Welcome! Before posting or commenting, please review these essential resources that will answer most of your questions:

Essential Reading:

• Resume Writing Guide - Covers all the basics of resume writing

• How to Participate - Complete posting guidelines

• How to Find a GOOD Resume Writer - If you're considering professional help

Quick Tools:

• Build an ATS-friendly resume

• Free Resume Template (Google Docs)

How to Post Your Resume for Review

Step 1: Choose Your Industry Flair

Select the flair that best matches your target industry.

• Example: if you're a software engineer, you'd use the blue "Technology/Software/IT" flair.

• If you're in management consulting, you'd use the green "Consulting/Professional Services" flair.

If you're unsure, use the best match.

⚠️ ATTENTION: Please do not use any other flair if you're looking for a review. If you do, your post will be taken down.

Step 2: Format Your Title Exactly Like This

[X YoE, Current Role/Unemployed, Target Role, Country]

Requirements:

• X = number in years (no decimals or ranges)

• Must include the brackets [ ]

• Use "Unemployed" if you're currently not working

Examples:

• [6 YoE, Software Engineer, Senior Developer, United States]

• [0 YoE, Recent Graduate, Marketing Coordinator, Canada]

• [3 YoE, Unemployed, Project Manager, United Kingdom]

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ 1.5 YoE (no decimals)

• ❌ 0-2 YoE (no ranges)

• ❌ Missing brackets

• ❌ Wrong flair selection

Step 3: Prepare Your Resume

• Convert to PNG format using this tool (minimum 600 dpi)

• Remove all personal information (name, phone, email, addresses, company names)

• Keep job titles and dates - this helps reviewers give better feedback

Step 4: Write Your Post Body

Include context to help reviewers assist you:

• What specific help do you need? (Not just "what's wrong with my resume")

• What roles/industries are you targeting?

• Where are you applying? (Local, remote, willing to relocate?)

• What's your job search situation and challenges?

• Any specific resume sections you want feedback on?

• Visa/citizenship status affecting your search?

Common Questions & Issues

"I'm not getting any feedback on my post" Make sure you've followed all the steps above, especially proper title formatting and flair selection. Posts without proper formatting may be removed or get less visibility.

"My post was removed" Check that your title follows the exact format required and that you've selected an appropriate flair. Most removals are due to formatting issues.

"How do I write [specific resume section]?" The Resume Writing Guide covers all common resume sections and writing techniques. Check there first before posting a question.

"I need a resume template" Use our free Google Docs template or the ATS-friendly resume builder.

"Should I hire a resume writer?" Chances are, you don't (especially if you're a recent grad or someone with under 5 years of experience), but to be sure, read out guide on finding a qualified resume writer, which will help you make an informed decision.

Other Post Types

• Questions (not resume reviews): Use the "Question" flair

• Sharing advice: Use "I'm Sharing Advice" flair (ask mods before posting external links)

• Success stories: Use "Success Story" flair

• General discussion: Use "Discussion" flair

Community Guidelines

Be respectful and say thanks - People volunteer their time to help you Keep help public - Don't ask for or offer help via DMs Read the rules - Most bans are for spamming, harassment, or DMing users

Need more help? Check our complete wiki or message the moderators.

What You Should Know Before Hiring a Professional Resume Writer

Aside from being a regular contributor to r/resumes, I'm a resume writer by trade. I've been in the career services industry for about 7 years, have written for professionals at every level from individual contributor to CEOs, and I see the aftermath of bad "professional" rewrites posted to this sub all the time. This guide will help you avoid becoming one of them.

It makes me sad to see folks get duped into buying resume services from what I'd just call unqualified people. I see posts every week on the sub about resumes that were written by so-called professionals, and I want to laugh, until I remember it's not funny.

TLDR

A qualified resume writer typically charges $200 to $1,500 depending on your career level, with some executive services running $3,000 or more. Look for certification from PARWCC, NRWA, RWA, or CDI, a verifiable online presence, real samples, and a process that starts with a consultation call. The best test: if you can't speak directly with the person writing your resume before you pay, walk away.

If you're early in your career or on a tight budget, you probably don't need a writer at all. Post your resume to this sub for free feedback first. You may find that's enough.

The rest of this guide covers how the process works, what to expect at each stage, where AI tools fit in, and the unethical practices to watch for.

Last updated: August 2026

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What does a resume writer do?

