Your resume is more than just the first impression for a potential employer. It is a living, breathing expression of your personal brand.
Just like a company's values statements exemplify their corporate culture, your resume is your opportunity to convey your differentiated value proposition and the unique ways in which you add value beyond the duties and responsibilities of the jobs you have held.
Resume writing services, when they are consultative, collaborative, and focus on creating 1:1 connections with their clients, do more than just get your resume "past the ATS." In fact, true resume experts don't sell their services from a place of fear and misinformation like the larger resume mills do; instead, they focus on building authentic connections with their clients.
There are so many top 10 resume writing service lists out there that are created really in an attempt to boost SEO for the author. They continually cite services that are large, low quality, and high volume.
I am writing this article to highlight some of my valued and incredibly talented colleagues who deliver real, measurable ROI for their clients. Read on for real resume writing service recommendations from an expert!
Why Use a Resume Writing Service?
A resume writing service can help you create a resume that stands out from the competition. They have the expertise and knowledge to craft a resume that effectively showcases your skills and experience, making you a top candidate for the job.
Resume writing also stay up-to-date on current hiring trends and know what employers are looking for in a resume. They can help you tailor your resume to a specific job or industry, which helps you demonstrate fit for a role and positions you as a choice candidate.
What to Look for in a Resume Writing Service
When choosing a resume writing service, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Experience: Look for a service with a proven track record of success and experienced writers who have a background in recruiting or human resources. Ask for samples and ask questions about their approach.
- Customization: A great resume writing service will not only tailor your resume to your specific skills, experience, and job goals, but they will take the time to learn what makes you unique and what the themes that shape your personal brand are. They will weave these through your documents to help you stand out.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of the quality of the service. Be sure to read reviews carefully with an eye for authenticity, as there are many services out there offering reviews for purchase! You can tell when a review is written by an actual purchaser vs a generic endorsement.
- Turnaround Time: Consider the turnaround time for receiving your resume. Keep in mind that resume writing is a time-consuming endeavor and if someone is actually writing it vs using AI, you're paying for their time. A rush fee can accelerate delivery but if you really don't need it right away, consider allowing the writer ample time to complete your resume with care and quality.
- Cost: While cost shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, it’s important to consider your budget and the value you’ll receive from the service. Like anything else, you get what you pay for. If someone is charging $50 for a resume, it is highly unlikely that a skilled, degreed, experienced US-based human is spending upwards of 5-8 hours on carefully crafting your documents.
Top 10 Resume Writing Services for 2024
A note about the top 10 resume writing services for 2024. I, of course believe that I'm the best at what I do, but I also believe there's room for others!
I can't write all the resumes and am not always the right fit for every job. My clients are often looking for high touch support and more comprehensive personal branding solutions. When I am not a fit, I refer clients to a trusted list of writers, but never to the large resume mills who repeatedly show up on these lists.
1. Rebecca Henninger Career Services - RHResumes.com
Rebecca Henninger of RH Resumes is an expert resume writer and owner of a top NJ Resume Writing service for over 12 years of experience crafting job-winning, standout resumes for professionals from early career to the most senior executives. After years of being the only writer, Rebecca recently added Kristin Edelberg, MBA, also a certified resume writer and experienced HR professional to her team. Unlike the massive resume mills that use AI or outsourced, offshore writers, Rebecca and Kristin interview every client and take the time to learn what makes them unique.
2. Creative Advantage Resumes
Laura Slawson, MRW of Creative Advantage Resumes is one of only 25 Master Resume Writers in the world. She uses a combination of an interview and 30-minute phone call to gather client information and works with primarily mid-/senior-level executives. Laura is a valued colleague and has a proven track record of success working with clients. She also offers a VIP package, where she works with only 1 client per week in addition to traditional resume writing options.
3. NJ Resume Builder Solutions
Jackie Outwater at NJ Resume Builder Solutions is also an experienced and trusted resume writer. She has a Masters in Counseling and utilizes a combination of a questionnaire and an interview in her approach. Jackie has over 70 5-star reviews on Google and is someone I often refer clients to when I have overflow.
4. Tiffany Hardy
Tiffany Hardy is a multi-award winning resume writer and one of the best out there. She works exclusively with senior executives and dedicates a full week to each project. She is outstanding at translating executive careers into compelling brands.
5. An Expert Resume
Laura Smith-Proulx of An Expert Resume is one of the most decorated executive writers in the business and brings an extensive skill set to each project. Her work is featured in several publications and she is a force to be reckoned with in the resume writing world.
6. Eve Ruth
Eve Ruth of Compelling Resumes is one of the best in the business as well and has a distinctive style that blends formal impact with a creative flair. She's an impeccable writer, winner of countless industry awards, and trusted by some of the world's most senior leaders. Eve holds several advanced certifications and has been writing resumes for over 20 years.
7. Dr. Colleen Georges
Dr. Colleen Georges has been writing resumes for decades, but is also an outstanding career coach. She's been featured in a Ted Talk and has built a reputation for excellence in the resume writing world. One of NJ's best and someone I confidently refer to. She is also a talented life and career coach, so is a good option for someone looking for support beyond the resume.
8. Next Great Step
Beth Hendler-Grunt is the owner and founder of Next Great Step and developed the company because, as a mom of college students, saw a gap in the market. Her company has been featured in the NY Times and on the Today Show among others, and specializes in helping college students and new grads land internships and first jobs.
9. Find My Profession
Find My Profession has a team of certified professional resume writers and offers a 60-day interview guarantee. They also offer a free resume review and have a variety of packages to choose from, including a LinkedIn profile makeover option. I've never seen their work but believe that they are a better option in the world of larger companies than some of the smaller, cheaper services.
10. Great Resumes Fast
Jessica Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast is someone I respect and admire as a business owner and someone who truly believes in and focuses on quality. While she runs a larger company, her resume writers are fairly compensated and given the space and support to deliver quality work for her clients. She's earned her reputation and has 4.5 to 5-star reviews across multiples sites, which are an authentic representation of the work her team delivers.
Conclusion
A well-crafted resume is essential for standing out in today’s competitive job market. By using a resume writing service, you can ensure that your resume effectively showcases your skills and experience, increasing your chances of getting an interview.
Consider the factors mentioned above and choose the resume writing service that best fits your needs and budget. With the help of a professional resume writer, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.
