Resume writing and editing services are getting more popular by the day. They’re an awesome alternative to typical resume builders, where job seekers have to do anything themselves. Ask any recruiter—and they’ll agree that professional resume writing or editing help is always a good idea. But a lot of candidates who are considering getting it can’t tell the difference between the two. So here’s what you need to know.
Resume Editing
Job seekers who hire a resume editor before applying for a job already have a resume they’d like a professional to polish. So if you’re considering a resume writing service, you can expect editing and proofreading, but not writing from scratch. This means that you’ll have to spend some time drafting your resume yourself so that a professional editor has something to work with.
That being said, there are quite a few pros of choosing a resume editing service over having your resume written entirely by someone else. First, it’s typically cheaper. Also, you have more control over the final product. Just like any career advice expert, a resume proofreading expert knows how to present your work experience in a way that’ll help you land an interview.
You can trust a resume editor to make your resume meet the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) requirements. They’ll help your job applications reach potential employers and remove all the roadblocks. To be fair, though, the same is true for resume writers. All decent resume professionals are well-familiar with common resume-scanning software.
But resume editing is a better choice if you want to feel like you’ve done most of the work on your resume. The final product will still be flawless, but it’ll also be more meaningful for you. It just feels good to know that the ready-to-go resume you’re looking at is your baby (refined by a professional).
Resume Writing
Still, opting for a resume writing service instead isn’t without benefits, either. If you decide to get professional help from a resume writer, you won’t have to write much beyond your contact name. All you’ll have to do is put your education, past roles, and accomplishments in bullet points (or explain them in person) for the expert to turn them into a beautifully written resume. So it’ll take you much less time.
Granted, resume writing services are a bit more expensive than resume editing. That’s the case in any writing business. But if you want to impress a hiring manager at your dream company, paying a professional resume writer is a great way to invest in your career. Just make sure to read top resume reviews for the service you choose first to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The only real downside of resume writing isn’t even a downside but a matter of personal preference. If you’re a control freak who can’t just relax and wait for the work to be done, it might not be for you. A lot of people struggle with delegating. And having their resume edited, which gives them more power than having it written from scratch, is the better option for them.
Which One to Choose?
As you can see, there’s no correct answer to the question of whether you should choose resume editing or writing services. If you stick to top-rated, well-known services, both are perfectly fine. Make a choice based on what you prefer, how much money you’re willing to spend, and what kind of person you are.
Laid-back candidates who trust experts and are willing to cash out when it comes to their careers can go with resume writing services. In turn, someone who is more hands-on and frugal should go with resume editing. Whatever you decide, it’s the right step for your job search. Professional assistance will help you get more interviews and hopefully land you a job at your dream organization.
A Few Resume-Writing Tips
There’s one more option, but it’s a risky one—you can write and proofread your resume yourself. The problem is that most candidates don’t have the necessary skills and experience to make their resumes pass the ATS system, not to mention making their resumes look appealing. But if you’re confident in your resume writing abilities and willing to take a risk, at least make sure to follow these tips.
- Do thorough company research before writing. This will help you understand what your potential employer is looking for and whether or not you’re a good fit.
- Use keywords (such as the names of the roles and competencies mentioned in the job description).
- Read up on the applicant tracking process. Learn how to make your resume pass an ATS scan.
- Use resume-building services. They include helpful tips and can help you make your resume look pretty.
- Proofread your resume multiple times before submitting a job application. You don’t want to lose a chance for your dream position because of minor typos.
Conclusion
Both resume editing and writing are great. They can help a job seeker knock their prospective boss off their feet (in a good way) and leave a lasting impression. Resume editing services are more affordable and give a candidate more control, while resume writing works for people who don’t want to stress about drafting their resume at all. But please avoid writing your resume by yourself entirely unless you have enough relevant writing experience. It can cost you a job.