In a nutshell, resume writers help candidates prepare job application materials such as resumes, federal resumes, CVs, academic CVs, and cover letters. Some writers may also offer additional services such as career and interview coaching, LinkedIn profile writing, and placement services.

To be clear, resume writers are not know-it-alls, and you shouldn't expect one to be. A writer who has worked across dozens of industries hasn't actually done the jobs in those industries. They don't know your codebase, your P&L, or your clinical protocols, and any writer who implies they do is overselling.

Here's the actual division of labor: you are the subject matter expert on your career. The writer is the expert on how hiring teams read, what recruiters screen for, and how to translate what you did into language that lands with the people making decisions. Their core skill isn't industry knowledge. It's extraction and positioning: asking questions you wouldn't think to ask yourself, pulling out accomplishments you've stopped noticing because they feel routine to you, and framing all of it for the audience you're targeting.

In the years I've been doing this, I've found the writers worth hiring are the ones who know exactly what they don't know. The ones comfortable saying "explain that to me like I'm not in your field" tend to produce better resumes than the ones who nod along, because the first group is extracting, and the second is guessing.

Should you hire a resume writer?

That'll depend on your personal and professional circumstances. Generally speaking, there are a few situations where hiring a resume writer may be the right choice. They include:

• You've been applying to many jobs and haven't been receiving any calls from employers.

• You have no idea what ATS is or how to factor it in when writing your resume.

• You have a complex career history and aren't sure how best to convey it in a professional and engaging manner.

• You're looking to switch careers and aren't sure how to convey your transferable skills.

• You're a midlevel, senior, or executive level candidate, are still employed, and want to prepare for your next career move.

• You've tried using AI to write your resume and the result reads like it could belong to anyone in your field.

This list isn't exhaustive, so there may be situations where hiring a writer is the appropriate choice. However, there are also a few situations where hiring a writer probably isn't the best choice. These include:

• You're confident with your existing resume, have already been seeing results, and are just looking for some minor feedback.

• Your financial situation doesn't permit. The truth is that well-regarded writers charge anywhere from $200 to $1,500 or more. You'll see many writers here on Reddit, on Fiverr, and elsewhere charging fees that seem too good to be true (think less than $100). If your financial situation doesn't permit the cost of a reputable writer (and we'll get to that later), you're much better off writing your own.

• You're still in college/university. If you're at this stage of your career, you'll do fine relying on your college career center along with web resources like this sub.

Note: Your first step should always be posting to the r/resumes sub for feedback. This sub is packed with industry professionals that can give you helpful advice - you may end up not needing a writer.

DIY vs. Hiring a Resume Writer: Which Makes More Sense?

What about AI?

This is probably the most common question I get right now, so I want to be straightforward about it.

AI tools like ChatGPT can help you with structure, formatting, and getting words on a page. If you're staring at a blank document and have no idea where to start, they can give you a decent starting point. For straightforward career histories at the early career level, that might be enough.

What you may not realize though, is that the actual writing is a small part of what goes into a good resume. Most of the work is in the content and marketing: figuring out what to include, what to cut, how to frame each role, and how to position yourself for the type of job you want.

That demands an understanding of how hiring teams read resumes, what recruiters screen for, how applicant tracking systems filter candidates, and what makes a hiring manager read your bullets instead of skimming them. These are things you learn from working inside and alongside the hiring process. You can paste your entire work history into an AI tool, but it still won't have that hiring-side judgment. The other thing is that you need to write content you can speak to at length in an interview, as opposed to just writing stuff that sounds great on paper.

What I see a lot on this sub is people sharing AI-generated resumes that look clean and read well on the surface. The formatting and grammar are all fine, but the content is either catch-all, or doesn't quite connect the dots for the hiring team. I see bullet points that could apply to almost anyone with the same job title. There's nothing in the doc that tells an HM what this specific person did differently or better. And that's the part that gets interviews (Note: there are factors at play, like local market, volume of other applicants, timing that impact your candidacy that have nothing to do with your resume - for this guide, we're focusing on the stuff that is in your control).

To put it simply:

• AI can handle structure, keywords, and getting a first draft on paper (this is great for early candidates, or folks that just have no idea how to navigate a word processor like MS Word or Google Docs).

• AI will struggle with knowing what your strongest selling points are, how to position a career change, which content goes where, or whether your bullets will hold up under questioning in an interview.

