The Best Resume Writing Services To Get You Noticed in 2022

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The best resume writing services help you get a leg up in the age of computer-screened resumes. Let's be honest, it's 2022 and computer vision and machine learning is here to stay. It's crucial that your professional resume showcases your unique skills and experiences and emphasizes why you'd make a great employee, but they also need to be written to make you stand out - to both humans and computers.

Our career experts spent 45 hours researching over 20 online resume writing services, and talking to recruiters and hiring managers to learn what makes a resume stand out for a dream job.

Our best overall recommendation is to check out TopResume's free resume review first. If you are looking for an executive position, then ZipJob is the first place we'd start. Both TopResume and ZipJob have a free resume review, that will help you understand where your resume can be improved for Applicant Tracking Systems. They'll have you covered for all your needs, from resume writing to LinkedIn profile updates. There are many options out there, so you can also keep reading to learn more about the other sites we reviewed.

The 7 Best Resume Writing Services in 2022

• TopResume - Best Overall

• ZipJob - Best For Executives And Professionals

• ResumeSpice - Best For Inside Track on What Recruiters Are Looking For

• Resumeble - Best For ATS Optimization

• ResumeWriters.com - Best For Job Seekers Of Any Level

• ResumeGet -  Best For a la Carte Services

• Resume Companion- Best For Resume Templates

Other Top Resume Writing Services To Consider

In addition to our top picks, we looked at 12 other resume writing services, which didn't make the final cut. Some produced generic template-based resumes and others fell short because their services weren't very comprehensive. But if you don't find something you like with our top picks, you may want to check out some of these:

• Career Perfect
• Careers Booster
• Live Career
• Pro Resume Writing Services
• Resume Professional Writers
• Resume Writers Direct
• Resume2Hire
• ResumeEdge
• ResumePrime
• ResumeSpice
• ResumeWriters.com
• Velvet Jobs

There are also resume builders that take a more templated approach at a lower price point. If you're not great at selling yourself, you might want to turn to a resume writing service to help you stand out.

What Are Resume Writing Services, And How Can They Help You?

Recruiters agree that most job seekers can benefit from an outside perspective on their resume.

Resume writing services look at your skills and experiences and help you parse out the details that illustrate why you're a great fit for a particular position, and help you capture the attention of a hiring manager.

Some services are little more than online tools that walk you through each section and offer suggestions of what to write.

However, most people looking for resume writing help to land a dream job or their next executive role, are interested in a full-service option. This is where the best resume writing services will pair you with a professional writer who works with you one on one to gather information about your work and education history to tailor a personalized professional resume from scratch. For those willing to pay extra, they'll also write you a cover letter and help optimize your LinkedIn profile.

We put together this guide to help you choose among hundreds of the best resume writing services. We spoke with industry experts and compared dozens of the most popular resume builder tools and professional writing services to determine which offered the best value to job seekers. We looked at:

• sample resume options, and resume templates
• writer qualifications
• options for customization
• additional services offered by the companies

Full Reviews of the Best Resume Writing Services

TOPRESUME REVIEW - BEST OVERALL

Read the full Careercloud TopResume Review.

TopResume delivers sound resumes for workers of all backgrounds and it lets you try the service for free by requesting a free expert resume review. This is a rare offering from a professional resume writing company and it can give you a sense of how much assistance you need. That can guide you toward which of the company's three resume writing packages are the best fit for you. It builds its packages around the types of services it offers rather than your career level, as many other professional resume writing companies do. This shouldn't affect most consumers, but higher-ups may prefer a company with more experience handling executive resumes.

Where It Excels

TopResume offers several resume writing solutions targeted at people of all skill levels and budgets. Start with its free resume review service by uploading your current resume to the site. Unlike many other online resume building resources, TopResume's tool doesn't just give you cliche feedback based on a computer formula. Instead, one of its real resume writing experts will look over it and give you personalized feedback within two business days. This is a great way to decide if the service is right for you before committing any money.

