Chances are, if you’ve gotten confused while writing your own resume, you’ve thought about hiring someone else to do it for you. Luckily there are a lot of options! Unfortunately, there is also a lot of noise you have to cut through.

These days, the internet is flooded with an overwhelming number of resume services. A simple search for “resume writing services” generates more than 9,000,000 results.

Since your resume can get your foot in the door and help you land the right job, it’s important to select a quality service that gets you results. While browsing the results, you’ll notice hundreds of companies and freelancers offering help writing your resume. You’ll find results for local and national options, as well as specialists in different industries.

The best resume writing service will work with you to deliver a high-quality professional resume you’ll be proud to use. To help take the guesswork out of choosing the right resume service for you, we created this post of the 10 best resume services for job seekers–including our service, Zipjob.

Zipjob’s team of career experts, former Fortune 500 recruiters, and professional resume writers have compared the unique value offers of 100+ resume writing services serving the US and Canada. We’ve compiled the prices, number of writers, and product delivery time of these top services, as well as specified any industry specialties.

Here is our list, followed by some additional tips about selecting a resume service, and then our reviews of each top resume company. At the end of this post, we have some valuable advice about avoiding resume writing scams.

Top resume writing services:

This list does not include any affiliate links or paid placements like the majority of articles out there. You’ll find more information about affiliate marketing and fake lists after our service reviews.

How much should a resume writing service cost?

We found that the average cost of a quality resume is around $136. This number doesn’t reflect add-on offers like LinkedIn profiles or cover letter services.

Average cost of a resume by the top resume writing services.

For more on this subject, head over to our related post: How Much Should a Resume Writing Service Cost?

Should you use a local or national service?

While searching for help writing your resume, you will find both national and local results. The only time you would choose to use a local service is when you are meeting the writer face to face. As you may expect, this hasn’t been happening much in 2020.

The majority of local services will work with you virtually anyway, so you may be better off hiring a national company that has access to a wide network of writers and an ATS resume test built into the process.

Top resume writing company reviews

1. Zipjob

Land 2x more interviews with Zipjob

Pricing : $139 – $299

: $139 – $299 Turnaround : 3 to 7 days

: 3 to 7 days Writers : 100+

: 100+ Industries: All industries including Business, Finance, IT, Healthcare, Sales, Marketing, and more.

Zipjob uses a tech-informed, expert-designed protocol to create resumes that appeal to hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems: the same technology used by employers to screen resumes.

Resume writers experienced in resume keyword optimization add an extra step at the end of the process to ensure your new resume will be parsed correctly by an ATS scan. A hand-picked group of senior resume writers also work on Zipjob’s new executive resume service.

Pros of using Zipjob

Professional writers — Zipjob only uses US-based writers with resume writing experience and ATS training.

— Zipjob only uses US-based writers with resume writing experience and ATS training. ATS technology — 75% of resumes are rejected by resume scanners (ATS). Zipjob uses the same ATS technology employers use to help ensure every resume gets through to a hiring manager.

75% of resumes are rejected by resume scanners (ATS). Zipjob uses the same ATS technology employers use to help ensure every resume gets through to a hiring manager. Direct communication — One of the few services that allow you direct, unlimited access to your personal resume writer until your resume is complete.

— One of the few services that allow you direct, unlimited access to your personal resume writer until your resume is complete. Collaboration — You can count on Zipjob’s writers to work with you to create the perfect resume for your unique experience and career goals. Zipjob provides you with revisions, advice, and explanations.

— You can count on Zipjob’s writers to work with you to create the perfect resume for your unique experience and career goals. Zipjob provides you with revisions, advice, and explanations. Reputation — Zipjob’s reputation speaks for itself. Zipjob has been featured in Forbes, Reader’s Digest, Marketwatch, Glassdoor, The Muse and other big-name media outlets. In addition, Zipjob has earned more than 600 five-star reviews and 10,000+ happy clients.

— Zipjob’s reputation speaks for itself. Zipjob has been featured in Forbes, Reader’s Digest, Marketwatch, Glassdoor, The Muse and other big-name media outlets. In addition, Zipjob has earned more than 600 five-star reviews and 10,000+ happy clients. Free future update — With Zipjob’s premium option, you’re eligible for a free resume update. This offer never expires!

