Anyone here hired a resume writing service to revamp or create their resume? I know the well known Numi provides career services, but not sure if the marginal benefit outweighs the marginal cost over other providers for my situation.
If you have used a service, can you tell me who and whether you were satisfied and got a job? Looks like the going rate is between $150-$300.
Much appreciated.
A good resume writer is definitely worth the money, but how to tell if someone is good is tricky. A few people have anonomized before-and-after samples they can show so ask about that.
For people preparing these, I’ve always thought that giving a client a break on the price in exchange for the rights to use their resume as a sample for others (properly anonymized, of course) is something more should consider. Potential clients always want samples before they pay, and those who can provide them are at an advantage (assuming they are any good).
I tried to revamp my resume about two years ago and worked with someone who was really good. I kept feeling “trapped” by the current format of my resume and thought I needed someone who could put together something starting from a fresh perspective. She went through an interview with me about my past over the phone that probably went on two hours, then produced something I thought was a major improvement. It was definitely worthwhile.
The one thing to consider is how well that person knows the industry you are targeting and what they look for. Some writers are fine for some industries but they don’t seem to hit the right buttons for finance or whatever, and that is key.
As stated above, you need someone familiar with your industry. I knew a reknown technical writer that everyone praised but he had no clue about the sector I worked in. It showed when I saw the final product.
whats a fair price to pay for a resume?
Hi, thanks for the question and interest. I charge $495 for a resume review. I will probably raise to $595 this summer in hopes of managing my client flow better.
In my opinion, and similar to what bchad and former trader suggested, a fair price to pay is whatever gets the client outstanding results. I think when it comes professional success, trying to save a few bucks here and there isn’t worth it at the expense of results. I totally understand trying to be value conscious but whatever you or anyone else seeking resume help decides to do, my best counsel is to take a close look at their reviews and track record of success. These things speak for themselves.
Notwithstanding that, your quote of $150-300 is way too low and is not industry standard. It takes several hours of work and iterations to do a good job editing a resume, not to mention financial sector expertise and editing resumes within that space which most people just don’t have. Since I have worked in and have been responsible for hiring people in investment banking, private equity, equity research, and hedge funds, I have a unique perspective of what employers are looking for.
Look me up if you’d like.
I paid about $450 and felt it was money well spent. That was two years ago.
If the résumé update makes a substantive difference in interview rates, then this is really peanuts. It all boils down to your due diligence and the writer’s familiarity with the industry you are targeting. Someone who is great at doing finance resumes may not do so well with actors and actress materials and vice versa.