The 5 Best Resume Writing Services Ranked

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Table of contents

What Is a Professional Resume Writing Service?
Alternatives to Using a Professional Resume Writing Service
Should You Use a Professional Resume Writing Service?
What to Look for in a Professional Resume Writing Service
5 of the Best Resume Writing Services
Key Takeaways
Resources to Help With Your Job Search

Whether you're just starting your career or you're shopping around for the best resume writing service to connect you with your next opportunity, our guide will help you make an informed decision so you can confidently select a professional to trust with your resume.

Our guide will cover:

- What a professional resume writing service is
- Alternatives to using a professional writing service
- Whether you should use a professional resume writing service
- Things to look for in a professional writing service
- Five of the best resume writing services to try

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What Is a Professional Resume Writing Service?

Professional resume writing services offer services ranging from consultations to help you improve your resume to full resume writing. These days, the best resume writing services are available online and can help you with your resume from the comfort of your home.

For the purposes of this article, we'll focus on traditional resume writing services where you correspond with a professional resume writer. These services include:

Resume consultations and reviews: Services that focus on consultations help you improve an existing resume through expert feedback on structure, content, formatting, and ATS compatibility. They won't write your whole resume for you and are a great option for candidates who only need an expert's insight to improve their existing documents.
Resume editing and optimization: Like resume consultations, resume editing takes your existing resume and helps you improve your word choice, ATS-compatibility, role targeting, and formatting.
Full resume writing: Full resume writing services will create your resume from scratch, using information gathered through questionnaires or interviews to position you strategically for your target role.
Industry or role-specific resumes: Services that specialize in industry-specific resumes will help you tailor your document for success in fields like tech, healthcare, finance, education, or creative roles. Expert resume writers from your industry will help you choose the right industry terms to succeed in your field.
Career branding packages: Branding packages combine resumes with cover letters and LinkedIn profiles to ensure consistent messaging and a strong professional identity across all job search materials.

Alternatives to Using a Professional Resume Writing Service

It's important to know that there are options besides writing a resume without help and using a professional. If you're not sure about investing in a professional resume writer, try one of these alternatives:

AI Resume Builders

AI resume builders are faster, cheaper, and easier to edit and adapt than professional resume writing services. If you're less interested in professional advice and one-on-one consultations and more focused on creating a professional-looking resume that you can submit today, then an AI resume builder is an affordable option worth exploring.

Some resume builders even offer free AI resume services. Resume Now's AI Resume Builder is a great option to try. You can also opt for resume builders from popular job search sites like the Monster Resume Builder.

ATS Resume Checkers

Sometimes, all you need is a little reassurance that your resume is up to standard. In a modern job search landscape where applicant tracking systems filter out resumes automatically, an ATS resume checker can help you apply with confidence.

ATS resume checkers offer a scoring system to help you see your resume's weak points and suggest ATS-friendly changes.

AI Assistants

If you're confident in your writing skills and just need help organizing your ideas, text-based AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are a great solution. While AI tools are not a replacement for human creativity and will require your input, if all you need is feedback and ideas, they are excellent resources. Writing a resume with ChatGPT, for example, can help you gain valuable insight into your strengths as a professional.

Should You Use a Professional Resume Writing Service?

If you aren't sure whether you should use a professional writing service for your resume, consider what specific things you need help with. Resume writing services are a great option for professionals who:

Aren't confident writers: If you aren't confident in your writing skills, having a professional write your resume can help in clearly expressing what you bring to the table. This is especially helpful if you're writing a resume that's not in your native language.
Are stepping up their careers: If you're moving from senior to executive, you may want to hire a professional resume writer who specializes in executive resumes. For any period of career growth, a professional writer can help you clearly show your readiness for the next level.
Value one-on-one service: Some tasks are easier with real human advice. If the process of drafting and revising a resume with the help of a professional appeals to you, then a professional resume writing service might be the way to go.

What to Look for in a Professional Resume Writing Service

If a resume writing service is the right move for you, then your next step is to comparison shop for a service that meets your needs. Before we dive into our list of the best resume writing services to try out, here are a few details to look for as you compare your options.

Professional Credentials

Professional resume writers should be experts in their field. One way to vet for expertise is to look for professional credentials.

Many professional resume writers are CPRWs or "Certified Professional Resume Writers" who have received a certification from the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Other certifications to look out for are the CARW, NCRW, ACRW, and MRW.

Services Offered

Resume writing services offer a wide range of services. From feedback on a resume you've written yourself to having the entire job search process handled for you from start to finish, it's important that you hire the service that meets your needs.

Look closely at what each service package includes. If, for example, you value the process of drafting and revising your resume, you'll want to check how many draft rounds the service you choose offers.

