their life can claim to be a resume writer but to set yourself apart and be a professional requires time and effort. Certifications aren’t necessary, but they help let people know how far you have gone in your commitment to the craft.

People want to know they can trust you to get the job done and if you’re looking for ways to become a professional writer or get better at writing resumes for yourself. Then this is the article for you. Let’s get started:

What Is a Resume Writer?

If you’re looking for how to become a professional resume writer, then there are so many things you just know. Let’s talk about the basics:

Resume writers prepare resumes or professional summaries of their clients who are searching for a job. They work differently from usual resume writers because their experience has taught them a lot of things.

They know that the resume just has about eleven seconds to impress the recruiter, and they channel all their knowledge and effort into making sure the resume creates a favorable impression in such a short time.

They know the proper readable format to present the applicants’ qualifications, educational background, and every other necessary information. Comprehension and readability is key, and they use only the best design that is definite to catch the recruiter’s attention.

If all the information is scrambled together in a big block of text, no one will read, let alone a recruiter. A professional resume writer knows how to gradually and subtly ease the employer into the text until they have gone through the whole application without even knowing they have.

A professional resume writer might say their services are only for office assistants seeking a job. They have already mastered the right keywords, qualifications, and skill set to use that they only face that niche with hundred percent confidence in their capabilities.

Resume writers can decide to be hired by a company or work freelance depending on the flexibility and nature of the work they want.

What Does a Resume Writer Do?

Before you make that final decision on whether you want to become a certified resume writer, here are a few things they do:

Understand The Role

Before you become a resume writer, you should first understand the roles the job entails. Writing a resume can be difficult, but becoming a resume writer is more demanding. Don’t just go into the business because of the payout because this would eventually tell on your client’s result.

Go through the necessary training, if you can, then take certification tests. You can also test your skills by writing a free resume for family or friends, just to see how well you do.

Collect Enough Information

To do this, you have to develop or work on your interpersonal skills. You have to make the clients feel comfortable talking to you and divulging personal information. Remember to collect as much information as you can to help you write the application.

Some clients are more reserved and ask you to go on their social media profiles to get information. You should also be able to scramble information together to get the best.

Transform The Information

It is not enough to collect information from prospective clients; the question is: what do you do with this information? Think about it

You cannot become a professional resume writer by doing nothing. You have to be able to transform the client’s information into engaging texts in the resume. These texts should be completely interesting, sectionalized, and written according to the appropriate resume guidelines.

Develop Business Insights

This would help in penning down the most favorable skill set for a particular job position. All job applications are different in the skill set required, the qualifications required, the background required, and even the job experiences needed.

As a professional, you should know the market needs and how to equip your clients’ resumes with the necessary skill sets and experience to apply for the job.

How Much Do Professional Resume Writers Make?

Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash

The earnings of a professional writer depend on a lot of complexities:

• Are you a freelance worker ?
• Do you work for a company?

As a freelance writer, the earnings vary based on the:

• Nature of the resume
• The amount of research that is needed in order to gain adequate knowledge in writing such a resume
• Your experience
• Certifications

For a new writer to the market, the earning might cost about $60 – $120 for a basic resume. Some professionals who have a string of testimonials or even years of experience charge up to $300 per resume.

A writer who works for a company might earn a monthly salary, together with a commission from every written article. Sometimes the nature of the client and article might also vary the prices.

The truth is, someone who writes for college students should earn less than someone who writes for executives.

How to Become a Certified Resume Writer

Get a degree.

To become a certified engineering CV writer, the first step is to get a bachelor’s degree. This degree can be in any related courses like English, Journalism, Communications. These courses and other related ones are ideal, but anyone can become a professional resume writer with the best internship and experience. As long as you have a bachelor’s degree and are literate, this career is open for you.

Contrary to what everyone else thinks, writing a resume is hard. If you are looking to make this a career, you have to seek internship opportunities with people ahead of you in the industry. They know the rules, the guidelines, and everything necessary to succeed. You can do this during your college experience if you’re looking to start early.

Most writers are freelancers, so you can seek opportunities in a company’s HR department to enable you to see firsthand just what they look for in a resume.

Attend Workshops

Companies and education institutions usually host workshops to teach people how to write resumes professionally. As someone looking for how to become a certified professional resume writer, these workshops can orient you a great deal. It would cover so many topics like referencing, how to include skill sets, and proper system formatting.

“Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field,” encouraged Denis Waitley, a business expert. Strive to learn more, and knowledge would increase.

