How to Choose a Top Executive Resume Writer in 2024

Should You Hire a Resume Writer? Are Resume Writing Services for Executives & C-Suite Worth It?

If you have never worked with an executive resume writer before, you may be hesitant to trust a third party to prepare such a personal, important document on your behalf.

You may also be wondering whether investing in a resume writing service is still worth it – especially with emerging AI technologies that claim to be able to prepare an effective document for you at a fraction of the cost.

In this article, we address the top 10 questions we receive from potential clients to help you understand the benefits of working with an executive resume writer, how the process works, and how to choose a trustworthy, qualified writer who has your best interests in mind.

Even if you decide to pursue another option, this article will give you a comprehensive understanding of whether working with an executive resume writing service is right for you.

Below, we answer the top questions we hear from potential clients who are deciding whether to hire a professional resume writer:

• How can an executive resume writer help me?
• Do executive resume writers use AI?
• Why should I use a professional resume writer?
• How much do executive resume writers cost?
• How do I know if a resume writer is qualified?
• How do I find the best resume writer for my industry?
• What can I expect during the resume writing process?
• Are executive resume writing services worth it?
• Should resume writing services offer a 60-day interview guarantee?
• What are common bad practices in the industry I should watch out for?
• Should I use an executive resume writer near me?

How can an executive resume writer help me?

Executive resume writers offer a highly-personalized service, helping clients clearly and concisely articulate their comprehensive work history and achievements to best position them for their target roles.

Clients choose to work with us for a variety of reasons that range from receiving an unexpected call from a recruiter who needs a copy of their resume as soon as possible to experiencing writer’s block.

Top executive resume writers are expert interviewers who invest time in listening to your story asking relevant questions. This approach enables them to position your experience in a nuanced, impact-driven manner.

The process not only eases the burden of applying for new roles and improves your chances of securing interview but also provides great interview practice, as it allows you to reflect on and verbally articulate your achievements.

Many executive resume writers partner with recruiters, giving them a deep understanding of exactly what helps to differentiate a candidate and an up-to-date pulse on the recruitment market.

In addition to preparing your resume, professional resume writers will help you:

1. Understand your value-add to differentiate you from similar applicants

One of the main advantages of working with a resume writer is that they will pinpoint exactly how you add value to an organization from a third-party perspective.

Executive resume writers are laser-focused on delivering achievement-driven documents that demonstrate the impact you made in each role through qualitative and quantitative examples.

By asking detailed questions and gathering examples of your contributions, they can prepare documents that go beyond simply outlining your day-to-day responsibilities (and end up reading like a generic job description).

2. Tailor your resume to align with the requirements of your target roles

Executive resume writers keep your end goal in mind throughout the writing process.

They analyze your target roles and leverage their understanding of sector-specific requirements to ensure your resume highlights key skills and industry expertise that recruiters (and Applicant Tracking Systems) look for during initial screenings.

If you are looking to make a significant career change, an executive resume writer will compellingly highlight transferable skills, helping recruiters understand your ability to succeed in your target role or sector.

3. Prepare for interviews

The resume writing process doubles as excellent interview preparation, as a thorough consultation will require you to reflect on your experiences, explain your day-to-day responsibilities, and identify specific examples of how you made an impact on the job.

During your consultation, your resume writer will ask questions similar to those you might encounter during a job interview (without any of the pressure).

By going through this process, you will be more prepared to deliver specific interview responses. We’re also happy to provide helpful interview tips along the way!

Do executive resume writers use AI?

The heart of executive resume writing lies in the human touch, and while current AI tools might be able to deliver a generic resume for an entry-level candidate or assist with keyword optimization, executive resumes are far too nuanced to rely solely on technology.

The key benefit of working with an executive resume writer is that they take the time to deeply understand your unique history and strengths.

The personalized approach resume writers use truly sets them apart: their comprehensive one-on-one consultations uncover achievements and insights that help distinguish you in the field.

On the other hand, AI-generated resumes often lack the depth of understanding and strategic framing needed for executive roles. For executives with careers that may span decades and industries, the level of attention to detail that resume writers provide is essential.

AI cannot yet replace the insight and human touch that a professional writer provides, and a resume writer’s ability to ask the right questions and offer strategic guidance means your resume is not only well-written but also positioned to reflect your full value to potential employers.

Why should I use an executive resume writer?

Our clients – who range from executives to recent graduates – understand that their resume serves as a personal marketing document and are willing to invest in a service that ensures they present themselves in the best possible light.