Specialization

Some services are specifically focused on an industry or career level. If you're looking for an executive-level resume, you should seek out the best resume writing services for executives. Choosing a service specialization that matches your needs will help ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

Price

From around $100 for an entry-level service to more than a few thousand for executive leadership resumes, the prices for professional resume writing services vary almost as much as resumes do. To ensure you're making a smart investment, look for the best services within your price range and seek specific services and specializations within your budget.

5 of the Best Resume Writing Services

1. TopResume

TopResume is one of the most popular professional resume writing services on the market. We've chosen it as the number one for our list based on its flexible plans, job placement services, and 60-day interview guarantee.

Features:

- TopResume uses a resume builder with ATS-friendly templates.

- TopResume will apply to a number of roles for you, depending on your pricing tier.

- Cover letters, interview coaching, and even a LinkedIn makeover are available at higher tiers.

- They offer customizable packages that allow you to choose the services that matter most to you.

- TopResume offers a free basic resume review.

Pricing:

- For a basic service without cover letters or coaching, TopResume is $179.

- TopResume's highest tier, which bundles executive coaching, resume writing, and job placement services, costs $3,450.

- Most packages are between $200 and $700, and you can customize your package to include the features you're most interested in.

2. ZipJob

ZipJob is another popular option that offers several tiers of resume writing services. ZipJob's basic tier is similar in price to TopResume, but comparing overall prices, ZipJob is a more affordable option.

Features:

ZipJob offers a 60-day interview guarantee on its middle and highest tier packages.
ZipJob's "Fast Track" and "Premium" packages also include a cover letter.
ZipJob offers a free basic resume review.

Pricing:

ZipJob's basic "Launch" tier costs $139.
The "Fast Track" tier is $199.
The "Premium" tier is $299.

3. ResumeSpice

ResumeSpice is a more premium resume writing service with a high Trustpilot score, indicating a strong track record of customer satisfaction. ResumeSpice employs writers who are CPRW-certified, instead of freelance or contract resume writers.

Features:

- ResumeSpice offers phone consultations, two rounds of revisions, keyword optimization, and a 60-day interview guarantee at their most basic tier.

- Besides three tiers of service based on experience level, ResumeSpice offers several add-ons that you can append to your package, including a cover letter, LinkedIn profile writing, professional interview prep, a personal bio, and a thank-you letter.

Pricing:

- An entry-level resume from ResumeSpice is $479, the most expensive on this list for early career professionals. From there, mid-career and executive packages cost $589 and $699, respectively.

- Add-ons like cover letters or interview prep range from $129 to $199 each.

4. TopStack Resume

TopStack Resume offers a mix of mid-tier and affordable resume writing services alongside a pricey premium option designed to help place executives in their next lucrative role.

Features:

TopStack Resume's basic package is simple and only offers resume writing, but at more premium tiers, you gain access to a cover letter, LinkedIn assistance, and even career coaching services.
TopStack Resume's highest tier of service is actually a monthly subscription and is advertised as a "personal recruiter" who not only applies to jobs for you, but will even manage offers and negotiate salary for you.

Pricing:

- TopStack Resume's basic package is $189, and its standard offering, which includes a cover letter, is $249.

- The professional package, which includes LinkedIn service, is $329.

- TopStack Resume's "personal recruiter" service costs $1,149 per month.

5. Resumeble

Resumeble is a medium-priced resume writing service that offers lots of revisions, allowing you to ensure that your final resume is exactly what you were hoping for.

Features:

Resumeble's lowest tier offers three stages of revisions, while its middle and highest tier packages offer unlimited revisions.
Resumeble's professional, premium, and executive tiers come with an interview guarantee.
For executive-level resumes, Resumeble offers LinkedIn profile writing, a cover letter, cold emails to recruiters, and follow-up emails.

Pricing:

- Resumeble's basic tier costs $157 while its professional tier is $297.

- Premium and executive packages from Resumeble cost $397 and $597, respectively.

Key Takeaways

Professional resume writing services offer a human touch.
If you aren't confident in your writing skills or feel you would benefit from the advice of a resume expert, a professional resume writing service can offer the one-on-one experience you've been seeking.
Alternatives may be faster and more affordable.
If you don't mind flying solo, an AI resume builder is a much more affordable alternative. Use ATS resume checkers and AI assistance to check in on your resume and ensure that it's poised to pass through ATS filters.
Look for important services and qualifications.
Before choosing the best resume writing service for you, try writing down a list of the things you hope to get out of the experience. Knowing what you want will help you find or curate a plan that meets all of your needs.
Start with a budget.
With all of the unique services that executive-level resume writing services offer, the price can add up quickly. Before you start your search, research the typical cost of these services and set a budget. Knowing which tiers you can afford will help you choose a plan that covers your needs without breaking the bank.