With Zipjob’s premium option, you’re eligible for a free resume update. This offer never expires! Unlimited revisions — While other resume services limit the number of revisions they’ll make, Zipjob offers an unlimited number of revisions. Your personal resume writer will revise your resume as many times as you need while your project is open.

How Zipjob works

Upload your resume and answer a few questions. Get matched with a resume expert in your field who will overhaul your resume by focusing on formatting, keywords, and writing style. Collaborate with your writer for as many rounds of edits as you need. Approve a final draft and receive confirmation that your new resume document is ATS compatible.

An ATS has another important job: filtering out the resumes that don’t meet the pre-set requirements. On average, applicant tracking systems filter out 75% of the resumes submitted.

Zipjob’s resume writing services are designed for companies hiring in the USA and Canada, which is where all of the writers are located.

Zipjob can be contacted by phone at (888) 944-9929 or live chat from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. You can also email customer service any time at support@zipjob.com.

💡 Zipjob’s blog includes hundreds of articles on career resources, resume writing, and the job search written by career experts.

2. LinkedIn ProFinder

Pricing : $100 – $700+

: $100 – $700+ Turnaround : 3 to 14 days

: 3 to 14 days Writers : 100+

: 100+ Industries: All industries including Finance, IT, Healthcare, Marketing and more.

Most people use LinkedIn to search for jobs and career-related information. However, many are unaware that it offers a “professional service marketplace” called LinkedIn ProFinder for interviewing, career coaching, and resume writing.

Pros of using LinkedIn Profinder

Time efficient — Receive proposals quickly from your potential resume writer.

— Receive proposals quickly from your potential resume writer. Person to person — Pick from a number of professionals whom you want to work with, based on their LinkedIn profiles and other information they provide.

— Pick from a number of professionals whom you want to work with, based on their LinkedIn profiles and other information they provide. Cost effective — Since these are freelancers, the prices may be more competitive than a company. Still expect to pay $100+ for a quality resume, but know that your money is going directly to your writer.

— Since these are freelancers, the prices may be more competitive than a company. Still expect to pay $100+ for a quality resume, but know that your money is going directly to your writer. Local options — You can opt for local-only professionals, making this a great option if you feel strongly about meeting with your resume writer in person.

Speaking of LinkedIn, do you know how to include your LinkedIn URL on a resume?

Working with LinkedIn ProFinder:

Answer a couple of questions about the services you’re looking for. Within 24 hours (and likely much sooner), get up to 5 proposals from professionals on LinkedIn’s list. Each proposal will include a price quote. Research and select your resume writer. Every writer will have a different system to process from there.

LinkedIn ProFinder helps you find freelancers, but doesn’t have a company-wide standard for resume writing. Instead, you should look into multiple freelancers based on their proposals and pick the resume style you like best as not all freelancers are created equal.

If you need any help, LinkedIn offers a ProFinder concierge team, which is essentially tech support for hiring a pro. You can use live chat or a contact form to reach out.

3. TopResume

Pricing : $149 – $349

: $149 – $349 Turnaround : 7 to 14 days

: 7 to 14 days Writers : 1,500+

: 1,500+ Industries: All industries including Military transition, Academic, and Federal resumes.

This list would not be complete without TopResume. TopResume is a large company with a significant web presence.

Its website includes some awesome statistics, such as that a professional resume can make you 38% more likely to be contacted by recruiters (so figure out how to reply to recruiters), 31% more likely to land an interview, and 40% more likely to land a job.

Pros for TopResume

Large, well-established company — TopResume was founded in 2014 along with its parent company, Talent Inc. It has a network of 1,500+ resume writers across the country as well as a wide global network.

— TopResume was founded in 2014 along with its parent company, Talent Inc. It has a network of 1,500+ resume writers across the country as well as a wide global network. History of success — According to its website, TopResume has helped 400,000+ professionals “land more interviews and get hired faster.”