Get Certified

This process shows prospective clients just how committed you are to your business. Not all professionals are certified, and having this would set you apart from everyone else. The National Resumes Writers’ Association (NRWA) offers certifications to tested and competent resume writers.

Find Clients

Finding clients to patronize you is easy. Open professional social media accounts, and sell yourself to the world. People need jobs, and to get jobs; they need great resumes. Still skeptical about how easy it is to find clients? Well, read below!

How And Where To Find Jobs/Clients?

Finding clients is the easiest part. As a start, you might want to write free resumes for your family and even friends. After this, tell them to leave stellar reviews on your business handles on social media. Stellar reviews are a great way of pulling crowds because everyone wants the best services.

You can also set up a website and update your portfolio, so prospective clients can visit and see the kind of work you have done in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q : what are the main skills for a resume writer.

A : It is important to have typing skills, proofreading skills, research skills, computer skills, and expert communication skills.

Q : Should A Resume Writer Have A Resume?

A : Not necessarily. A resume writer needs physical evidence of their works to show clients, and a resume cannot capture the whole essence. A website or portfolio is more suitable to have.

Q : How Do I Become A Resume Writer?

A : You can become one by getting a degree and accruing the necessary experience needed to be certified.

Before you go into this business as a professional, it is important to ask yourself if it is really what you want, then strive to achieve the best qualifications. The market is saturated with writers who aren’t as qualified as they are letting on, so it is great to be a good difference.

Like Abraham Lincoln said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.”

Career Expert

Our editor is Jennifer Broflowski. Jennifer has been a freelance writer for more than ten years. Having graduated from the University of South Australia, where she used to edit the university’s literary journal, Jennifer devoted her life ...

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What You Need to Know Before You Pay Someone to Help With Your Resume

Writing a strong resume is important, but it’s also hard. You might have heard that some people hire a resume writer, or maybe you’ve seen ads for resume writing services promising a free professional review of your resume. It’s tempting—especially if you’re desperate for a new job or your search has dragged on for a while.

Is it a good idea to have your resume written by a professional? The short answer is yes, it can definitely be beneficial to your job search.

Before you spend your money, however, there are a few things you should know—including what exactly a resume writer or reviewer does, how to decide if you should hire one, and, if you decide to go for it, how to do your homework and pick the right one for you.

What a Resume Writer and/or Reviewer Does

First, you need to make sure you understand what a resume writer or reviewer can—and can’t—do for you. If you don’t have the right expectations going into the process, you’re likely to be disappointed.

What’s the Difference Between Resume Writing and Resume Reviewing?

As you look to hire a professional to help with your resume, you’ll come across the terms “resume writing” and “resume reviewing” and it’s important to understand the range of things these terms can mean. They’re almost—but not quite—interchangeable.

Most services and individuals offering “resume writing” will not actually create an entirely new resume for you from nothing. Instead, resume writing means rewriting , says Muse career coach Jennifer Smith , founder of Flourish Careers , who in addition to writing resumes, read them for over 15 years as a recruiter and HR professional. “I require something that we can build from, to understand their experiences and key accomplishments,” Smith says.

Most resume writers will want to see your existing resume, and they’ll usually need you to fill out a questionnaire or worksheet or have a long conversation with them about your experience and goals—most commonly, you’ll need to do a combination of these things.

Some individuals and services, like The Muse’s own Coach Connect —a marketplace where you can book sessions with thoroughly vetted career coaches—call this same service a “ resume review .” At The Muse, the intention is to avoid the perception that you’ll be getting a resume written from scratch, says Eloise Eonnet , Coach Connect Manager and a coach herself who specializes in interviewing and communication.

However, in its lightest (and cheapest) form, resume reviewing can mean a professional looking over your resume and providing some actionable advice for you to make updates yourself, Smith says. This is often what you’re getting if you sign up for a free resume review. Tread lightly here since the advice may not be personalized to you: I, a content editor and writer, once submitted my resume to the same free resume review service as my mother, a nurse, and we got nearly identical feedback despite our extremely different goals and industries.

You might also choose to work with a coach who reviews the resume you’ve written, shares advice on how to improve it, and then gives you feedback on the changes you make, says Dana Hundley, a resume writer, former recruiter, and founder of Career Cooperative . This kind of service will probably do the most to help you learn how to write better resumes yourself in the future.

What Can a Resume Writer Do for my Resume?

