How Much a Reputable Executive Resume Writing Service Costs & Why
Resume writing services can vary widely in price. Top executive resume writers charge $1,000-$3,000+ for a resume. While you can also find more affordable resume writing services that cost $150-$450, a service's fee structure tends to reflect the level of quality and client service you are likely to receive.
Given the hundreds of resume writing services available online, we know that narrowing down the best option for you can be overwhelming – especially if you have never worked with a resume writer before.
In this article, we answer the following questions to help you understand how the resume writing industry operates and what you can typically expect from given pricing tiers:
- How much does an executive resume writer cost?
- Why do executive resume writing costs vary widely?
- Why should I pay someone to write my resume?
- Why should I be skeptical of “affordable” resume writing services?
- What qualities should I look for in an executive resume writer?
- What red flags should I watch out for?
How much does an executive resume writer cost?
The fees a given writer charges are driven by their experience and education level, quality of deliverables, and amount of time spent on your document.
Entry-Level Resume Writers: $150-$450
Resume writers with pricing structures on the lower end of the scale may be suitable for recent graduates or clients in the early stages of their careers.
However, these services typically offer a more templated process with less one-on-one consultation time. Clients may work with their writers primarily over email.
We also urge clients to conduct their due diligence to ensure the firm does not utilize common bad practices in the industry, which can include outsourcing internationally or using AI.
Mid-Range Resume Writers: $450-1,000
A mid-range resume writing service may be suitable for mid-career professionals.
At this level, clients can expect a more customized service, which enables writers to incorporate specific examples of your achievements into your resume.
Top Executive Resume Writers: $1,000-3,500+
Senior executives and C-suite candidates are most likely to benefit from working with an experienced executive resume writer.
The higher price point of an executive resume writing service reflects the time it takes to craft a truly compelling executive resume.
At this level, clients can expect a high level of personalized service with a comprehensive one-on-one consultation. Executive resume writers also have the ability to distill complex career stories into concise, impactful narratives that resonate with recruiters and hiring managers.
Why Do Executive Resume Writing Costs Vary Widely?
Clients who have never worked with an executive resume writing service are often surprised at the wide range of fees charged by different providers.
An executive resume writer's fees are determined by 3 key factors:
- Experience and Expertise
- Time Investment
- Quality of Service
1. Experience and Expertise
In the resume writing industry, there is a close correlation between price and quality.
Top-tier resume writers are typically Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRWs), have degrees from prestigious institutions, have corporate experience, and have a deep understanding of the executive recruiting environment.
This combination of qualifications enables them to strategically position your career story, delivering a document that stands out in competitive executive-level searches.
You can expect the fees a top-tier executive resume writer charges to fall within the range that other professional service providers would charge, with an hourly rate of $100+.
2. Quality of Documents and Results Delivered for Clients
Professional resume writers add value to their clients, and their documents can cut down the time it takes for you to secure a new role.
By choosing a reputable service, you are much less likely to end up with a low-quality document that leaves you frustrated and that you will ultimately have to fix yourself.
For best results, look for an in-depth, personalized writing process that includes a phone consultation and one-on-one communication with your writer.
As Jenny Foss explained in a LinkedIn post, "there is (quite literally) no barrier to entry [in the resume writing industry]."
"I reviewed quite a few 'expert' resumes in recent days -- resumes that people paid money they cannot afford to throw away right now…. [they were delivered with] typos, grammatical errors, filled with cliches," she said.
To avoid disappointment, be sure to thoroughly investigate the company you choose to work with.
3. Time Investment
Writing an effective executive resume is a time-intensive process, and we wouldn't recommend working with a writer who is likely to cut corners in the process.
The executive resume writing process requires an in-depth consultation, content brainstorming, writing, multiple revisions, and a keen eye for details.
Keep in mind that the value-add of working with a resume writer is not only their writing ability but also their ability to ask the right questions.
A service that relies on both written background materials and a phone consultation is more likely to result in a well-written, achievement-based document.
If you are only looking for copy editing or feedback on your resume (not an end-to-end rewrite), you can expect to pay less.
Writers who charge $1,000+ for a resume typically spend 8-10 hours on each project to ensure a quality output, as outlined below:
Should I pay someone to write my resume?