— According to its website, TopResume has helped 400,000+ professionals “land more interviews and get hired faster.” Positive reviews — Given how big it is, TopResume has had the opportunity to help lots of people. It has more than 4,000 five star reviews on Trustpilot.

Working with TopResume

Upload your resume and get assigned an expert writer. Work one-on-one via the dashboard to craft your career story. Receive a resume tailored to your goals.

The communication happens completely online through their website, unless you add on a phone call for an additional fee. If you need to contact the company, you can email them at support@topresume.com or call 800-604-1929 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on weekdays. They also have a live chat option from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

4. The Muse

Pricing : $119 – $1,699

: $119 – $1,699 Turnaround : 4 to 7 days

: 4 to 7 days Writers : 80+

: 80+ Industries: All industries including HR/recruiting, fitness/health, and fashion.

The Muse offers a different model to offer resume help. Instead of a text-based collaboration, The Muse has a resume review coaching service that includes a resume update. Depending on the coaching service you purchase, you can have a 30, 45, or 60 minute Skype or phone call with a professional.

Pros of using The Muse

Highly interpersonal — If you are looking for a conversation about your resume, this coaching service is a great option.

— If you are looking for a conversation about your resume, this coaching service is a great option. Lots of options — The Muse has a wide network of experts in a range of fields. Mentors, coaches, and master coaches are vetted and backed by The Muse.

Working with The Muse:

Choose a service such as “Resume Review” coaching, “Resume and LinkedIn Review” coaching, or the “Ultimate Job Search” Kit. Book a coach, based on filters like your industry and years of experience. Schedule your coaching call. Your coach will contact you within one business day of your booking.

After your coaching session, you will get an updated version of your resume that is designed to be “eye-catching” and “ATS-beating.” Depending on your service, you may get one, two, or unlimited rounds of edits within a two week time period.

This is a highly personalized service, so you need to do your research before picking a coach. If you have any problems with your service, you can contact the company at care.coaching@themuse.com.

5. CareerPerfect

Pricing : $179.95 – $499.95

: $179.95 – $499.95 Turnaround : 4 to 5 days

: 4 to 5 days Writers : 5+

: 5+ Industries: All, including Federal, Executive, and Entry-Level

CareerPerfect is an online resume writing service with additional cover letter, interview, job search, and career planning services. It offers resume writing services in four categories: student and entry-level, professional and mid-career, executive, and federal and military. Since CareerPerfect’s start over 30 years ago, it has helped plenty of job seekers with both advice and career services.

Pros of CareerPerfect

Global presence — Specializing in US employers, CareerPerfect has a global reach and partners with several high-profile career websites internationally.

— Specializing in US employers, CareerPerfect has a global reach and partners with several high-profile career websites internationally. Online career services pioneer — CareerPerfect started offering career service online in 1996 and has been leading online career services ever since.

— CareerPerfect started offering career service online in 1996 and has been leading online career services ever since. Editing service — In addition to Careerperfect’s resume writing help, you can also opt for a resume editing service from a professional.

Working with CareerPerfect

Place your order using several payment options including PayPal and most major credit cards. Provide information by uploading your previously prepared materials or CareerPerfect’s SkillNet tool to identify additional accomplishments and strengths. Develop your document with the help of a professional resume writer. Have a keyword-rich personal marketing document in 4 to 5 business days.

CareerPerfect advertises that its team is made up of only US-based writers with four-year college degrees, and collectively have expertise in over 90 industries. The company is a member of the Career Management Alliance as well as the National Employment Counseling Association.

For resume writing inquiries, you can call 1-877-844-5724 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET. You can also email the support team or your resume writer from within your account after logging in.

6. Monster

Pricing : $129 – $349

: $129 – $349 Turnaround : 2 to 5 days

: 2 to 5 days Writers : 50+

: 50+ Industries: All industries including Finance, IT, Healthcare, Marketing and more.

Although Monster is primarily a job board, it also offers resume writing services. Like many of these resume companies, there are tiers of services with additional add-ons for cover letters and LinkedIn profiles.

