Top 10 Resume Writing Services in the US

The quality of your resume can mean the difference between being selected for interview, offered a new job or overlooked in favor of other candidates.

To write a successful resume, you will need a few basic components, including an eye for detail, a thorough approach, all of your relevant personal information, and great spelling and grammar.

You will likely possess these attributes to some degree, however, you may not realize that a vast number of resumes are rejected immediately because they don’t follow the correct format.

It is highly likely you don’t have an understanding of how to place keywords within your resume or know the role ATS technology plays in filtering out prospective candidates.

If some of the above seems daunting and becomes a barrier between you and your next job, there are countless resume writing services out there that can help you to take the next step towards a new career.

What Should I Expect from a Resume Writing Service?

For a fee, a resume writing service will take the stress out of creating your perfect resume and will do the hard work for you.

Reputable services are run by professionals who are experienced in the field, including HR experts, former headhunters and skilled writers.

There are many different options out there, each with a unique take on the resume writing process; however, each one should offer you a professional and polished end-product: an accurate and outstanding resume that sets you apart in your job search.

How Does It Work?

As there are so many different businesses out there offering this service, the procedure will vary slightly between them.

The main steps that most resume writing services will guide you through will be as follows:

• Log on to the resume writing service’s website and select a plan that is right for you
• Fill in a questionnaire or upload your resume (depending on the service)
• Get matched with a professional/resume expert
• Work together to achieve an outline of what you want from the service (by email or phone)
• The expert writes up and formats a resume for you, using the information you provide and their expertise.
• Receive a final draft of your resume
• Approve/request edits until you are satisfied with the finished product
• Receive your professionally written resume and start applying for jobs

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices vary widely, with some costing as little as $100, while others stretch to $400 and beyond. Some specialist services aimed at securing executive roles often charge over $1,000.

Additional add-on features are generally available, so you can expect to pay more if you require services such as a cover letter or edits to your LinkedIn profile.

Some services, such as LinkedIn Pro-Finder allow you to get quotes directly from freelancers.

This works similarly to Upwork or Fiverr, so you receive several proposals to view and you can select the profile of the freelancer you feel is the best fit or that offers the most competitive quote.

Many other services operate a more standard approach with varying tiers of service, where you pick the one that is right for you, for a set price.

With a set fee there will most likely be a limit to the number of edits you can request before the finished product is approved.

Is a Resume Writing Service Right for Me?

If you are wondering whether using a professional service to help you to write a great resume is right for you, it may help to ask yourself the following:

• Are you worried that your current resume is not top quality?
• Are you applying for jobs in a highly competitive market?
• Do you keep getting rejected for jobs or not making it through to interview stage?
• Do you struggle with spelling, grammar or communicating clearly through writing?
• Have you got a budget available to pay for a professional service?

If you answered yes to any of the above plus you know you have a budget available, you may want to consider using a professional service to write your resume for you so you can shift your focus onto other areas of your job search.

Top 10 Resume Writing Companies

Choosing a resume writing service from the many on offer may be an intimidating process for some. Whilst there are many legitimate sites out there, inevitably there are also scams and services that lack reliability and credibility.

When choosing whether a service is suitable for your needs, you may want to consider:

• Affordability
• Ratings/reviews
• Turnaround times
• Any specialisms (some will work better for some industries than others)

To assist you, we have compiled a list of the top 10 resume services available in the US:

1. Top Resume

Top Resume is a well-established company, founded in 2014, and boasts an impressive 1,500+ writers. It is rated 4.4 (or excellent) on Trustpilot, with over 9,000 reviews.

It has three packages available:

• Basic package ‘Professional Growth’ – $179
• Mid tier package ‘Career Evolution’ – $219
• Comprehensive package ‘Executive Priority’ – $349

It has a professional and easy to navigate website packed with information and testimonials, with the option to upload your resume for a free review on the homepage.

It is certainly a tried and tested industry leader within professional resume writing.

2. James Innes Group

One of the longest-running resume consultancy companies in the world, UK-based James Innes Group offers various services to job seekers, including resume writing, career coaching, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles.

Founder James Innes is a best-selling author and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading career experts.

Expect to pay around $390 for the James Innes premium resume.

You can also opt for the premium bundle which includes a resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and a 30-minute chat with James himself.

The bundle option costs around $535.

3. Let’s Eat, Grandma

Brothers Matt and Chris Villanueva have been striving to make the job-seeking process easier for people since they founded their company ‘Let’s Eat, Grandma’.

It has an eye-catching website full of useful resources, in addition to the career services on offer, such as a regularly updated blog and links to the ‘Career Warrior’ podcast.

Let’s Eat, Grandma offers more in terms of distinct packages than most of the resume writing websites out there and seems to address a wider demographic.

