If you’re staring at a blank Word doc titled “Resume 2025,” wondering whether you should call in a professional, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Before my last major career transition, I stared at that blank page for hours.
The job market is competitive, hiring managers are skimming hundreds of resumes a day, and first impressions are made in under 7 seconds. So, the big question: should you use a resume writing service?
Let’s cut to the chase – the answer depends on you. Are you struggling to articulate your value? Have you applied to 50 jobs and heard nothing? Are you switching careers or returning to work after a break? If any of those sound like you, a resume writing service might be worth every penny.
But it’s not always the magic fix it’s cracked up to be. I have personally discovered that most resume writer services are expensive, generic, or even use AI templates that aren’t customized to our career. In this article, I’ll break down when resume writing services make sense, when they don’t, what to watch out for, and how to get the best bang for your buck – whether you’re doing it yourself or outsourcing it.
What Does a Resume Writing Service Actually Do?
First, let’s clarify what a professional resume writer actually offers:
| Service | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Resume writing | Crafting a new resume from scratch or overhauling an old one |
| Formatting | Making your resume visually appealing and ATS-compliant |
| Cover letter writing | Drafting a personalized letter aligned with your resume |
| LinkedIn optimization | Aligning your online presence with your resume |
| Coaching | Some include interview prep, job search strategy, or career coaching |
A decent service doesn’t just retype your job history in a nice font. It translates your experience into achievements, uses recruiter-friendly language, and optimizes your document for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). If you’re applying through online portals (which most people do), this last part matters – a lot.
Why Some Resumes Fail Miserably
You might have all the right skills, years of experience, and a great attitude. But your resume might still be letting you down.
Here’s why most resumes don’t work:
- Too generic – Hiring managers want to see relevance, not a career biography.
- Poor formatting – Fancy designs often break ATS systems. Read my age-old post on How To Create a ‘Machine-Readable’ Resume in 12 Steps – and Why You Should Do This – it is still relevant today (maybe more so)
- Wrong tone – Listing tasks instead of achievements doesn’t show value.
- No keywords – Without the right keywords, ATS filters kick your resume to the curb.
Think of it like this: Your resume is a sales pitch, not a job diary. If it doesn’t sell you in seconds, it’s not doing its job.
When You Should Use a Resume Writing Service
Let’s not overthink it. If any of the following apply, then yes, you probably should use a resume service.
1. You’re Changing Careers
Switching from hospitality to marketing? Or teaching to project management? A resume writer can help you:
- Translate your transferable skills
- Position your pivot as an intentional choice
- Rewrite your experience to fit your new target audience
2. You Have a Gap or Complex Work History
Had a break for caregiving, illness, or travel? Worked multiple short-term contracts? A good writer will help you:
- Frame your gap professionally
- Emphasize skills continuity
- Avoid awkward or defensive language
3. You’re Not Getting Interviews
If you’ve sent out dozens of applications with no calls, your resume may be the problem. A professional can help diagnose the issue – is it content, format, tone, or targeting?
4. English Isn’t Your First Language
Even if your English is good, professional-level nuance, tone, and industry-specific phrasing matter. A resume writer can ensure your resume comes across as confident, fluent, and polished.
5. You’re Senior-Level or Executive
At this level, expectations are much higher. Your resume needs to tell a leadership story, highlight outcomes, and signal gravitas. Templates won’t cut it.
6. You’re Just Overwhelmed
Let’s be honest: resumes are stressful. If writing about yourself makes your brain melt, paying a professional can free you up to focus on networking, applications, or even your mental health.
When You Shouldn’t Bother
That said, not everyone needs a resume writer. If you fall into one of these categories, save your money – or spend it elsewhere.
1. You’re a Student With No Experience
If you’re applying for retail, hospitality, internships, or early-career roles, you probably just need a decent template and some clarity. Employers expect minimal experience.
2. You Already Get Interviews
Your resume is working. If you’re getting called and failing at interview stage, spend your money on interview coaching instead.
3. You Love Writing and Know Your Stuff
If you’re a strong communicator, have a clear target role, and understand how to tailor your resume, you can absolutely do this yourself.
What Do Resume Writing Services Cost?
Prices vary wildly. Here’s a snapshot:
| Type of Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | $75 – $150 |
| Mid-level (3–10 years) | $150 – $300 |
| Senior/Executive | $300 – $700 |
| Add-ons (cover letter, LinkedIn) | $50 – $200 each |
| Premium coaching bundles | $500 – $2,000+ |
The more bespoke the service, the higher the price. Be wary of cheap services under $50 – they often use generic templates or offload to junior freelancers. At the other end, don’t assume a $900 package guarantees quality.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, the resume industry isn’t regulated, so there are bad actors. Here’s how to spot them:
- No discovery call – If they don’t ask questions about your goals, how can they write for you?