The top 4 reasons that clients choose to work with a resume writer include:

1. “I’m good at what I do, but I have a hard time explaining it on paper”

Many of our clients don’t write much on a day-to-day basis or struggle to concisely summarize the breadth of their accomplishments on paper (it also can feel awkward to write about yourself and your achievements in the third person).

Resume writers provide clarity and direction, leveraging their expert interviewing skills and writing ability to craft stronger documents than clients could prepare on their own.

2. “I have worked for the same company or ran my own business for the last 10-20 years and never needed a resume”

Clients who built their careers at a single company or ran businesses often don’t have a resume, as they were promoted internally or simple didn't need one.

Resume writers are comfortable crafting a strong document even when starting from the ground up.

3. “I don’t have time to write a resume”

When recruiters approach busy executives regarding a specific opportunity and need a resume last-minute, they often do not have enough time to write it themselves.

Executive resume writers prepare well-written documents while drastically cutting down the amount of time the client would need to put into doing so on their own.

4. “I am not familiar with what recruiters expect to see”

Even clients who consider themselves to be strong writers sometimes recognize that resume writing isn’t a writing style they have significant exposure to.

Professional writers are experts on resume writing conventions, have a strong understanding of the recruiting environment, and remain up to date with industry trends and recruiter expectations.

How much does it cost to hire a resume writer?

The fees for hiring a resume writing service can range from under $100 to over $3,000. While you can find online resume writing services that fit into nearly every budget, a writer’s fee is usually a reflection of their professionalism and skill level.

We recognize that hiring an executive resume writing service can be a sizable investment. However, while you can find much more inexpensive options on websites such as Fiverr or by using generative AI tools, consider whether the quality of service you receive will realistically align with your expectations.

The best executive resume writers devote a considerable amount of time to:

• Understanding your employment history and career goals via a questionnaire and one-on-one consultation
• Crafting an accomplishment-driven, well-written document
• Working with you to make any changes and edits, if necessary

How do I know if a resume writer is qualified?

Legitimate and reputable resume writing services are a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC) or National Résumé Writers' Association (NRWA). Before hiring a resume writer, confirm that the writer or company you are considering is qualified.

Members of these organizations are well-versed in resume writing theory and practice, have significant industry experience, and remain up to date on recruitment trends. However, you will find that quality can still vary significantly from writer to writer.

Resume Pilots is a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches.

Most importantly, always conduct your due diligence and choose a writer you can trust by:

• Reading their reviews
• Reviewing their resume samples
• Learning about their background
• Setting up a call to ask any questions you have

Based on your research, you’ll be equipped to gauge whether you’ll feel comfortable trusting a given resume writing company with such an important piece of your job search.

Remember that choosing a resume writer is just as important as choosing any other professional to represent you, such as a lawyer or accountant.

A writer’s work may very well propel you ahead in your career and open doors for you – or hold you back.

How do I find the best resume writer for my industry?

Core resume writing principles and best practices are consistent across industries, and professional resume writers are familiar with sector-specific nuances.

The best resume writers also conduct outside research and ask you questions about your role to fill in any gaps in industry knowledge.

The most important characteristics you should look for when hiring a resume writer are their writing skills and interviewing ability. Remember that no resume writer has worked with clients in every position imaginable - and that’s okay.

At Resume Pilots, we have worked successfully with C-suite executives across most sectors including:

• Finance & Investment Banking
• Accounting
• Management Consulting
• Sales & Marketing
• Real Estate
• Healthcare
• Legal
• Engineering
• IT & Tech
• Oil & Gas
• Non-Profit
• Travel & Hospitality
• Aerospace & Aviation
• Project Management

What can I expect during the resume writing process?

The resume writing process is simple yet thorough.

Once you select a service and place your order, the resume writing process typically consists of the following steps: information gathering, writing, and revisions.

1. Your writer gathers background information

Your writer will gather information from you and learn more about your background via a questionnaire, phone call, or in-person meeting.

A phone consultation is the most valuable component of the process, as it allows us to get a comprehensive understanding of each client’s career and aspirations.

Skilled resume writers have strong interviewing skills and ask specific, thought-provoking questions, enabling them to convey your accomplishments as effectively as possible.

However, many resume writing services do not offer a consultation option, with the majority of communication taking place over email: this approach often results in clients missing out on the opportunity to highlight valuable information that you didn’t think to provide in writing, resulting in sub-par documents.

2. Your writer prepares the draft of your resume

Your writer will craft your document based on your consultation and information you provided, ensuring that it is ATS-friendly and tailored to the roles you are targeting in your search.

Because this is the most critical element of the process, you should conduct your due diligence and select choose a reputable writer you can trust.