Your resume is a story about why you’re the right person for a given job. Experienced resume writers are adept at asking the right questions to pull out the most relevant information about you and packaging it in a way that tells an engaging and persuasive story, Smith says.

There are also some common errors that (good) resume writers won’t make or will catch, including bullet points that list responsibilities rather than achievements and a lack of consistency throughout the resume (usually because people are just adding recent jobs onto old resumes without making sure everything tells a coherent story and is formatted the same way).

When she was a recruiter, Smith also noticed candidates who would try to stand out using flashy design—including a resume that used so much bright green that she literally jumped back from the screen (and then struggled to read the document). A good resume writer will help your resume stand out the right way.

You can definitely do all these things for yourself, but if you’re overwhelmed, stuck, or don’t have the time or energy to immerse yourself in the nuances of resume best practices, a professional might be the right choice.

Do I Still Need to Be Involved in the Resume Writing Process?

Hiring a resume writer doesn’t mean that you’ll magically receive a perfect resume without any thought or work on your part. “If you want to do it right, it should be a partnership,” Smith says. This means the writer is learning about you and your professional history, listening to what you want from your resume and your next job, and getting input from you throughout the drafting and revising process. This also means you’re putting the effort in to share all the relevant information needed to make your resume the best it can be.

Once It’s Done, Can I Submit the Same Resume for Every Job I Apply To?

Whether or not you work with a professional, it’s an absolute must to tailor your resume  for every position you apply to. This means making changes to emphasize the most relevant experience, skills, and achievements for each role as well as switching up language to make sure you’re including the right keywords from the job description.

A resume writer should gear their work toward the types of jobs you plan to apply to, so a professionally written base resume should already showcase most of your most relevant experience. But every job is a little different and you should expect to make tweaks. Perhaps a certain company is looking for someone with knowledge of uncommon software that you happen to have experience with, but it’s not on your base resume because most companies don’t use it. Adding the name of that software to your professionally written resume could be what lands you the interview.

If you’re applying to more than one type of job—let’s say, for instance, you’ve worked in both marketing and development and are applying to roles in both—you might have to make more changes for different applications, or you might consider working with a professional on two (or more) base versions of your resume.

Will a Resume Writer Design My Resume?

Resume writers often will format your resume, but if you’re looking for someone to make a heavily designed resume, it’s not a given. And that’s probably a good thing. Applicant tracking systems (ATSs)—the programs that many companies use to process and organize resumes—can’t always parse fancy formatting. So a good resume writer will make sure your resume has clean, simple formatting an ATS can read. Muse coaches, for example, typically focus “not on the fancy details, but what is going to help you get through [the ATS] and land that interview,” Eonnet says.

Resume formatting is also about appealing to the human reader. As former recruiters, both Smith and Hundley make sure the resumes they write are easily scanned and understood by someone who might have a lot of applications to go through in a short time.

If you re looking for a heavily designed resume, you should be up front about that expectation and prepared for the possibility that you’ll need to pay more or even hire someone separately.

Is Hiring a Resume Writer “Cheating”?

If you’re considering hiring a resume writer, but are concerned that it feels dishonest or is “cheating,” worry no more. Unless you’re applying to be a resume writer yourself, your resume isn’t meant to be a sample of your work, but rather an accurate reflection of your qualifications for a job. As long as what’s written on your resume is true, there’s nothing dishonest about it.

If a resume had the information she was looking for, Smith says, she didn’t really care if a resume was professionally written. In fact, neither Hundley nor Smith usually noticed if a candidate had hired someone else to write their resume.

How to Decide If You Should Hire Professional Help for Your Resume

Almost anyone can benefit from a resume writer, but working with one can be especially productive in some scenarios. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you decide whether to write your own resume , hire a professional, or even seek out an entirely different kind of  career coaching .

Do You Know What Your Job Search Goals Are?

Effective resumes are “a combination of your goals and your history. If you don’t have the goals piece, that makes the resume a lot less effective,” Smith says.

At its core, “your resume is a marketing tool” that’s selling you as the right person for the job, Smith says. If you were marketing a new product, you’d want to know who your customer is; if you’re writing a resume, you want to know who your target audience is. There is no single ideal resume for each person based only on their history. The best resume for a candidate looking to land a digital marketing coordinator job is different from the best resume for that same candidate to get a sales development role or even a social media coordinator role. Different experiences, achievements, and skills matter for different jobs—your resume needs to reflect the ones that matter for the jobs you’re applying to.

So if you’re not sure what type of positions you’re going to apply to, a resume writer can’t deliver a good product and it’s a waste of everyone’s time and your money to make them try.