- Fake urgency – “We only have 3 spots left today!” = sales pressure.
- Cookie-cutter formats – If every resume looks the same, it’s not tailored.
- AI-generated text – Some services use AI without disclosing it. It shows.
- No revisions – You should always get at least one round of edits.
Also: Check Google reviews, look for real samples, and ask who’s doing the writing – a certified writer, or a generalist freelancer?
How to Get the Most from a Resume Writing Service
Here’s how to make sure your investment pays off:
1. Choose the Right Level
Match your writer’s expertise to your career stage. Some specialise in early careers. Others in C-level leadership. Pick accordingly.
2. Bring the Goods
Great writing starts with great input. Be ready to share:
- Past resumes
- Job descriptions you’re targeting
- Metrics and achievements
- Career goals
- Personality or tone preferences
3. Stay Involved
Don’t go on autopilot. Respond promptly to drafts, give detailed feedback, and make sure the final product actually sounds like you.
4. Update It Regularly
Once you’ve got your new resume, keep it fresh. Update it every six months – even if you’re not actively looking. It’s easier than starting again next time.
Are Resume Services Worth It? (ROI Breakdown)
Let’s do the maths.
Suppose you spend $250 on a service and land a job 6 weeks sooner than you would’ve otherwise. If your new job pays $35,000/year, that’s around $4,000/month in salary.
Getting hired sooner makes the $250 feel like peanuts.
Even better? Many services include custom cover letters, interview tips, and LinkedIn polish – which boosts your overall hireability.
Of course, you can never prove a resume alone landed the job. But in a competitive market, every edge counts.
Alternatives to Full Resume Writing Services
If you don’t want to go all in, there are other options:
Resume Reviews
Some platforms offer one-time reviews or audits. You get feedback on structure, content, and ATS readiness – then you make the edits.
Cost: $50–$100
Templates + Coaching
You buy a premium template and get one hour with a coach or writer. You do the writing, they steer you.
Cost: $100–$200
Fiverr or Upwork Writers
You can find freelancers on Fiverr with decent reviews at a much lower cost. Just be prepared to vet carefully and provide clear instructions.
Explore Resume Writers on Fiverr
Personal Stories: Who Used One (and Why)
“I was stuck in academia…”
Kasia had been a university researcher for 10 years and wanted to move into corporate consultancy. “I didn’t know how to talk about my skills without sounding too academic,” she said. A resume writer helped her translate jargon into business results, and within three weeks, she had her first interview.
“I kept getting ghosted…”
Dan was applying to marketing roles after redundancy but got zero callbacks. A resume review revealed he was using outdated formats and had zero keywords. A rewrite and new LinkedIn summary got him traction in under a month.
“I just couldn’t sell myself…”
Chloe had been out of work after having kids. “Every time I tried to write my resume, I felt embarrassed about the gap.” A professional helped her own her story, focus on her achievements before the break, and show her skills hadn’t vanished.
Final Verdict: Should You Use a Resume Writer?
Here’s the straight answer.
Yes, if:
- You’re pivoting careers
- You’re not getting interviews
- You’re stuck or overwhelmed
- You want to save time
- You can afford it
No, if:
- You’re early-career and confident writing
- You already get interviews
- You enjoy the process and know what you’re doing
A resume writer won’t guarantee you a job. But it can absolutely improve your odds – especially in a crowded field or a competitive sector.
And if you decide to go the freelance route, platforms like Fiverr let you compare ratings, portfolios, and prices. Just don’t expect miracles if you’re paying $15.
Pro Tip: Don’t Just Rely on the Resume
You still need to:
- Tailor your resume for each role
- Network actively on LinkedIn
- Prepare well for interviews
- Follow up after applications
Even the best resume in the world won’t fix a lazy job search.
Useful External Links
- What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? – Oracle
- How to Write a Resume That Stands Out – The Muse
Bottom line? If your resume isn’t opening doors, get help. Whether that’s a pro service, a resume coach, or a freelancer, you deserve a resume that does justice to your skills. Because job hunting is hard enough without sabotaging yourself at step one.
And that’s the real truth behind resume writing services. Not a scam. Not a silver bullet. But a solid tool when you use it wisely.
Let your resume work as hard as you do.