There are three resume writing packages you can choose from, depending on how much assistance you want. The basic Professional Growth package includes a well-formatted and keyword-optimized resume written by a professional in your industry. The Career Evolution package includes all of that plus a handwritten cover letter. The Executive Priority package includes a cover letter and a LinkedIn profile makeover, plus a guarantee that your resume will be written by one of the company's best resume writers.

The Career Evolution and Executive Priority packages include a 60-day interview guarantee. If you're not getting twice the interviews you were before after having TopResume professionally rewrite your resume, it will do it all over for you at no extra cost. You must notify the company in writing within 180 days in order to take advantage of this service.

Where It Falls Short

Make sure to read the fine print for TopResume's 60-day Interview Guarantee. There is no full refund offered. Their guarantee says you will double your interviews with their services or you will get a free resume rewrite and that all sales are final.

Additionally, TopResume is very upfront with the associated costs, but the basic pricing tier is still $149, which is pretty high. An unemployed job seeker may not have any extra cash to purchase resume writing services.

Pricing

• Expert Resume Review: Free
• Professional Growth Resume Service: $149
• Career Evolution Resume Service: $219
• Executive Priority Resume Service: $349

Don't take our word for it! Check out these reviews from real people who have used TopResume.

ZIPJOB --- BEST FOR EXECUTIVES

Read the full CareerCloud ZipJob review.

ZipJob offers full resume rewrite or new resume creation services for any industry. You can even have your resume reviewed for free within 48 hours! ZipJob knows that most employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes, so they take the time to optimize your resume to pass and score high in ATS systems and also scan your resume with similar ATS technology to make sure it passes the test. There are three different package options, as well as a free resume review, available to fit your needs.

Learn more about the best executive resume services.

Where It Excels

ZipJob writers have helped candidates secure jobs at Google, Apple, Chase, Allstate, Esurance, Groupon and more. You can start with the free resume review service by uploading your resume to the site. ZipJob will provide detailed feedback on your resume presentation, design and even run your resume through an ATS scanning test. This free resume review is completed by a resume expert and will be back to you within 48 hours. This is a great way to check out ZipJob and see if the service is what you are looking for before paying for a service.

There are three resume packages to choose from, depending how much help you are looking for.

The basic package is called "Launch" and includes a professionally written resume from a resume expert, keyword-optimized resume prepared for ATS scanning, direct communication with your resume writer through the ZipJob dashboard and unlimited revisions.

The next package is the most popular and is called "Fast Track." This package includes everything from the Launch package, but also includes a custom cover letter and a 60-day interview guarantee. According to ZipJob, if you are not landing at least two times more interviews after 60 days, they will ask you to send over a few of the links to jobs you have applied for. Then, they will review your resume against those jobs and see what additional improvements can be made. ZipJob will update your resume and provide further recommendations.

The next package is the "Premium" package. This package includes everything mentioned so far, as well as LinkedIn profile updates with keyword optimization, optional phone consultation, expedited delivery and future resume updates for life.

The final package is the "Executive" package. This package includes a professionally written and ATS-optimized resume, a custom cover letter, LinkedIn optimization, resume distribution, a phone consultation with a resume expert, unlimited revisions and free future updates.

Where It Falls Short

Be sure to read the fine print for ZipJob's 60-Day Interview Guarantee. There is no money-back guarantee offered. Their guarantee says that you will land two times more interviews in 60 days, but they also acknowledge that some things are out of their control. They offer no money back and all sales are final.

Further, ZipJob is very clear about their pricing, but the lowest-priced Launch package comes in at $139. Someone who is unemployed or between jobs may not have the funds to purchase this service.

Pricing

• Expert Resume Review: Free

• Launch Resume Service: $139

• Fast Track Resume Service: $189

• Premium Resume Service: $299

• Executive Resume Service: $799

Check out these reviews from happy customers!

