What are professional resumé writing services?

It’s no secret that a great resumé can make you stand out from the crowd. Your resumé is often your first impression on a hiring manager, and plays a major role in getting you to the interview stage. This is where professional resumé writing services can help.

What is a professional resumé service and who can benefit from using one? In this article, we explore how investing in professional resumé services can give you the edge over competitors. Get insights on selecting a reputable service and weighing the cost against the value it provides.

Benefits of hiring professional resumé writers

Hiring a professional resumé writer can offer a range of advantages for job seekers, whether you’re a fresh graduate or making a mid-career switch. They can also be helpful for freelancers and contractors who want to make sure their resumés stay relevant. Here we take a look at the benefits that come from seeking paid resumé writing, and how it can help you move forward in the application process.  

1. Expertise and customisation

Two important elements of professional resumé writing are expertise and customisation. The resumé-writing process involves taking an applicant’s most relevant skills and experience, and highlighting them in the best possible way to match the job description.

The first step is to make sure your resumé passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Professional resumé writers understand how these systems work and how to optimise your resumé so it hits the mark. This includes the strategic use of keywords, ATS-friendly formatting, and a clear structure.

It’s also important to understand what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for, and experienced resumé writers should have this knowledge and be able to tailor a resumé appropriately. This involves using the right language and presentation styles to ensure all your achievements are showcased in a way that highlights their relevance and impact.

Every industry and job role has its unique set of expectations and keywords that recruiters look for. Professional writers are skilled in customising resumés to line up with specific industry standards and job descriptions. This customisation is crucial, as a one-size-fits-all approach rarely succeeds in catching a hiring manager’s attention. 

A professional resumé writer knows how to organise and format information according to industry standards. This includes:

• understanding the flow of a resumé, 
• highlighting the most important information upfront, and 
• ensuring that the overall layout is clean and easy to read. 

2. Time-saving and efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using a professional resumé writer is saving time and energy by outsourcing the task. Writing a resumé can be time consuming and stressful, especially when you’re managing other commitments. Professional resumé writers know the ins and outs of your industry and of recruitment in general, and can get the job done efficiently. With the time you save,  you can focus on other aspects of your job search, such as networking or upskilling.

How to choose the right professional resumé service?

You’re ready to go down the path of hiring a resumé service, but where do you start? We take a look at important factors to consider, to ensure you choose a service that best matches your career goals and needs.

Qualifications of a resumé writer

Finding a good resumé writer in New Zealand may take some research on your behalf. Ideally, you want someone who has certifications or credentials in resumé writing or career coaching that show they’re technically skilled and knowledgeable.  

It also helps to look into their knowledge of various industries. Each sector has its own nuances and expectations when it comes to resumés. Finding a writer who has experience in your particular industry can make your application more relevant and stand out to employers in your field.

It’s also important to find a writer with relevant experience. This can be done by reviewing their portfolio, which should include samples of their work. These samples can give you a clear picture of their style and how they create different professional profiles. You can also take a look at testimonials and reviews from previous clients for insights into the quality and effectiveness of their work.

Know the different types of resumé writing services

Depending on where you’re at in your career, you’re going to be looking for certain skills in a resumé writer to meet your specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of services available:

• Entry-level resumés: tailored for recent graduates or those with limited work experience. They focus on academic achievements, internships and relevant skills. The challenge is to highlight potential and transferable skills instead of extensive work experience.
• Mid-career resumés: for professionals who have gained plenty of experience, mid-career resumés are designed to show growth and the impact made in previous roles. These resumés balance technical skills with achievements in the workplace.
• Executive resumés: executives require resumés that detail their extensive experience and achievements and also demonstrate their leadership qualities. These often include elements like personal branding and a clear narrative of strategic decision-making and innovation.
• Specialty services: certain fields like federal jobs, academia and niche industries may require a specifictype of resumé service in New Zealand. Federal resumés, for instance, have different requirements and formats compared to standard corporate resumés. Similarly, academic resumés (or CVs) place a greater emphasis on publications, teaching experience and academic presentations.

When reviewing samples from professional resumé writers, ensure they reflect the stage you’re at in your career. Look out for:

• good readability (clear, concise and free of jargon),
• keyword optimisation (important for passing Applicant Tracking Systems), and 
• clear, visually appealing formatting.

Understand the process

Understanding the resumé-writing process helps ensure you get a final product that reflects your professional journey. A reputable resumé writing service will provide a clear and detailed outline of their process. This process typically includes:

1. Initial consultation
2. Drafts
3. Revisions 
4. Final delivery of the resumé

Once you know your writer’s individual process, you can adjust your expectations around their timeline and any involvement that’s needed from your end. For instance, to personalise your resumé, a writer needs information that’s personal and specific to you, which may require several detailed discussions about your work history, specific accomplishments and future aspirations.

The entire process requires good communication from start to finish in order to convey your career details, provide feedback on drafts, and make any revisions you request. 

Compare pricing and packages

When looking for reputable professional resumé services, you’ll want to find a provider that can deliver what you want within your budget. Here’s how pricing and packages work.

