How to Offer Resume Writing Services

In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference between landing an interview and getting passed over. However, not everyone has the time, skill, or knowledge to create a standout resume. This has opened up an opportunity for individuals and businesses to offer professional resume writing services. If you're considering offering resume writing services, whether as a freelance writer or as part of an established business, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Offer Resume Writing Services?

Offering resume writing services can be a highly rewarding business for several reasons:

• High Demand: Many job seekers are looking for professional help to ensure their resumes stand out from the crowd. This is especially true for senior positions, career transitions, or those seeking to enter competitive industries.
• Flexible Work: You can offer resume writing services as a full-time or part-time business. Many people work from home as freelance resume writers.
• Scalability: Once you have mastered resume writing, you can expand your services to include cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and other professional documents.
• High Earning Potential: Resume writers typically charge premium prices for their expertise. With the right marketing and client base, you can build a profitable business.

Understanding the Resume Writing Industry

Before diving into the actual mechanics of starting a resume writing business, it's important to understand the industry itself. The resume writing service market is part of a larger career services industry, which includes job coaching, interview preparation, and LinkedIn profile optimization. Professionals offering resume writing services often work in tandem with these other services, which provides an opportunity for cross-selling.

Resume writing services can be categorized into different levels:

• Entry-Level Resumes: These are for individuals with limited work experience, such as recent graduates or those entering the job market for the first time. The resumes typically focus on education, internships, volunteer work, and transferable skills.
• Mid-Level Resumes: These cater to professionals with several years of experience looking for new job opportunities. The resumes emphasize accomplishments, skills, and previous job roles.
• Executive Resumes: These are high-level resumes for senior professionals or executives. Executive resumes require a deep understanding of industry-specific jargon, strategic thinking, and an emphasis on leadership and vision.

Each type of resume has its own unique requirements, and understanding these can help you serve a broader range of clients.

Key Skills Needed to Offer Resume Writing Services

1. Writing Proficiency

At the core of resume writing is excellent writing. As a resume writer, you need to be able to convey information clearly, concisely, and in a way that grabs the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. Your ability to create well-structured and error-free documents will determine the success of your service.

2. Industry Knowledge

A resume should reflect the language and culture of the industry in which the job seeker is applying. Being knowledgeable about various industries, their required skills, and hiring practices will help you write resumes that speak to employers in those fields.

3. Understanding of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Most companies now use ATS to screen resumes before they ever reach a hiring manager's desk. You must understand how these systems work and how to optimize resumes to get through ATS filters. This includes using relevant keywords, formatting correctly, and structuring the resume to ensure it is parsed correctly by the system.

4. Client Communication

As a resume writer, you will need to communicate effectively with clients to understand their career goals, job history, skills, and achievements. Being able to ask the right questions and listen carefully to clients is essential for gathering the necessary information to write a compelling resume.

5. Research Skills

Resume writing may involve researching job descriptions, industry standards, and trends in resume formatting. Staying up to date with these elements will help you create more impactful resumes.

Setting Up Your Resume Writing Service

1. Define Your Niche

The resume writing industry is broad, and you can serve a wide range of clients, but it's essential to specialize. Specializing allows you to refine your skills in a particular area and market yourself more effectively. Some possible niches include:

• General Resume Writing: Serving a broad range of clients, including entry-level professionals and mid-career job seekers.
• Executive Resume Writing: Focusing on high-level professionals and those in leadership positions.
• Industry-Specific Resume Writing: Specializing in industries such as healthcare, tech, finance, or marketing.
• Career Transition Resumes: Helping people who are changing careers or re-entering the workforce after a long break.

Identifying your niche will help you position yourself as an expert in that area, making it easier to attract clients.

2. Create Your Service Packages

Once you've defined your niche, you can create service packages that outline what clients can expect. Common services offered in a resume writing business include:

• Resume Writing: Creating a personalized, tailored resume from scratch or revamping an existing one.
• Cover Letter Writing: Writing a customized cover letter for each job application.
• LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Enhancing a client's LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters.
• Interview Coaching: Offering tips and strategies for acing interviews (this can be an additional service).

You can offer these services as packages or individual services, depending on the client's needs. Consider creating tiered pricing, where basic services are offered at one price and premium services (such as executive resumes or LinkedIn profile optimization) are offered at a higher price.

3. Set Your Pricing

Pricing is a key consideration when starting your resume writing business. While it varies depending on your location, experience, and market demand, here are some general guidelines:

• Entry-Level Resumes: $50--$150
• Mid-Level Resumes: $150--$350
• Executive Resumes: $350--$1,000+

These prices are only guidelines, and you can adjust based on the complexity of the work and your expertise. Additionally, consider offering packages or subscriptions for ongoing services, such as job search coaching or multiple revisions.

4. Build Your Website and Online Presence

Having a professional website is essential to attracting clients. Your website should clearly outline your services, pricing, and any testimonials you have. You can also offer a free consultation or resume review to entice potential clients.

In addition to your website, build an online presence through social media, particularly on LinkedIn, where many job seekers and professionals hang out. Content marketing, such as writing blog posts on resume tips or LinkedIn optimization, will also help establish your authority in the field.

5. Networking and Marketing

Networking is one of the best ways to grow your resume writing business. Consider joining professional organizations like the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA) or other industry-specific groups. You can also attend job fairs, conferences, or webinars related to career development.

Referral programs are another effective way to gain clients. Encourage your satisfied clients to recommend you to others, and offer incentives such as discounts for successful referrals.

Key Tools for Running a Resume Writing Service

1. Word Processing Software

Word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs are essential tools for creating professional resumes. Make sure you are familiar with advanced formatting features, such as bullet points, tables, and text boxes, to create visually appealing documents.

2. Grammar and Spell-Check Tools

Use tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to ensure your resumes are free from errors and typos. Even the smallest mistake can be the difference between getting hired and not.

3. Resume Templates and Formatting Tools

Invest in high-quality resume templates and formatting tools to save time. These tools help you create attractive, professional resumes without having to start from scratch every time.

4. Client Management Tools

Managing multiple clients can become overwhelming. Consider using tools like Trello, Asana, or HoneyBook to keep track of client projects, deadlines, and communications.

Final Thoughts

Offering resume writing services can be a rewarding career that allows you to help others achieve their professional goals. By building expertise in resume writing, understanding the needs of different job seekers, and offering high-quality services, you can establish yourself as a sought-after resume writer. Whether you choose to work independently or build a team, following the strategies outlined in this guide will help you set up and grow a successful resume writing business.

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