by Chris Cristiano
A lucrative but often overlooked facet to freelance writing is the job of resume writer. There are loads of job opportunities for a knowledgeable resume writer and the best part is that there are millions of working people and the majority will need a resume at one time or another.
I was pleasantly surprised when I placed a free classified ad on the internet, and received three leads for resume work within the first few days. One client was looking for a rewrite, another needed a resume created from scratch and another inquiry was for a few covering letters. Not a bad turnaround for one ad!
Many writers shy away from resume writing due to their lack of education, experience and expertise in this area. However, once you learn the basics of resume creation, and how to present your client’s information for maximum effect– you are on your way to steady work and good pay.
The key to your success is the ability to prepare a client’s resume to effectively showcase their skills and qualifications. There are many free web-based tutorials available to help you build upon your resume skills:
Resume Tutorials for All Job-Seekers
To advance your knowledge and expertise, you can enroll in a resume writing course through your local college to work towards becoming a certified resume writer.
For uncertified resume writer, you can earn yourself anywhere from $50 or more for rewrites to $125 and up for a complete resume from scratch. Resume writing rates vary depending on your experience and the complexity of the resume. In addition, you have the potential to make additional revenue by offering to write the accompanying cover letter too.
Like all freelance writing opportunities, you will have to do some research, and market yourself. No one will hire you if they don’t know you exist. A good place to advertise your resume writing capabilities is in your local newspaper. Most newspapers have a special classified heading for resume writing. Also, post a notice up at your local supermarket, library, or community bulletin board. Most colleges and universities publish a school newspaper; advertise your services and offer a reduced rate to the students. You can also take advantage of the various free classified websites and job boards to announce your resume writing service. Other places to advertise and generate work include:
-your own website (absolutely essential!)
-your blog
-local board of trade newsletter
-business associations/organizations
-coffee shops
-internet café
-laundromats
-internet forums
Lastly, your best means of generating resume writing gigs is through referrals from family, friends, and satisfied customers!
Recommended Reading:
Damn Good Resume Guide
Yana Parker
Ten Speed Press
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
#2 I’ve often quickly skimmed over the ads for resume writer but you have given me something to consider. Thank you for this post I enjoyed it.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Hi Jenny B - Out of all my freelance writing gigs - resume writing is at the top of my list. It is something a little different from my usual article writing and I get a feeling of satisfaction when I am presented with a mish mash of information and mold it into something readable. Thanks for your comment.
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Thanks for the links - I’ve often wanted to get into resume writing but didn’t really know where to start.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
#2, Thanks for that, I often shy away from resume work and run from cover letters, however I think I too may reconsider and check out more information about it. The pay ain’t bad either :0)
July 4th, 2008 at 8:37 am
A friend’s successful stint at resume writing is what first gave me the idea to freelance, but I never pursued that stream - thanks for the reminder!
July 4th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I work with older youth (and some younger) on their resumes for my day job in workforce development. Because of this, I’ve always wondered if I couldn’t make a case for my doing some paid resume writing. I guess I’ve shied away from going for the paid gigs was the fact that they often seem to be for management level positions.
Also, I don’t know how I’d feel about writing cover letters. I’ve sometimes gotten job interviews just based on my cover letter and those hiring often comment on how strong they are…but I wonder about writing them for someone else.
Thoughts?
July 4th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
It really is one of those things that you have to put your fear aside and give it a try. My suggestion to anyone wanting to try their hand at resume writing is to offer to do some freebies for friends and relatives to get some practice.
Also, I have templates of popular resumes styles and covering letters that I have created and utilize them over and over again if applicable. There is also loads of resume templates and samples available online to study for structure, format and appropriate jargon. If someone asks you to create their resume and perhaps your think their job is too complex or technical for you to work with - you can always decline. Better to decline than to jump in over your head for an assignment you are not ready for. Most of the resumes that I have written have been for regular people with regular jobs - no space engineers yet.
Once you written a few, it is fairly straight forward and the money is pretty good too!
July 5th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Thanks for the good article. Something to consider …
July 6th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Good advice. Everyone (almost) at some point needs a resume or CV so there’s always a market for this kind of work.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
This is no joke.
After floundering around in one under-paying writing project after another, I stumbled onto an outplacement firm that needed a writer to produce resumes for a couple of clients. Seeing a possible opportunity to make some steady money, I investigated further. That was nearly all I did for more than 16 years. Resume writing purchased my condo in Chicago and put two daughters through private school.