RESUMEBLE - BEST FOR ATS OPTIMIZATION

Resumeble features a consultancy approach to resume writing. This ensures direct interaction with your writer to deliver maximum value. According to Resumeable, hiring a professional to write or rewrite your resume offers four advantages that can make the difference between being one of the crowd or the applicant that stands out: 1) It saves time. Resumeble streamlines the writing process to help you stay ahead of other potential candidates; 2) It's stress-free. You don't need to worry about format, spelling, grammar, tone, keywords, or ATS optimization; 3) It gives you a second pair of eyes. No matter how good you are as a writer, it's always a good idea to have an expert review your resume; and 4) It makes your resume compelling. One-size-fits-all doesn't work in the resume world. With your writer, you can develop a resume that targets your hiring audience and successfully represents your skills and experience. Or as they like to say at Resumeble, you'll master the art of "humblebrag."

Where It Excels

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are here to stay. That being said, beating the ATS is key to getting your resume noticed. It's also a complicated task to accomplish. The writers at Resumeble know exactly how this system works and how to structure your resume in the most focused and cohesive manner to make it a potent weapon against ATS algorithms.

Where It Falls Short

With a Trustpilot score of 9.2, a robust and updated blog, and competitive pricing, the only thing missing from Resumeble's website was a listing of companies that their clients have been hired at. Similar services proudly boast the companies that their clients have gotten hired at, but there is no mention of reputable companies on Resumeable's site.

There is also no resume diagnostic like with Zipjob or TopResume, so you don't have the option of uploading your current resume in order to see where you're falling short.

Pricing

Choose among three packages and four additional services:

• Career Pro: $149

• Professional: $229

• Premium: $339

Other services are $99 to $149.99 and include cover letter writing, LinkedIn write-up, resume writing, and CV writing. There's even a short questionnaire to help you determine the most suitable package or service for your needs.

Resumeble promises that you'll receive an interview call within 60 days of the order completion. Just in case you don't, they'll be happy to rewrite your resume free of charge.

RESUMEWRITERS.COM - BEST FOR JOB SEEKERS OF ANY LEVEL

Since 1999, ResumeWriters.com has become the largest network of independently contracted resume writing professionals on the internet. This network makes it possible to offer job seekers, professional writers, from all careers and disciplines. Writers in the network are hired in accordance with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Directors international, assuring you of two important things: 1) Your writer will know how to write a resume for your specific situation, and 2) He or she will be well versed in resume writing format, procedures, and standards.

Where It Excels

The vast network of professionals affiliated with ResumeWriters.com means you get specialized writers who are the most qualified to match your needs and complete your resume. Instead of a one-size-fits-all resume with a cover letter, you can choose among numerous levels of services and products. This encompasses every job search document you'll ever need, including e-resumes, scannable resumes, and interview follow-up letters. Plus you can take advantage of other services such as resume consultation and coaching, editing, resume distribution, and even LinkedIn profile development. To make communication with your writer easy, both email and personal phone access are provided.

Where It Falls Short

While it appears that most resume writing services include a cover letter and LinkedIn profile in their packages, ResumeWriters.com considers these as add-ons, with extra cost.

Pricing

• Student: $169.95

• Professional: $199.95

• Executive: $299.95

• Career Change: $249.95

Most include a 72-hour turnaround, 24-hour rush availability, and one-on-one consultation, with a choice of add-ons available. Finding the right bundle and placing your order can take less than five minutes.

RESUMEGET -  BEST FOR A LA CARTE SERVICES

The ResumeGet team consists of more than 30 certified resume writers with years of experience in a variety of career fields. They are backed by quality assurance specialists who double-check every document before it goes out. Once you choose a service, you can discuss the details of your order with a personal resume manager and create the perfect story to power your job search. The resume you receive will be 100 percent original, ATS accepted, keywords optimized and error-free. And you'll receive it on time. Besides resume writing expertise, the writers at ResumeGet are tuned in to the latest HR and recruitment trends to further enhance your chances of landing the ideal job. In fact, they guarantee two times more job interviews.

Where It Excels

Besides your personal resume manager, a 24/7 support team is on hand via email to address any questions and concerns you might have.