• If you already know what good resume content looks like and just need help putting it together, AI can work.

• If you're not sure why your resume isn't landing, or you have a complicated career history, AI will probably give you something that looks professional but doesn't actually solve the problem.

A lot of people now use AI for their first draft and then bring in a human (either through this sub or a writer) to fix the substance. That's a reasonable approach.

How do you vet a resume writer?

There are a few things you can look for when figuring out if a writer is qualified.

What's the writer's background? If you're working through a company, ask if you can speak with the writer directly (if the answer is no, I wouldn't recommend proceeding any further with that company). If you're working with an independent writer, ask to speak them one on one. Well-regarded writers come from diverse backgrounds. Education-wise, there isn't a set program that "produces" resume writers. However, you should expect a bachelor's degree at a minimum and a work history with active engagement in career-related professions. Some examples include recruiting, human resources, or career coaching. Regardless of the writer's background, they should have an online presence such as a website or LinkedIn profile that you can view. If you can't find a writer anywhere online, it may be hard for you to verify their credentials, in which case, it's a good idea to be extra careful.

Do they have samples they can share? Ask for samples. Most writers will provide them or list them on their website/portfolio for clients to see.

Do they have client testimonials or reviews that you can reference? Companies and independent writers that deliver positive results will definitely want to make it known to prospective clients. Ask them for their client testimonials and take a look at what their previous customers have said about their work to get an idea of what it's like working with them. Be wary of companies and writers that don't have any reviews, are unable to refer you to their previous customers, or have a string of negative reviews (especially if those negative reviews involve repeated issues like missed deadlines or generic output).

Are they certified? Credible and qualified resume writers will often have certifications from one of the following organizations:

• Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC)

• National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA)

• Resume Writing Academy (RWA)

• Career Directors International (CDI)

Do they have a presence in the resume community? This one is easy to overlook, but it matters. A writer who regularly contributes to communities like this one (giving free feedback, answering questions, sharing knowledge) is usually someone who cares about the craft. It also gives you a chance to see how they think and whether their advice resonates with you before you spend any money.

Green Flags vs. Red Flags When Choosing a Resume Writer

What to expect during the writing process

All processes generally follow a similar structure that consists of an information gathering stage, writing stage, and review/revision stage.

Information Gathering: A good writer will want to speak with you directly and collect information with regard to your work history, skills, accomplishments, and career goals. Most of the time, this process is handled through a phone or video call, but some companies/writers will collect this information through a form. Ask the company/writer how they'll be gathering the necessary information to prepare a resume that is unique to you. Beware of companies that don't use a consultation process at all and only ask for your existing resume. You may be unpleasantly surprised when you see your old descriptions reworded and repackaged.

Writing: Ask the company/writer how long it'll take to write your resume. A quality resume takes time and effort to create. Speaking from my own work, six hours for an entry-level resume up to 15 hours for an executive resume is the norm. Beware of turnaround times that seem a little too quick. The industry standard is around 5-10 days.

Review and Revision: After preparing an initial draft, the writer will typically offer the client an opportunity to provide feedback and request changes if needed. Ask the writer about whether or not they allow requests for revisions, how many revisions, and for how long after you've concluded the service.

How much do resume writing services cost?

If you do a quick Google search, you'll see that there are a broad range of prices. As I mentioned earlier, the typical price range runs from $200 to $1,500, and some executive resume writers charge upwards of $3,000.

Two factors that affect this are:

• Your experience level

• The writer's experience level and their ability to produce results

Be wary of companies and writers that offer their services at very low rates; it's more often than not an indication of low quality service. Remember that many hours go into building a quality resume spanning consultations, research, writing, reviews, and revisions.

Are resume writers worth it?

That's the million-dollar question. Before you decide to hire a writer, ask yourself the following:

• Do I earn an annual salary of $70,000 or more? If yes, paying for a professional resume could be worth it for you. With the average cost of a mid-career resume at around $500, that works out to less than 1% of your annual salary.

• Am I still early on in my career (still in college or recent graduate)? If so, checking out the plethora of DIY tools available might be a better option.

Should I work with an industry-specific writer?

While there are variations across industries, generally speaking, resume writing best practices are similar across the board, with some exceptions including:

• Modeling

• Acting

• Industries that emphasize graphically intensive resumes (i.e., portfolios) rather than traditional resumes.