• Variety in pricing. As with any product, resumé-writing services range from fairly affordable to pretty expensive. The price depends on the writer’s experience, the length and complexity of the resumé you need, the level of personalisation, and the level of urgency. 
• Understanding what’s included. Pay attention to what each package offers. Important elements to look for include the number of revisions offered, whether a cover letter is included, the amount of personalisation, and turnaround time. 
• Quality vs budget: while it’s important to consider your budget, be wary of services priced too low. Remember, a resumé is an investment in your career. Services that offer a highly personalised experience, in-depth consultations and tailored writing generally charge more, but the difference can be seen in the quality of the resumé produced.

Ultimately, the decision should be a balance between the cost and the value you receive. Cheaper services might save you money, but could cost you opportunities if the resumé isn’t effective. On the other hand, the most expensive option isn’t automatically the best. Look at what each service offers, read testimonials, and even have an initial consultation to work out if they are the right fit.

Guarantee and support

Another thing to consider when choosing a professional resumé writing service is the level of guarantee and post-delivery support they offer. Many resumé writing services offer a satisfaction guarantee, which may include multiple revisions until you are happy with the final product. This shows the service’s commitment to meeting your expectations. 

Beyond just delivering a polished resumé, some services extend their support further. This can include guidance on how to use your resumé in job applications, tips for tailoring it to specific positions, and advice on job interviews. This support can be beneficial, especially for applicants who are new to the job market.

Building a long-term relationship with a professional writer can help as your career progresses and the recruitment process becomes more complex.

Personal fit

When creating a personalised resumé, professional writers must be able to grasp where you are in your career and where you aim to be, so you want to find someone you feel comfortable sharing these details with. The relationship between you and your writer will impact the quality of your resumé and how personalised it is. 

Since the process includes discussing your strengths, weaknesses and career goals, a good rapport with your writer will make open and honest communication easier. This level of openness with allow them to tailor your resumé to properly reflect your professional offerings and your future aspirations.

Cost of professional resumé writing services in New Zealand

The cost of a professional resumé in New Zealand varies greatly. Before signing up for one of these services, make sure you know exactly what’s included in the price, so you know you’re getting the best value for what you need. Here are the five main types of services for resumé writing:

1. Online resumé builders that offer basic resumés without much personalisation – you can find automated builders for free, with the price increasing depending on the amount of personalisation.
2. Graphic designers who offer visual design of your resumé – the average hourly rate for a designer can range from $30 to $150 depending on their experience and location. Check Upwork and Fiverr for freelancers.
3. Resumé mills that offer quick turnaround while offering a degree of personalisation – average cost from around $250 for a student resumé and $300 for a standard resumé.
4. Professional resumé writers who deep dive into your career, provide customisation and will make multiple revisions – average cost around $400 
5. Top-tier writers with a comprehensive approach, including personal branding and a strong focus on aligning your resumé with your career goals – average cost around $600 and up depending on how technical or senior the resumé has to be.

1. Cost: Resumé only

This is where you only require your resumé to be written and will handle the cover letter yourself. To have your resumé written, you should expect to pay from $100 up to $1,000 and more, depending on the experience of the writer you choose and how personalised you want your resumé to be.

2. Cost: Resumé and cover letter

Need a hand with your resumé and a tailored cover letter? The cost for this will again depend on whom you choose to do the work, but this will be more expensive than a resumé alone. Expect this to cost anywhere from $200 to $1,200 and up.

3. Cost: Resumé, cover letter and social media profile 

If you want the whole package, which includes social media profiles, you’ll be looking at a cost from $300 up to $1,300 or more. Every job seeker’s journey is unique, so when considering a professional resumé service and the different products you might need, it’s important to look at your specific career goals.

Paying for a professional resumé service an important thing to consider if you’re not having much success getting interviews. While a resumé may seem simple enough to create yourself, if it’s not professional and personalised, you could miss out on opportunities. If you do consider hiring a professional resumé writer, research services thoroughly and choose one that matches your industry, job level and career aspirations. 

FAQs

Do I need a professional resumé writing service? 

You may need a professional resumé writing service if you: need help showcasing your skills and experiences, are changing careers, or aren't getting responses from employers. These services offer expertise in crafting resumés that can pass Application Tracking Systems and stand out to hiring managers.

Should I use a professional resumé writing service or AI to write my resumé? 

It’s generally better to use a professional resumé writing service over AI for a personalised and industry-specific resumé. AI can provide a good starting point, but lacks the personalised touch and understanding of industry nuances that a professional can offer. Some hiring managers are also using AI-detection software to filter out AI resumés and cover letters. 

How can I ensure I’m choosing a reputable resumé writing service?

To ensure you’re choosing a reputable resumé writing service, look for services with:

• Positive testimonials and reviews 
• Clear information about their process and writers 
• Transparent resumé writing services prices 

Avoid services with vague details or extremely low prices, as these may not provide the quality or customisation needed.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my professional resumé?

If you’re not satisfied with your professional resumé, most reputable services offer revisions. Communicate your concerns to the service provider and discuss the changes you wish to see. Check their revision and satisfaction policies beforehand.

Are professional resumé writing services beneficial for those without extensive work experience?

Yes, professional resumé writing services can be highly beneficial for those without extensive work experience. They can help in highlighting your skills, educational background, internships and any other relevant experience in a way that attracts employer attention.

How often should I update my professional resumé?

It’s a good idea to update your professional resumé whenever you gain new skills, experiences or achievements. Generally, reviewing and updating your resumé annually or when considering a job change is good practice.