Revisions are free for 45 days and, once you approve the content, turnaround is quick. You will receive two versions of your completed resume (doc and PDF) in about two days.

Where It Falls Short

All sales are final. For this reason, clients are invited to use the unlimited revisions option to help ensure a satisfactory result. Additionally, there is no resume diagnostic like there are with other services, which enable you to upload your existing resume to see where you need to make improvements.

Pricing

ResumeGet offers three packages, as well as a selection of a la carte services. The packages are:

• Standard: $149

• Advanced: $259

• Full Makeover: $349

Individual services range from $29 to $119 and feature resume writing, CV writing, cover letter writing, LinkedIn Writing, e-cover letter writing, thank you and follow-up letters, collaboration with employment/recruitment agencies, and resume design.

What if you already like the resume you have written, but feel it just needs a few adjustments to make it perfect? ResumeGet can help with a FREE resume review. Simply submit your resume or CV for review by a certified professional resume writer who will provide you with a list of recommendations and tips on how to enhance it. You can communicate via email at any time.

RESUME COMPANION - BEST FOR RESUME TEMPLATES

Resume Companion offers a suite of resume templates that you can use to craft a professional-looking resume by filling in your experience on their resume builder. Once you have filled in the blanks, Resume Companion will generate your resume based on what you filled in on the template you select.

Founded in 2009, Resume Companion has helped over a million people with their resumes to date.

Where It Excels 

Resume Companion is littered with examples of successful resumes across a variety of industries so you will have something to compare yourself with as you begin to build your own resume.

The process is quite simple, too. You fill in the blanks in the Resume Builder, and the software will take care of the rest, generating a professional-looking resume upon completion. You can select from dozens of different templates, all of which look professional. The service is modestly priced and there are multiple articles on the site which go into detail about writing the perfect resume. They also get into cover letters, although there is no template software for that.

Where It Falls Short 

A big reason a lot of people enlist resume writing services is to ensure that their resume is ATS compatible once they submit it, and Resume Companion doesn't mention anything about getting around the ATS on their website. The site and software is extremely simple to use, but this may in turn generate an overly simple resume that may not be competitive enough depending on the type of position you are applying for and the experience you have.

Pricing 

• $1.95 for a 14-day premium trial, and then a monthly auto-renew of $39.95

Other Types of Resume Services Depending on Your Budget

RESUME BUILDER TOOLS

Resume builder tools are a good choice if you're a strong writer and you want to try creating a resume for yourself. But be wary of relying on the tool's recommendations too much. Remember, everyone else on the site is seeing those same suggestions too. If you're not confident in your ability to write a great resume, you may be better off going with a professional resume writing service. One resume builder tool that we recommend is MyPerfectResume. For more information, you can read our full review of MyPerfectResume.

PROFESSIONAL WRITING SERVICES --- CV, COVER LETTER AND MORE

A professional resume writing service is the best way to guarantee an original, personalized resume, but it comes at a high cost. Depending on your field, experience level and the package you choose, you could pay anywhere from $90 to several hundred dollars. A professionally written resume is also going to take longer. Most services take about three days to complete a resume. There is usually an option to expedite it, but that costs extra.

How to Choose a Resume Writing Service

We looked at several factors when choosing our top resume writing services. The most important of these were writer qualifications, collaboration, customization and the additional services the company offers.

FREE ATS RESUME ASSESSMENT

You should definitely look for a resume service that can give you feedback on your current resume. That's why we like Topresume so much. A free resume scan basically has a computer read your resume and assess whether or not it's well optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which are used by all types of employers as the first screen of applicant resumes. Once your free scan is complete, you can decide to take the next step and have a resume writer optimize your resume to beat the ATS. If not, you'll at least have some great feedback on what you need to improve on your own.