Monster stands out as a recruiter-focused resume writing service. Based on their decades of job searches and working with recruiters to source talent, their resumes are easy for recruiters to filter and scan.

Pros of using Monster

Established — Monster has been around for 20+ years and has earned a positive name recognition.

— Monster has been around for 20+ years and has earned a positive name recognition. 60-day guarantee — If you aren’t completely satisfied with your resume or other products, you can get it rewritten for free.

— If you aren’t completely satisfied with your resume or other products, you can get it rewritten for free. Additional services — Monster has a job board so you can take your new resume and upload it quickly to apply for jobs.

— Monster has a job board so you can take your new resume and upload it quickly to apply for jobs. International reach — Monster provides services for the US and Canada as well as the UK, France, Germany, and The Netherlands

How it works

Upload your resume and answer additional questions via a brief questionnaire. Get a resume draft with additional keyword opportunities. Provide feedback for up to one revision.

Monster resume writing services have limited revisions: only one draft and one revision. The modes of communication with your writer is also limited to text-based messages through email. They don’t offer phone services.

If you’re having trouble communicating with your writer, you can email seekerhelp@monster.com or call Monster at (978) 461-8000. Its website also has a live chat function that can connect you with a real person within a few minutes.

7. Capstone Resume Services

Pricing : $149 – $299

: $149 – $299 Turnaround : 5 to 7 days

: 5 to 7 days Writers : 5+

: 5+ Industries: All industries, including professional, academic, and federal.

Capstone Resumes offer a variety of specialized resume services, such as Federal and Executive Level resumes. The company was started by Amy Giles, who has been writing resumes since 2003. Capstone Resumes was formerly called Gies Career Services, but now specializes in the resume writing portion of the business.

Pros of using Capstone Resumes

Conversation-first approach — Capstone Resume services begin with a 15 to 30 minute phone call, instead of the questionnaire approach most companies use.

— Capstone Resume services begin with a 15 to 30 minute phone call, instead of the questionnaire approach most companies use. Certified writers — The resume writers are introduced with a photo and a certification on the Capstone website. Each member is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with a different background.

— The resume writers are introduced with a photo and a certification on the Capstone website. Each member is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with a different background. Specializations — Certain resumes, like Executive and Federal, require specialized formats. Capstone Resumes has different payment options for their resume services, as opposed to the more common tiered approach. With the team’s background in HR, recruitment, and the U.S. Navy, it is likely these formats are effective.

— Certain resumes, like Executive and Federal, require specialized formats. Capstone Resumes has different payment options for their resume services, as opposed to the more common tiered approach. With the team’s background in HR, recruitment, and the U.S. Navy, it is likely these formats are effective. Quick delivery time — Many positive reviewers mention how they received their resumes with 1 to 3 days of their initial phone consultation.

— Many positive reviewers mention how they received their resumes with 1 to 3 days of their initial phone consultation. Easy to contact — Amy, the owner of Capstone Resumes, makes her direct email very easy to find. She appears to be quite responsive and open to revisions to ensure client satisfaction.

Working with Capstone

Schedule a phone consultation–you can upload your resume at the same time. Purchase the services you need, selecting your resume format as well as any additional cover letter or LinkedIn services. Work with your writer to finalize your resume.

You can reach the company by phone at (650) 445-5301 or through the contact form on its website. You can reach Amy directly at amy@capstoneresumes.com.

8. iHireFinance

Pricing : $395

: $395 Turnaround : 5 to 7 days

: 5 to 7 days Writers : 5+

: 5+ Industries: Finance

iHireFinance is a niche job board that focuses on open, vetted opportunities in the financial sector. The resume services they offer integrate well with their job board service.

Because it was built for finance professionals specifically, iHireFinance is a great option for budget analysts, equity traders, tax managers, and all finance specialists. The writers are educated, certified, and trained in modern resume writing especially for finance.

In addition to their resume writing service, iHireFinance has a separate cover letter service. If you only need help with a cover letter instead of a resume/cover letter bundle, this is a good option.

Pros of using iHireFinance

Made for the finance industry — iHireFinance is hyper-focused on people and companies in the financial services industry.

