If you’ve ever done a Google search to find out the cost of hiring a résumé writer, you may wonder at the wide range of pricing. Some sites will state they charge $99, while others can be upwards of $800 or more (and that’s not counting cover letters, ECQs, or other documents/services). I can only speak for myself as far as the process that typically takes place when I edit or create a résumé, but this is a summary of what goes on between myself and a client, and behind the scenes.
First is usually the initial contact. We may exchange a couple of emails about what you’re looking for – résumé, cover letter, LinkedIn profile – and what documents you currently have. Prior to scheduling an initial phone consultation, I like to see the existing documents first. This gives me an idea of where we’re starting from and how much work may be required (as well as confirming if I’m the right résumé writer for you). I also ask for a link to any particular job opening to which you’re considering applying.
During the phone consult, we’ll go into detail about the type of job you’re looking for, my qualifications, how my process works, your timeline, etc. After the conversation, if you decide to move forward with my writing services, I will send on a service agreement. Once that’s signed and the deposit is paid, I will begin the work on my end.
This usually involves a thorough review of any documentation you’ve provided to me in regards to your job history; developing the questions I have for clarification and/or missing information; and likely a second phone conversation, or exchange of questions and answers via email, to obtain the information I feel is needed to create a comprehensive and effective résumé. This also tends to involve a lot of research on my end: It could be research on your industry, role, typical company structure. I also like to review different job vacancy descriptions as well as LinkedIn profiles of others in your business. I want to have a thorough understanding of your industry, of those doing the same jobs, and details on those doing the jobs you’re aiming to obtain.
This is not just one hour of research; this research can take one full day, or it can take a few days. If you don’t have a lot of information on your accomplishments, I also may be researching your company’s history of recognition, if there are any news articles about you and/or the company that reflect achievements during the time you worked there. My goal is to be able to create a résumé that expresses your talent and goals as if it was written by you, a competitive expert in your industry who also happens to be an expert in résumé writing.
Once I feel that research is more than sufficient, I’m revising or creating a résumé that highlights all of the knowledge, skills and experience you’ve acquired throughout your career to date, as well as through education, training, professional/executive development, etc. This includes making sure that the content of your résumé reflects the keywords present in the vacancy description, so you have a document that won’t get weeded out by an applicant tracking system (ATS).
Throughout that work, we may be communicating by email, or text, or phone if I have any questions or need clarification. Then I’m reaching out to you with that first draft of your résumé to get your feedback. Once we’ve worked through any changes or tweaks, you’ll then receive the final résumé copy, with plenty of time to apply to that desired position.
The résumé writing process, as I do it, is not a quick, conveyor-belt process. Each document is unique to you as my client, to best showcase what you do. I’m serious about the quality of work I do, and, honestly, become very invested in your success! This is why I attained my Certified Professional Résumé Writer credential, and continually attend webinars and other trainings to make sure I’m on top of my industry. That’s why I charge what I do: I’m not the cheapest, and I’m also not the most expensive (I don’t want to price people out), but there is truth to you get what you pay for.
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