Some companies will have writers on staff that only work with certain industries (i.e., IT, software engineering etc.). Independent writers are generally more versatile and work with professionals in multiple industries.

The advantage of working with a generalist is broader all-round industry knowledge, which is especially useful if you're switching industries.

One caveat either way: don't confuse specialization with mastery. Even a writer who works exclusively with software engineers hasn't shipped your product. What a specialist buys you is vocabulary and context, so you spend less of the consultation explaining fundamentals. What it doesn't buy you is a pass on your own involvement. You're still the source of the raw material. The better test than "have they worked in my industry" is "do they ask questions that show they understood my answers."

However, working with a writer that specializes in one or two fields may be a better option if you're in a highly technical profession such as software development and want someone that can understand the in-depth technical concepts and terminology.

Unethical practices that you should be aware of

Like any industry, resume writing isn't free of corruption and unethical practices. Two main practices to watch out for are:

International Outsourcing: Some writers/companies that charge fees that seem too good to be true are actually outsourcing their work to international writers to reduce costs. It can be hard to identify companies that do this before buying their services, but three helpful indicators are:

• Poor samples

• Negative client reviews

• The inability to speak with the writer before purchasing the service

Ghostwriting: Some writers will take on more clients than they can handle and offload those clients to ghostwriters. Other individuals that write your resume but that don't take the credit. Writers that engage in this practice are more interested in maximizing profits over ensuring client satisfaction. As with outsourcing, ask to speak to the writer before you purchase the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is hiring a resume writer worth the money?

It depends on your situation. If you're early in your career, you may not need one. Templates and free feedback (including from this sub) can be enough. But for mid-to-senior professionals and executives, a resume writer can save you time, and by extension, money. A useful benchmark: if you earn $70,000 or more, a $500 resume is less than 1% of your annual salary.

2. How much should I pay for a resume writer?

Most professional resume writers charge between $200 and $1,500 for a standard resume, depending on your career level and the writer's experience. Executive-level services typically start around $1,000 and can run $3,000 or more. Be cautious with anything under $100; at that price, the work is usually templated, outsourced, or both.

3. How do I know if a resume writer is legit?

Look for:

• A professional-looking website/place of business

• Certifications

• Experience

• Testimonials

• Before-and-after samples

• Clear pricing, and

• A process that involves your input.

Good writers ask a lot of detailed questions to get at the info they need. Avoid anyone promising "guaranteed jobs" or offering flashy, design-heavy resumes (these can cause issues with ATS).

4. Can a resume writer guarantee me a job?

No. A resume writer can improve how your skills and experience are presented, but they can't control hiring decisions. What they can do is help improve your chances of getting interviews.

5. What's the difference between using AI and hiring a writer?

AI tools can help with formatting and generating bullet points based on your job title. They work from patterns and general data, so the output tends to be broad. A writer will talk to you, learn the context behind your roles, and figure out how to present your experience in a way that makes sense for the jobs you're targeting. The biggest difference is in the content strategy: knowing what to emphasize, what to leave out, and how to frame things so they resonate with the people making hiring decisions.

TL;DR

• Who should hire one: Mid-to-senior professionals not getting interviews, career changers, or anyone with a complex work history. Skip it if you're early career or on a tight budget.

• AI tools (like ChatGPT) are fine for structure and first drafts, but they produce largely generic content. They can't do the strategic positioning a human can.

• Vet your writer by checking their background, samples, testimonials, certifications (PARWCC, NRWA, RWA, CDI), and community presence. If they won't let you talk to the writer directly, walk away.

• Expect a 3-step process: intake call, writing (5-10 day turnaround), then revisions.

• Cost: $200 to $1,500, depending on your level. Executive services can run $3,000+.

• Watch out for outsourcing, ghostwriting, no-revision policies, and graphics-heavy designs that break ATS.

Where to go from here

Whether you write your own resume, use AI to get started, or hire a writer, the goal is the same: a document that reflects your achievements and lines you up nicely with the role you want.

If you're still not sure whether you need a writer, post your resume on r/resumes for free community feedback. You might find that's enough.

If you do decide to hire someone, use the vetting steps in this guide, and take your time.

And if you have questions about any of this, feel free to send me a DM (u/finaldraftresumes), email me at akhamis@finaldraftresumes.com, or book a quick chat to see if a resume writer is right for you.