how to become a resume writer

RWA has a long history of training the top writers, keeping writers ahead of trends, and setting the standard for professional career marketing materials.

Professional resume writers like you come to the Resume Writing Academy because they want to be confident that every resume they write will win clients interviews ... that every LinkedIn profile will attract the right audience ... they want to be the expert who stands out from the sea of resume and social media profile writing advice.

Do you want the confidence to charge what you are worth for the work you do?

Do you want to be the expert your career services office needs to teach resume and social media strategies that improve job placement?

If so, read on to learn more about the Resume Writing Academy certification programs!

What really transformed their writing and built their confidence was consistent feedback on their work.RWA's certification programs provide English language, formatting, and writing assignments -- each carefully crafted to test your command of strategy, design, and writing.

is available for your questions one-on-one, holds regular office hours to help you with class and client assignments, and continues this support after your graduation.

PLUS -- no membership is required and certification is built into the program. You'll work hard to create each assignment, rewrite a few assignments, and earn your certification at the end -- no test to take or separate fee to pay.

program is an intensive 3-month resume training and certification program leading to your Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) credential.

is an intensive 3-month training in writing and optimizing social media profiles leading to your Academy Certified Profile Writer (ACPW) credential.

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How to Become a Professional Certified Resume Writer?

Resumes are essential in job searching, and only a job seeker who has sent out hundreds of these documents will know how utterly complicated it is to write. There are basic rules of writing, and each of these is there to improve the chances of your application being approved.

Because this is a sensitive document, and people are desperate to get jobs, they turn to professional resume writers to help them write their documents.

Anyone who has written a resume at least once in their life can claim to be a resume writer but to set yourself apart and be a professional requires time and effort. Certifications aren’t necessary, but they help let people know how far you have gone in your commitment to the craft.

People want to know they can trust you to get the job done and if you’re looking for ways to become a professional writer or get better at writing resumes for yourself. Then this is the article for you. Let’s get started:

What Is a Resume Writer?

If you’re looking for how to become a professional resume writer, then there are so many things you just know. Let’s talk about the basics:

Resume writers prepare resumes or professional summaries of their clients who are searching for a job. They work differently from usual resume writers because their experience has taught them a lot of things.

They know that the resume just has about eleven seconds to impress the recruiter, and they channel all their knowledge and effort into making sure the resume creates a favorable impression in such a short time.

They know the proper readable format to present the applicants’ qualifications, educational background, and every other necessary information. Comprehension and readability is key, and they use only the best design that is definite to catch the recruiter’s attention.

If all the information is scrambled together in a big block of text, no one will read, let alone a recruiter. A professional resume writer knows how to gradually and subtly ease the employer into the text until they have gone through the whole application without even knowing they have.

Some resume writers specialize in writing applications for only specific clients in one type of industry to be the best.

For example, a professional resume writer might say their services are only for office assistants seeking a job. They have already mastered the right keywords, qualifications, and skill set to use that they only face that niche with hundred percent confidence in their capabilities.

Resume writers can decide to be hired by a company or work freelance depending on the flexibility and nature of the work they want.

What Does a Resume Writer Do?

Before you make that final decision on whether you want to become a certified resume writer, here are a few things they do:

Understand The Role

Before you become a resume writer, you should first understand the roles the job entails. Writing a resume can be difficult, but becoming a resume writer is more demanding. Don’t just go into the business because of the payout because this would eventually tell on your client’s result.

Go through the necessary training, if you can, then take certification tests. You can also test your skills by writing a free resume for family or friends, just to see how well you do.

Collect Enough Information

To do this, you have to develop or work on your interpersonal skills. You have to make the clients feel comfortable talking to you and divulging personal information. Remember to collect as much information as you can to help you write the application.

Some clients are more reserved and ask you to go on their social media profiles to get information. You should also be able to scramble information together to get the best.

Transform The Information

It is not enough to collect information from prospective clients; the question is: what do you do with this information? Think about it

You cannot become a professional resume writer by doing nothing. You have to be able to transform the client’s information into engaging texts in the resume. These texts should be completely interesting, sectionalized, and written according to the appropriate resume guidelines.

Develop Business Insights

This would help in penning down the most favorable skill set for a particular job position. All job applications are different in the skill set required, the qualifications required, the background required, and even the job experiences needed.

As a professional, you should know the market needs and how to equip your clients’ resumes with the necessary skill sets and experience to apply for the job.

How Much Do Professional Resume Writers Make?

Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash

The earnings of a professional writer depend on a lot of complexities:

• Are you a freelance worker ?
• Do you work for a company?

As a freelance writer, the earnings vary based on the:

• Nature of the resume
• The amount of research that is needed in order to gain adequate knowledge in writing such a resume
• Your experience
• Certifications

For a new writer to the market, the earning might cost about $60 – $120 for a basic resume. Some professionals who have a string of testimonials or even years of experience charge up to $300 per resume.

A writer who works for a company might earn a monthly salary, together with a commission from every written article. Sometimes the nature of the client and article might also vary the prices.

The truth is, someone who writes for college students should earn less than someone who writes for executives.

How to Become a Certified Resume Writer

Get a degree.

To become a certified engineering CV writer, the first step is to get a bachelor’s degree. This degree can be in any related courses like English, Journalism, Communications. These courses and other related ones are ideal, but anyone can become a professional resume writer with the best internship and experience. As long as you have a bachelor’s degree and are literate, this career is open for you.