Investing in an executive resume writer is akin to investing in a quality suit for a job interview: it comes down to making an impactful first impression.
If you are in the market for an executive or C-suite role, we would argue that spending less than 1% of your annual salary on a resume would be a reasonable investment - particularly if it helps you secure a position with a higher salary or better career prospects.
The expertise and industry knowledge a top executive resume writer adds to your job search can make a significant difference in your job search - and the time it takes to secure a new role.
We encourage clients to think of it as an investment with potential returns - similar to hiring a financial advisor to help optimize your portfolio.
Why should I be skeptical of “affordable” resume writing services?
If you come across a service that charges under $200 for an executive resume, we encourage you to proceed with caution.
Services that promise to deliver an executive-level service at this price point are much more likely to resort to bad practices such as the following to remain profitable:
1. Compromised Quality & Use of AI Tools
To keep costs low, some services cut corners by reusing existing content or by utilizing AI tools.
However, the human touch is critical for executive resumes: they are far too nuanced to rely solely on technology or a lack of customization.
If you are looking for a truly bespoke service that will add value by helping you brainstorm content and rewrite your entire document from the ground up, you may be left disappointed.
2. Outsourced Writing
Lower-cost services may also outsource their work to writers abroad.
This approach can result in documents that include errors or lack the nuanced language required for an executive resume.
3. Lack of Personalized Service
Budget-friendly aspects often forego a phone consultation.
At the executive level, this element is crucial for truly understanding a client's achievements and career trajectory.
What qualities should I look for in an executive resume writer?
When choosing a resume writer, consider whether they have relevant certifications, positive reviews, strong writing samples, and have worked with clients of your experience level.
Consider the following elements:
1. Certifications & Professional Affiliations
Is the company or writer a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC) or National Résumé Writers' Association (NRWA)?
2. Client Reviews
Do they have positive reviews from previous clients on third-party review sites such as Trustpilot and Google? Are there any “red flags” that clients consistently mention?
3. Writing Samples
4. Quality of Writers
Have they worked with clients of your experience level? If you are a busy senior executive, for example, will the service have the ability to evaluate your accomplishments to best highlight how you drove results?Who will be writing your document? Do they have a strong academic and writing background?
5. Writing Process
What does their writing process look like? Will you get to work with your writer one-on-one?
We encourage you to opt for a service that includes a thorough consultation.
What are red flags I should be aware of?
We strongly advise steering clear of resume writers who charge rates that seem “too good to be true,” utilize unconventional formatting, or do not have an established online presence with a proven track record.
Before you hire a resume writer, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the amount you pay reflect a reasonable hourly rate given the caliber of writer you want to work with?
- Do the company's writing style and design appear natural so the resume doesn’t look like it was prepared by a resume writer? Do their resume templates utilize excessive colors and formatting features that may put off discerning executive recruiters?
- Does the service have a pattern of negative reviews?
- Are you comfortable only working with your writer over email, if they do not provide a phone consultation?
- Had the company been around for multiple years? Does the service have a consistent track record with a credible website and LinkedIn presence?
- If the service is not a member of a qualifying industry body, what other factors attest to their quality?
In Summary
Ultimately, how much you should pay for a resume writing service comes down to where you are in your career, your job search goals, and the level of support you need.
If you are an executive, investing in a specialized writer is often worth the cost.
If you are earlier on in your career, a mid-range service might provide the right balance of quality and affordability.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services:
Additional Resources
- How to Choose a Top Executive Resume Writer
- What Do Recruiters Expect in an Executive Resume?
- Effective Executive Resume Templates Downloads
About Resume Pilots
Resume Pilots is an award-winning executive resume writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.
As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.
Our writers have studied in the Ivy League and other top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.
Here's how we can help you:
Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Writing Services: If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional resume writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up.
Executive Resume Template Downloads: If you plan to prepare your own resume, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly resume templates for Microsoft Word.
To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email team@resumepilots.com.
About the AuthorMatt Glodz
Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Resume Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer.
After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked within Fortune 500 companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents.
At Resume Pilots, Matt combines his business and writing background - which includes prior work for a Chicago Tribune publication - to craft resumes that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He works with clients ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing resumes for over 10 years.
He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, and Thrive Global.