3. You provide feedback, and your writer completes any revisions

Once you receive your document, you will have the opportunity to review it and provide constructive feedback.

While your first draft should already be strong enough for you to use for applications, you should allow time for two to three rounds of minor revisions before arriving at your perfect document.

Do your best to find a writer that has your best interests in mind and will let you know if some of your proposals aren’t best practices. During the revision process, an experienced resume writer will play devil’s advocate and push back on your suggestions if they will not truly add value or may be detrimental to your job search.

Once your revisions are complete, you’re ready to start applying for new roles!

Are executive resume writing services worth it? 

The vast majority of our clients agree that hiring an executive resume writer was a worthwhile investment – and they often credit the process to helping them secure interviews and coveted promotions.

Many previous clients continue to work with their resume writers to update their documents as they progress throughout their careers, attesting to the value they received from the service.

However, if a resume writing service is too cost-prohibitive, you may consider preparing your resume on your own and having your final document professionally edited instead.

Before deciding to pay someone to write your resume, consider whether the investment is worth it for you:

C-Suite Leaders and Executives

If you are earning anywhere over $100,000 per year, you will likely invest 1% or less of your annual salary on your resume. In this case, spending money on a professionally written resume can be well worth it.

Early- to Mid-Career Professionals

We often work with early- to mid-career professionals, who found that working with a resume writer helped them secure interviews for more senior-level roles to enable faster career progression.

Students and Recent Graduates

Executive resume writers often offer reduced fees for current students or recent graduates, so you may want to inquire whether that could be an option.

If you are applying for a master’s program or MBA, working with a resume writer will also ensure you put your best foot forward.

As a student, you may be able to find the help you need at your school’s career services center.

Should resume writers offer a 60-day interview guarantee?

Because your resume is just one component of the job search process, trustworthy resume writers should not guarantee that you will receive interviews or job offers as a result of using their services.

When you apply for a job, several variables determine whether you will be offered an interview and ultimately be hired that are entirely out of the writer’s control, such as:

• Your fit for the role and experience
• Your educational background and licenses/certifications
• The quality of other applicants
• Your networking strategy and effort put into the job search
• Your preparation for and performance during the interview 

We firmly believe in presenting a fact-based and accurate narrative of your work experience and promise to help you identify and articulate your credentials to recruiters in the strongest way possible. However, we do not manipulate the facts to help you land an interview.

If you decide to work with a resume writing company that offers interview guarantees, we encourage you to read their terms closely, as many only offer a free rewrite (not a money-back guarantee).

What are common industry practices I should watch out for? 

When selecting a resume writing service, watch out for bad practices that result in a frustrating experience and poor results for clients: outsourcing, AI, and ghostwriting.

The saying “you get what you pay for” very much tends to hold true in the resume writing industry.

1. Outsourcing Internationally

Many online resume writing services outsource work internationally (often to non-native English speakers) to keep costs down.

When you break down the fee you are paying for your resume on an hourly basis, does it align with what you would expect to pay a reputable professional services firm?

It takes time to prepare a well-written resume (the end-to-end process takes us around a full working day). If a company’s hourly rate seems too good to be true, there is probably a reason behind it.

2. Using AI

The emergence of AI technology has unfortunately resulted in some writers cutting corners – especially when it comes to services priced at the lower end of the market.

At Resume Pilots, we do not use AI in our writing process to maintain the nuance required for executive resumes and to ensure the best results for our clients.

3. Ghostwriting

We have found that many resume writing companies use ghostwriters.

Because of the time-consuming nature of resume writing, it is often unfeasible for one person to handle all of the writing and day-to-day business administration while running a profitable operation – unless they charge accordingly.

At Resume Pilots, we invest significant time in hiring and training exceptional writers who work with our clients one-on-one throughout the writing process.

By being transparent about our writing process and building a top-quality team, we’re able to ensure a consistent client experience and pair clients with writers who have experience writing for their industries.

Should I use an executive resume writer near me?

When selecting a resume writer, we recommend prioritizing fit and expertise over a company’s physical location.

Because most resume writing services work remotely and offer virtual consultations instead of in-person appointments, you do not necessarily need to find a service that is based near you.

Once you have your application materials ready to go, you can consider partnering with a local or industry-specific recruitment firm to support your job search.

In Summary

We hope this article helped you better understand the nuances of the resume writing industry and gave you the tools you need to select the best writer to work with you.

If you are interested in learning more about our services, please schedule a complimentary initial call with our founder to discuss your experience and requirements in more detail.

You can also email team@resumepilots.com or call (312) 428-6048.

We look forward to hearing from you!

---

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.

---

---