There’s no rule saying you must write your resume yourself. In fact, hiring a professional to do it can be one of the smartest moves in today’s job market—particularly if your old one isn’t getting results. Yes, you can absolutely pay a professional to write your resume. And depending on who you hire, what you need, and how urgent it is, the cost can range from surprisingly affordable to a decent investment.
Let’s unpack what’s actually involved when you bring in a pro—and whether it’s worth your dollars.
Why would someone pay for a resume?
Let’s be honest: most of us aren’t taught how to write a resume. Sure, you can Google templates or copy what your mate used, but translating your experience into a compelling, tailored document that lands interviews? That’s a different skill set.
Here’s where a professional resume writer steps in:
- They know what hiring managers look for (often because they’ve worked as recruiters themselves).
- They’re up to speed with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan resumes before a human even sees them.
- They understand how to shape your narrative, even if your experience is a bit all over the shop.
And if you’ve ever stared at a blank Word doc at 11pm thinking, “What even is my biggest strength?”, you already know how valuable that outside perspective can be.
What does a professional resume writing service actually do?
The good ones don’t just fix your spelling and change the font. A proper service should:
- Chat with you (or get you to fill out a detailed form) to understand your background and career goals
- Tailor your resume to the industry you’re targeting
- Highlight your achievements using clear, impact-driven language
- Format everything for easy readability and ATS compatibility
- Deliver your resume in a format you can tweak later
Some may also offer extras like cover letters, LinkedIn overhauls, or interview coaching.
Is it worth the money?
This depends on what stage you’re at in your career and how well your existing resume is performing. But here’s a rough framework:
- Entry-level or grads: If you’re just starting out, a resume writer can help you spin part-time work and uni projects into a compelling story.
- Mid-career professionals: You’re probably applying for roles with more competition—this is where having a tight, persuasive resume matters more.
- Career changers or return-to-work jobseekers: This is a trickier space to explain gaps or shifts. A pro can help you position yourself clearly.
- Executives: At this level, every word counts. And the difference between a “good” and “great” resume could be worth thousands.
One Australian marketing manager I spoke to recently said she was landing interviews within two weeks of using a resume writer—after months of silence using her DIY version. That’s not uncommon.
What does it cost to get your resume professionally written?
In Australia and Canada, resume writing services can cost anywhere from $100 to over $1,000, depending on experience, turnaround time, and inclusions.
Here’s a ballpark breakdown:
- Basic resume update: $100–$250
- Mid-level professional rewrite: $300–$600
- Executive resume package: $600–$1,200+
- Add-ons (cover letter, LinkedIn, coaching): +$50 to $500
The Australian Writers’ Centre suggests that pricing reflects not just time spent, but the writer’s strategic input—crafting messaging, not just writing words.
And don’t forget: this isn’t just a one-time use document. A well-built resume is a foundation you can tweak and use across multiple roles, months, and even years.
How do I choose the right resume writer?
Start by checking if they:
- Have industry experience relevant to your career path
- Can show real samples (not just generic templates)
- Offer a conversation or briefing process—not just a form
- Are clear about inclusions, delivery timeframes, and revisions
- Have solid testimonials or referrals (hello, Social Proof!)
Beware of ultra-cheap services promising same-day results—some are just using templates with minimal personalisation.
You might also want someone who understands local hiring trends. A resume written for the Canadian market may not suit Australian employers, and vice versa.
Will a professionally written resume guarantee me a job?
Let’s bust this myth. A top-notch resume gets you in the door—it doesn’t walk you through it. You’ll still need to interview well, tailor your applications, and follow up. But if your current resume isn’t even getting callbacks, it might be the missing piece.
And remember, we’re all blind to our own stories. A skilled resume writer isn’t just making your career look good on paper—they’re often seeing strengths you didn’t know you had.
What if I just need a little help?
That’s fine too. Not every service is a full rewrite. Many resume pros offer:
- Resume reviews with written feedback
- Formatting and design upgrades
- Targeted rewrites for a specific job application
You can also look into university career centres (some offer free services even post-graduation), LinkedIn groups, or industry-specific coaching.
FAQ
Q: Can’t AI write my resume for free?
Yes, and it’s not a bad starting point. But AI can’t interview you, draw out your hidden strengths, or tailor your tone to a specific job market. It’s the difference between a mass-produced letter and a handwritten note.
Q: How long does it take to get a professional resume?
Anywhere from 2–7 days, depending on the provider. Urgent 24-hour options exist, but you’ll pay a premium.
Q: Are resume writing services confidential?
Absolutely. Reputable services treat your personal information with care and won’t share your documents without permission.
Final thoughts
Paying a professional to write your resume isn’t a shortcut—it’s a strategic investment. One that can save you time, boost your confidence, and shorten the job hunt. And if you’re wondering what that investment might look like in more detail, this professional resume writing service breakdown covers it nicely.