WRITER QUALIFICATIONS

It also helps to have a writer who knows your field and is familiar with industry jargon. The best resume writing services will have a network of certified writers that specialize in different areas. Resumes Planet, for example, has over 200 certified writers specializing in 40 different fields. So someone who works in healthcare will be assigned a resume writer with a healthcare background, while someone in IT will get a writer trained in that field. This industry knowledge enables the writers to go deeper and add specific, tailored information to your resume that will be sure to catch the eye of employers.

COLLABORATION

Some companies take a less personal approach. You fill out an online form with your information and you don't hear anything from the writer until the draft is complete. This can be stressful and result in a final product that you're unhappy with. All of our top professional resume writing services give you direct access to your writer throughout the process, and we favored the ones that included a phone consultation.

CUSTOMIZATION

A good professional resume writer will also customize the resume itself. This means taking the information you provide and arranging it in a compelling format that flows well and is easy to read. Some writers take the information you submit, change a few words around and call it a brand-new resume, so it's a good idea to check out the samples on the company's website before you make any decisions. After comparing a few, you should be able to tell which provides the best results.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Professional resume writing companies generally offer a suite of services that includes cover and thank-you letter writing, LinkedIn profile development, resume editing and more. The cost of these services vary, depending on what tier (entry level, executive, etc.) you choose. Companies will often give you discounts if you purchase a bundle of services at the same time you pay for your resume, so keep this in mind if you're interested in these extras. They're not for everyone, but they're great options to have if you want to give yourself the best possible chance of landing the job of your dreams.

Related: The Best LinkedIn Profile Writing Services

WHAT WE DIDN'T CONSIDER: PRICE AND TURNAROUND TIME

Some companies offer $25 resumes and a 24-hour turnaround time. That may sound great, but it's actually not. In this industry, you generally get what you pay for, and if a company's promising you the moon for pocket change, chances are, they're not putting a lot of effort into your resume. Likewise, if a company's bragging about its "experienced" writers that have each completed thousands of resumes, that's probably an indication that they're using the same generic templates for everyone. Bottom line, if you're going to invest in a professional resume service, make sure you choose one that's worth your money. Do some research and check out some of the sample resumes on their website. (If they don't have any, that's also a red flag.) Learn more about the company's process and look for some type of satisfaction guarantee. You should feel confident in the company you choose before you hand over your credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions about Writing Resumes

DO I NEED TO USE A PROFESSIONAL RESUME WRITING SERVICE?

No, of course not. If you feel confident in your writing abilities and you're a good self-promoter, you shouldn't have any trouble writing a solid resume on your own. But there are certain situations where hiring a professional writer may be advantageous.

Writing and marketing aren't your fortes.

Your resume is a prospective employer's first introduction to you. Chances are, they have dozens --- maybe even hundreds --- of others sitting on their desk, so you have to make yours stand out quickly if you want a shot at an interview. A bunch of spelling errors and generic phrases like "enthusiastic hard worker" aren't going to get you very far. You have to know how to highlight your skills and achievements in an original, dynamic way. You can learn a little about how to do this by looking at examples online, but if you find yourself struggling, it may be easier to hand the job over to someone that's trained in the field.

You have special requirements.

Students with no work experience, people changing careers and those with long gaps in their work history may have a more difficult time creating a strong resume that will appeal to employers. Professional resume writers are trained to handle these types of cases, and some even specialize in one specific area. This kind of experience is a huge advantage when dealing with tricky situations, and it could be well worth the cost of a professional resume writer.

Time is of the essence.

When you need to land a job right away, you want the best resume possible. If you're sending your current resume out to a bunch of companies and hearing nothing back, that may be a sign that it needs some work. An excellent resume can significantly shorten your job search and help you find more exciting, lucrative career opportunities, so it's worth investing the time and money to make sure you jump off the page.

WHAT MAKES A RESUME GREAT?

If you want to stand out from other applicants, your resume has to tell employers who you are, what you've done and why you'd be a great fit for their company. There's a lot of advice out there on the best way to write a resume, and the best way for you is going to depend on your unique situation and experiences. Here are a few general guidelines to help improve any resume.

Cut to the chase.