“Sometimes people come to me and say that they need a resume, but that’s not really what they need,” Smith says. They don’t really know what they want next, but they think they need a resume to start. People tend to want to pay for tangible things like a resume even when what they actually is need someone to help them figure out their goals, Eonnet says.

If this is you, and you’re unsure of what job you want next, you might want to start with a different kind of coaching before you look for someone to write your resume. For a potential client in this position, for example, Eonnet would recommend checking out Coach Connect’s “ Stuck in a Rut ” package over its resume review service.

Does Your Job Search Situation Fall Into One of These Trickier Categories?

There are a few situations where hiring a resume writer might be particularly helpful. If you fall into one of these categories, your resume may be a bit more difficult (though not impossible) to write on your own:

• You’re making a career change
• You haven’t applied for a job or updated your resume in a long time
• Your career history is extensive and you need help narrowing it down
• You’re going back to work after a long employment gap
• You’ve had a bunch of jobs and/or side gigs that might look unrelated
• You’re a freelancer looking for a full-time job
• You’re in a niche market or transitioning out of one (such as government, the military, or academia)
• You don’t have the time needed to create a high-quality resume
• You’re not a strong writer and need help clearly stating your achievements
• Your job search has gone on for a while with little success

Do You Need Motivation or Help Overcoming a Mental Block?

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people I know say, “I just need to update my resume, then I can start looking for a new job,” and stay stuck in that stage for weeks or even months. When your resume becomes a barrier preventing you from making progress in your job search, you should consider bringing in a professional, Hundley says. “If it feels too big, too daunting, too confusing, seeking support to create the best possible resume for yourself so you can...focus your energy on other aspects of a job search is a great option.”

Resume writers can also help motivate you, especially if you’re feeling deflated from a job hunt—with all its rejections and radio silences. Often “I look at a draft of someone’s resume and see how amazing they are and then get on the phone and they’re down on themselves,” Smith says. But she’s heard from clients that even the act of filling out her intake questionnaire helps them start to process their background in a new way, see what makes them qualified, get out of their own heads, and feel prepared to talk themselves up.

How to Pick the Right Resume Writer

If you’ve decided you want to hire someone, you’ll quickly realize that “there are thousands and thousands of coaches out in the world who say they can help you with a resume,” Eonnet says. While many of these coaches are legitimate, not all of them are going to be a fit for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself to make sure you find a resume writer or service who will give you the biggest leg up on your job search.

Is the Resume Writer or Service Reputable?

Before selecting a resume service or writer, you want to make sure that your choice is qualified and that you’ll get the product they’re promising. “There’s not a one-size-fits-all in terms of what makes a successful, impactful resume writer,” Hundley says. But there are a few ways to try to assess your options.

• Look at reviews —both on their own website and third-party sites. If the coach you’re considering is on Coach Connect, you can be sure that the reviews listed on their profile are all in order and the “featured testimonial” is always the most recent review. Negative reviews are not deleted or altered, and positive reviews aren’t promoted to the top, Eonnet says.
• Check for certifications. They’re a sign that a resume writer or coach is qualified—but not the only one. The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches and the National Resume Writers’ Association are the two main sources of resume writing certifications in the U.S. and you can be sure that folks with these certs are qualified. But not having one of these doesn’t mean someone’s not qualified, so make sure to take all of their experience into account. A recruiting and/or HR background, especially in your desired industry, is one other thing to look for along with or in lieu of a certification.
• Understand the criteria. If you’re looking at resume services with a lot of writers, you might want to find out what standards and vetting processes they have in place. The service’s website might include this info or you could ask for it directly before agreeing to use them.
• Ask for referrals and recommendations from your network. That way you know that someone you trust was happy with the work the resume writer did.

Are There Red Flags?

Here are a few red flags to watch out for from resume writers or services. Most aren’t definite dealbreakers, but might be a signal to dig deeper or consider looking elsewhere:

• Job guarantees: Some resume services will guarantee that you’ll get a job in a certain number of days or your money back. Be wary—there’s likely fine print with some extreme qualifications you need to meet to be eligible. Plus, no one can realistically guarantee that you’ll get a job based on your resume alone, no matter how fantastic it is. Landing a job depends on so many factors—including the job market, the number of jobs you apply to, your experience, your performance in interviews, and the speed of the hiring process where you’re applying.
• Extreme prices: If a service is free or less than $100, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for your money. At prices that low, you might not be getting personalized advice or your information could be sold to third parties for advertising purposes. On the flip side, if a resume writer is charging in the high triple digits or more for just a resume (and you’re not a C-suite executive), make sure they have the experience and results to justify it or skip straight to cheaper options.
• Lack of transparency: Before paying for anything, you want to know what you’re getting, right? A service or writer should be up front about their prices and process, including how many rounds of edits you get and what type of file your resume will be delivered in.
• A final result you can’t easily edit: You still need to tailor your professionally written resume for each job you apply to, so your resume should be “very nimble,” Hundley says. If a service is going to deliver an end product in a file format you can’t edit (such as an image file or a file you need special software to open) or is so heavily designed that changing up the text will mess up the formatting, look elsewhere. Note: It’s fairly common (and not a red flag) to receive a PDF and an editable document.
• Generic advice or lack of input needed from you: If you’ve already submitted your resume for a review, and it’s clear from the results that whoever wrote the feedback didn’t read your resume, tread very carefully before giving the service more money. Or if a resume service doesn’t ask for more information about what kinds of jobs you’re looking for or anything else about your experience, consider whether your money is better spent on something more personalized.

What’s Your Timeline?

You should have an idea of when you need your resume to make sure that the resume writer you choose is able to deliver on time. If you want to start your job search “soon,” spending a few weeks on your resume might be fine, but if you spotted a perfect job you want to apply right away before the posting comes down, you might need it in a few days—in which case you need to make sure the resume writer can meet your deadline (and you should be willing to pay extra for a rush job, Hundley says).

What’s Your Budget?

Resume review and writing services can range in price from free to thousands. Typically, you should expect to pay at least one hundred to a few hundred dollars for a professional to rewrite or revise your resume, Smith says. Folks far along in their careers, especially at the executive level, tend to have to pay more than early-career job seekers.

Different writers and services might have different resume packages that include more revisions, more time to talk with the writer about your job search goals and resume strategy, or even additional coaching products—and prices will range accordingly. So think about what you can afford. If you don’t have a lot to spend, it might make more sense to get a lighter resume review from an experienced resume writer who’s a good match for you rather than a full rewrite from a service where you’re not quite sure who’s writing your resume or what quality the end product will be.

What Is Your Ideal Process?

As mentioned earlier, every resume writer and reviewer needs some amount of input from you. But the amount and type of involvement you have in the process can vary. Do you want some tips on your resume that you can use to update it yourself? Do you want the writer to handle the writing and go back and forth with several rounds of revisions to make sure it’s exactly how you’d like it? Do you prefer to talk about yourself over the phone or will filling out questionnaires allow you to organize your thoughts better?

Think this through before you look for resume writers and be prepared to ask probing questions about their writing or review process to make sure it lines up with your expectations and needs, Hundley says. If one resume writer isn’t offering what you’d like, move on to another.

Do They Have Experience Helping People in Your Role, Industry, and Situation?

While looking for writers, see what industries, careers, and situations they have experience with to ensure they have a track record of helping people like you. A coach who has a background in the industry you’re looking for work in is especially helpful because they “can speak the language,” Smith says. If you have to choose, it’s typically better to find someone who’s familiar with where you’re going in your career, Smith says, than someone who’s familiar with where you’ve been. One exception is when you’re transitioning out of the military since translating that experience can be a unique skill.

Even if you’re using a larger resume service, you can see if it has a way for you to work with a writer who has the experience you need. For example, Coach Connect allows you to filter for careers, experience levels (both yours and the coach’s), and other areas of expertise—for instance, working with veterans, career changers, or international job seekers. And if you’re still struggling, some services, including Coach Connect, allow you to reach out for help finding a match.

Is Their Personality and Style a Good Match for You?

Before you make a final choice, try to get a sense of who the writer is beyond their experience. Read anything they’ve written on their website, LinkedIn, social media, and various professional profiles (on The Muse’s Coach Connect, at least, each coach writes their own bio). Pay attention to both tone and content. Are they warm and bubbly or no-nonsense and to-the-point? Neither is good or bad per se, but you might prefer one over the other.

Look at reviews and testimonials and watch for any common themes. Do multiple clients say that they’re a good listener? Or that they infused some humor into the process? You can also use a free initial phone consultation or any pre-hire conversations with the writer to get a sense of how they communicate and if they’re a good fit for you.

You likely work better with some colleagues than others because of their personalities and work styles. A resume writer is no different. You’ll get your best possible resume from someone you gel with.