— iHireFinance is hyper-focused on people and companies in the financial services industry. Optional membership — With a membership, you get a discount on the writing services as well as access to a handy iScore Resume Match tool to use on the job board.

— With a membership, you get a discount on the writing services as well as access to a handy iScore Resume Match tool to use on the job board. Formatting service — In addition to iHireFinance’s resume writing services, you can also opt for just a resume formatting service to improve the design of your existing resume. This is priced at $99.

Working with iHireFinance:

Create an account. Select a service from entry-level, professional, or executive resume services. Complete a questionnaire and upload your current resume. Finalize your resume–your first draft should arrive within 5 to 7 business days–and work with your writer until you are 100% satisfied.

For resume writing inquiries, you can call (877) 840-6217 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET. You can also email the support team through a contact form on the website.

9. LiveCareer

Pricing : $99 – $299

: $99 – $299 Turnaround : 5 to 7 days

: 5 to 7 days Writers : 5+

: 5+ Industries: All industries, including professional, academic, and federal.

LiveCareer started as a career test site in 2004 and eventually launched a resume builder and a professional resume writing service. It is one of the largest resume builders around, with over 10 million resumes created for people in 180 countries.

In addition to their resume writing service, LiveCareer has a separate cover letter writing option. If you only need help with a cover letter instead of a resume/cover letter bundle, this is a good option.

Pros of using LiveCareer

Established — LiveCareer has been around longer than most resume services, and features a large network of writers and career experts.

— LiveCareer has been around longer than most resume services, and features a large network of writers and career experts. Global — LiveCareer is headquartered in New York City, and has offices in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. While its employee information on LinkedIn states that most of their workers are located in India, the resume writers seem to be located mostly in the US.

— LiveCareer is headquartered in New York City, and has offices in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. While its employee information on LinkedIn states that most of their workers are located in India, the resume writers seem to be located mostly in the US. Large resume database — LiveCareer has 700,000 resumes from various locations, industries, and roles that you can filter and search.

— LiveCareer has 700,000 resumes from various locations, industries, and roles that you can filter and search. More than just resumes — This career service company also has a mobile app, job apply tool, job board, and salary calculator.

Working with LiveCareer

Choose from three resume services based on your career stage. Answer a few additional questions about your background (how long does an employment background check take?) One-on-one optional consultation with your writer, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes based on the package you purchased. Receive your completed resume within 3 business days.

LiveCareer offers many services in addition to the resume writing services. It’s one of the most popular choices for resume building.

If you need to contact the company about your resume services, you can reach customer service by phone at (844) 485-4050 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m CT. There is also a live chat service if you have an account login, or you can email the team at customerservice@livecareer.com or resumewriting@livecareer.com.

9. Thumbtack

Pricing : $50 – $500+

: $50 – $500+ Turnaround : 5 to 7 days

: 5 to 7 days Writers : 100+

: 100+ Industries: All industries, including very niche industries

Thumbtack is another way to find individuals providing resume services. Think of it as an online bulletin board. You can use the site to search for resume writers and filter based on travel preferences, target industry, and additional service needs. Thumbtack is not involved in the payment process, so you will have to work with your writer to discuss your options.

Thumbtack charges its pros to send a quote to potential clients, so do your research before contacting a resume writer. The company makes it easy for vendors to be upfront about pricing, expertise, qualifications, and even Q&As about why they’re in the business. Keep an eye out for badges such as “Top Pro,” “In High Demand,” and “Great Value” to help guide your choice.

Pros of using Thumbtack

Flexibility — Some resume writers offer unusual services such as resume distribution, life coaching, and supporting clients until they land a great job.

— Some resume writers offer unusual services such as resume distribution, life coaching, and supporting clients until they land a great job. Diverse backgrounds — Resume writers on Thumbtack come from a variety of professional backgrounds so you can find exactly what you need for your new resume.

— Resume writers on Thumbtack come from a variety of professional backgrounds so you can find exactly what you need for your new resume. Pricing — The pricing ranges from $50 to $500. A basic resume writing service is more cost-effective here than with the majority of companies.