According to a study by TheLadders, the average employer spends only six seconds looking at each resume. That means you have to make your point and make it fast if you want them to look closer. Don't start with a boring objective statement like "Talented, hard-working professional interested in opportunities for growth with a successful company." That may be true, but it's true of most other applicants as well, and it does nothing to distinguish you from the pack.

Instead, begin with a short executive summary that explains why you would be a great fit for that company. Keep it simple and limit it to a few sentences. There's plenty of opportunities to add detail in the later sections of your resume. Your goal with your introduction isn't to score an interview --- it's to keep the employer reading. Then, let your qualifications and accomplishments do the rest.

Be specific in your achievements.

Don't say you saved your previous employer a bunch of money. Say how much you saved and how you did it. This gives prospective employers a better sense of your value and abilities, and it will stand out much more in their minds than a vague, general description. List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order so your most recent achievements are near the top.

Tailor your resume to the job.

Before submitting your resume, look over the job posting and scan for keywords and skills listed in the job description. Incorporate these into your resume whenever possible. Some employers use a screening process to cut down the number of resumes they have to look at, so by making sure yours is tailored to exactly what the company is looking for, you stand a better chance of making it through.

Keep it professional.

Make sure you proofread your resume before you send it in. Nothing says "I'm not detail-oriented" like misspellings and poor grammar. Don't use a bunch of crazy fonts and don't include a photo of yourself. These things aren't necessary and they're distracting to those who are reading your resume. You don't want four of the six seconds they'll likely spend looking at it to be staring at a picture of you.

Keep it concise.

Avoid using a bunch of fluffy adjectives and adverbs that don't add any real meaning, and don't use pronouns. Whenever possible, limit your resume to one page, but don't make it so cluttered that it's difficult to read. Most people skip over large blocks of text when they're reading, and if you do this on your resume, there's a chance important information could get overlooked.

WHAT DO I PUT ON MY RESUME IF I HAVE LITTLE OR NO WORK EXPERIENCE?

When you don't have a lot of work experience, it can be difficult to know how to make yourself appealing to a potential employer. Ideally, you'll have some type of internship or volunteer experience in the field you're interested in, but if you don't, that doesn't mean all hope is lost. Here are a few tips on how to overcome a short work history. For more in-depth tips, read our guide to creating a resume that stands out with no experience.

Play up your skills.

Employers aren't going to care about what you did at your last job as much as they care about what you're capable of doing for them. If you don't have any career experience to put on your resume, focus on the skills you have that could benefit their company. Problem-solving, time management and research skills are a few examples. If you have any previous jobs or experiences that enabled you to develop these skills, highlight them here.

Get some experience, if possible.

If you're a student or a recent college grad, try to get an internship in your field. This will give you valuable work experience that will look good to future employers, and it can teach you more about the type of work you're interested in doing. You may also want to check out any volunteer opportunities in your community that are related to your field. Even if it's not exactly the kind of job you want to do, it can still teach you valuable career skills that will translate to any profession.

Don't overemphasize your schooling.

Education is a part of everyone's resume, and as a student or recent graduate, it will likely be a bigger part of yours than for someone who's been out in the workforce for 20 years. But don't let that be the main focus of your resume. Emphasize your skills and what you can bring to a prospective employer. For most jobs, a strong work ethic, good personal management skills and a willingness to learn are as important --- if not more so --- than the knowledge you learned in school.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RESUME AND A CV?

For most jobs, a resume will suffice, and it may even be preferred over a CV. The exceptions are if you're applying for an academic, scientific or international career. Most countries outside of the U.S. prefer CVs, so if you're considering a move overseas, a simple resume won't be enough. Academic and scientific professions also prefer CVs because they give a more detailed overview of research and publications, professional licenses, grants and awards.

Because of the level of detail, CVs can be more difficult to write than resumes. Most professional resume writing services will do CVs as well, though they may be more expensive. It could be worth the additional cost, though, especially if you're new to CVs and you're not sure what information you should include.