There are student packages starting from $15, including digital guides on how to get your first job, resume templates and access to an exclusive Facebook group.

The resume writing packages are among the more expensive out there, ranging from $299 to $499; however, unlike most other services, even the basic package includes a professionally written cover letter in addition to a resume.

In response to the recent covid-19 pandemic, the company has also introduced ‘Urgent Care Packages’ which include ATS-friendly templates, video feedback from a professional writer and various digital resources.

These options are available at more affordable prices, ranging from $49 to $69, to assist people during these challenging times.

4. Resume Professional Writers

With almost two decades of experience behind them, Resume Professional Writers offers some of the most affordable prices on the market, with its basic package only costing $125.

It also offers the quickest turnaround available, with the Ultimate Package ($485) promising an initial resume draft in only one business day.

It also offers specialist federal resume options.

If you find yourself short on time to get your application in and have a reasonably sized budget, Resume Professional Writers is a company to consider.

5. Find My Profession

Founded in 2015, Find My Profession is relatively new compared to other well-known resume writing companies.

It sets itself apart by hiring what it describes as 'elite’ writers who, it promises, are capable of producing the highest quality of work in the industry.

The elite writers work with a diverse range of people, right from entry-level candidates to executives to federal workers, and will cover any industry.

It also offers an assurance that every single resume will be reviewed by at least two career consultants.

Prices start from $395 for an entry-level resume.

In addition to resumes, it also offers an elite career coaching and counseling service and a ‘Legendary Career Finder’ service where it matches clients to jobs and applies on their behalf.

6. Chameleon Resumes

With a target audience of executives and senior managers, Chameleon Resumes has been hired by LinkedIn and named as a ‘Top 100 Career Website’ by Forbes.

It uses its unique, trademarked, four stage META Job Landing System to assist already successful, senior position-holders to climb further up the career ladder.

This is more than just a resume writing service. Its unique packages include a range of career coaching, keyword optimization, strategy sessions, interview preparation and negotiation techniques.

Prices range from $2,987 to $6,987, with payment plans available.

7. ZipJob

Since 2016, ZipJob has helped over 10,000 job seekers and has earned a reputation as a well-respected industry professional, gaining attention from many famous media outlets including Forbes and Marketwatch.

Prices are split into three tiers:

• Launch – $139
• Fast Track – $189
• Premium – $299

It also only hires writers who are ATS (Applicant Tracking System) trained and have an understanding of keyword optimization, which it claims will ensure your resume will make it past the bots and through to a hiring manager.

8. JobStars USA

Chicago based JobStars USA is at the top end of resume writing, price-wise. Its basic ‘bronze’ package starts at $450 with the ‘gold’ package costing up to $1,450.

Its approach is extremely comprehensive in comparison to some of the other services out there and includes a cover letter, unlimited rewrites (within the first 30 days) and a phone call as standard.

The site also prices on a sliding scale, depending on the level of seniority of the job role, using this as an indicator of how time-consuming the project will be for the resume expert. This gives a more bespoke feel to the service, which is reflected in the price.

9. Virginia Franco Resumes

Virginia Franco offers a very different take on the world of resume writing.

With years of experience as a writer, journalist and roles within corporate communications, her small business offers a personal touch. She works on all of the projects herself from the initial consultation to the finished product.

Unlike almost all of the other services we have referred to, Virginia Franco requests a 90-minute telephone consultation with all of her clients to gain an understanding of their background, aspirations and experience: no paperwork, no forms, just a one-on-one chat.

Prices range from $925 to $2,075 for resume writing with many alternative services available, including interview cheat sheets, cover letters and distribution packages.

10. ResumeWriters.com

Established in 1999, this company has some impressive credentials including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and being named the top resume writing service for six consecutive years by ResumeServiceReview.com.

Its most popular package costs $199.95, or you can opt for an executive upgrade for $299.95 to be assigned one of the most experienced writers.

Alternative packages are offered, including those for students, those undergoing a career change, a military to civilian package, and a tech/IT specific package.

Each price tier offers an impressive 72-hour turnaround as standard.

Final Thoughts

A professional resume writing service can provide you with additional peace of mind during the stressful process of job-seeking.

Professional resume writers will be able to write and format a resume in a way you may not be able to do yourself, therefore giving you an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs.

It is important to do your research and select a reputable service that you feel is right for you, your needs, any time constraints and of course your budget.

A stand-out resume from a professional resume writer is a great first step to finding yourself a new career. However, it is important to remember that this is just the beginning of your journey.

Your resume may be outstanding and land you that important job interview, but don’t let this fact lead you into complacency.

It is important to live up to the promise of your resume: prepare thoroughly for your interviews, research the company you have applied to, be prompt and be professional.

A specialist resume is a start, the next steps are up to you.