— The pricing ranges from $50 to $500. A basic resume writing service is more cost-effective here than with the majority of companies. Built-in verified reviews — Thumbtack includes verified reviews directly on the pro’s service page. Only people who have interacted with the pro can leave a review, which adds in a level of trust that Fiverr lacks. The pro can respond to the review, but cannot delete it.

Working with Thumbtack

Search resume writers and filter, research, and select your writer. Follow their system to get your resume.

If your pro fails to provide the agreed upon service, Thumbtack can help if you contact them within 45 days. You can contact them through their site if you have an account. The Thumbtack website recommends you get everything in writing including the scope of service and the agreed upon price.

How to spot a resume writing scam

If you skimmed the rest of the article to reach this part, here’s all you need to know about WHY some of these resume writing service websites are scams, and how to spot the red flags for yourself.

Some of the websites ranking and/or advertising near the top of Google search results aren’t what they seem to be.

Since it’s relatively easy to set up a website and make up reviews, resume writing scams are rampant. We want to help you identify these junk resume companies, so here are our top three tips for spotting a resume writing scam:

1. Look for a physical address

Many scam sites are based overseas but targeting clients in the USA. These sites might set up a virtual address to appear to be based in the US–click here to learn how to spot a virtual address for a fraudulent company.

2. Look out for affiliate marketing posing as impartial recommendations

As we alluded to in the beginning of this post, many “best resume services” lists are affiliate marketing. While this doesn’t mean the services are scams, it does mean that the people writing the lists have a financial interest in you purchasing services through their links.

3. Look for credibility

Before you pay someone, run a quick search for reviews. Look for established sites like Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, or Consumer Reports. Look at user reviews on Trustpilot, SiteJabber, Reddit, and Quora, but be on alert for 5 star reviews that all say the same thing or aren’t from a verified order.

You’ll also want to ignore offers that promise to get you your dream job, guarantee ridiculously fast turnaround times, or send you a resume draft without communicating with you about your goals and experience.

Professional resume writers can improve your resume’s content and design, but should never present you as someone else. Be realistic with your expectations!

On that note, look for several examples of resumes that company or writer has created. Some services will even show before and after resume samples to give you a better idea of how the service works. If the examples don’t match up with your expectations, contact the company about your concerns before you buy.

Hiring the best professional resume writing services Writing a resume is hard. Job searching is stressful. The industry analysts say the average job search lasts 40 weeks—about 9 or 10 months. Why is it so hard to find a job? Lots of reasons. But there are a lot of great resources out there and some not-so-great ones.

Getting a professionally-written resume should never add to your stress, so we hope this list helps you choose the best option for your career goals.

You’ll notice that many companies on this list offer a free resume review or a resume consultation. This is a great option for getting a variety of opinions on your existing resume!

We hope this article helped you improve your job search, or better yet—end it! But if you still need help, please get in touch. This is what we do for a living, and we’d love to help you land your perfect job.

Don’t take our word for it

It’s easy for us to write a blog post and claim we’re the best option. So to back up our claims, we’ve included some customer reviews to show how much our clients love us.

There’s a reason our resources rank among the top search results for:

Best IT Resume Service

Resume Service Best Finance Resume Service

Resume Service Best Healthcare Resume Service

Resume Service …and even…

Best Federal Resume Service

These 700+ Zipjob reviews are compiled and stored by TrustPilot, a neutral third party—not by us. Please feel free to leave your own review there if you’re happy with our work!

You can also view Zipjob reviews in comparison to other resume writing services.

Summary

There are many professional resume writing services to choose from, such as the 10 on this list. Since there is no shortage of fraudulent services out there, do your due diligence before giving your private information to a less than reputable company.

The best resume writing services have good examples, positive reviews, and responsive customer service teams. A variety of ways to contact the company is a good indicator of a legitimate business, but we advise you to try out one or two methods of contact before making your selection. Steer clear of disconnected phone numbers and unanswered emails!

Remember that resume writing services are mainly digital today, so you don’t need to limit your search to local options. When in doubt, however, keep in mind that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

We hope this article helps you pick the best resume writing service for you. Good luck with your job search!

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