Contrary to what everyone else thinks, writing a resume is hard. If you are looking to make this a career, you have to seek internship opportunities with people ahead of you in the industry. They know the rules, the guidelines, and everything necessary to succeed. You can do this during your college experience if you’re looking to start early.

Most writers are freelancers, so you can seek opportunities in a company’s HR department to enable you to see firsthand just what they look for in a resume.

Attend Workshops

Companies and education institutions usually host workshops to teach people how to write resumes professionally. As someone looking for how to become a certified professional resume writer, these workshops can orient you a great deal. It would cover so many topics like referencing, how to include skill sets, and proper system formatting.

“Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field,” encouraged Denis Waitley, a business expert. Strive to learn more, and knowledge would increase.

Get Certified

This process shows prospective clients just how committed you are to your business. Not all professionals are certified, and having this would set you apart from everyone else. The National Resumes Writers’ Association (NRWA) offers certifications to tested and competent resume writers.

Find Clients

Finding clients to patronize you is easy. Open professional social media accounts, and sell yourself to the world. People need jobs, and to get jobs; they need great resumes. Still skeptical about how easy it is to find clients? Well, read below!

How And Where To Find Jobs/Clients?

Finding clients is the easiest part. As a start, you might want to write free resumes for your family and even friends. After this, tell them to leave stellar reviews on your business handles on social media. Stellar reviews are a great way of pulling crowds because everyone wants the best services.

You can also set up a website and update your portfolio, so prospective clients can visit and see the kind of work you have done in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q : what are the main skills for a resume writer.

A : It is important to have typing skills, proofreading skills, research skills, computer skills, and expert communication skills.

Q : Should A Resume Writer Have A Resume?

A : Not necessarily. A resume writer needs physical evidence of their works to show clients, and a resume cannot capture the whole essence. A website or portfolio is more suitable to have.

Q : How Do I Become A Resume Writer?

A : You can become one by getting a degree and accruing the necessary experience needed to be certified.

Before you go into this business as a professional, it is important to ask yourself if it is really what you want, then strive to achieve the best qualifications. The market is saturated with writers who aren’t as qualified as they are letting on, so it is great to be a good difference.

Like Abraham Lincoln said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.”

Career Expert

Our editor is Jennifer Broflowski. Jennifer has been a freelance writer for more than ten years. Having graduated from the University of South Australia, where she used to edit the university’s literary journal, Jennifer devoted her life ...

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Do You Need To Be a Certified Resume Writer?

By Teena Rose

CPRW . NCRW . CMRW. CARW. ACRW .

When you look at the certifications after some resume writer’s names, you start to wonder what the heck they all stand for, do you need one, and, if you do need one, which ones are the most important in order to A) impress your clients and B) be considered a professional within your chosen industry. This is especially true if you’re new to resume writing and looking for that first certification.

Which organization is the best?

Which offers the most ‘bang’ for the buck?

You might even be wondering if you need resume writing certifications.

After all, people were writing resumes for decades before certifications became the norm in the industry, so why all the hoopla about being certified?

Here, I will answer resume certification questions for you, plus provide specific information on the various certifications available to resume writers today.

By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll have the information you need in order to make an informed decision about which, if any, certification is right for you.

Okay, let’s get started!

Why Do You Need to Become a Certified Resume Writer?

The quick answer is that writing certifications aren’t the be-all. This may seem controversial for those reading this post who plan to secure or have resume certifications.

To be blunt, certifications alone don’t guarantee resume writing skills. Sure, resume writing certifications imply some level of ability. Yet, it’s important to note that some resume writers ace the testing to get that certification while others squeak by.

If you are good at what you do and continue to hone your craft, you’ll eventually become a great resume writer, and subsequently, succeed.

There are no certifications for fiction writing, technical writing, medical journal writing, etc. (Although you can get academic degrees in those, and other, areas.) Plenty of people writes for a living without certification or a degree.

Resume writing certifications can be a sizable investment, depending upon the resume writing organization you join. For example, training company Resume Writing Academy (RWA) costs $1800+ to acquire the ACRW certification .

However, it doesn’t hurt to become certified. Why?

There are a number of reasons, including:

1. Training = Greater Skill.

No matter what your field – writing, teaching, construction, driving a big rig, or taking care of animals – the more training and education you have in your chosen job, the better you will be at it.

Remember the old adage, ‘Practice makes perfect?’ Well, you can add ‘Training builds skills’ to that concept.

Certification programs will teach you the ‘tricks of the trade,’ give you examples of resumes that work and don’t work, and demonstrate how to obtain the right information from your clients.

2. Business Growth.

The field of resume writing is very competitive, and customers are looking to get as much value as they can for their dollar. So they’re doing their homework, not only about individual writers but also the industry in general.

A lot of them are aware of certifications and want their writers to have one.

3. Professional Recognition.

Let’s face it. If you’re interested in writing an article for the local paper or giving a presentation at the local Chamber of Commerce meeting or library, it looks better to have professional credentials.

Think about it – if an organization wants to have someone come in and give a lecture on resume writing, won’t they be more likely to hire someone who is ‘Certified’ rather than someone who isn’t?

Having a professional designation automatically means you sound qualified at what you do.

Now that you know there are good reasons for getting a certification, it’s time to begin thinking about which one to get. At last count, there were more than 10 main certifications a resume writer could obtain.

The Top 3 Resume Certification Organizations

This section will provide details on the Top 3 certifying agencies and the specific resume writing certifications that they offer.

I. Professional Association of Resume Writers/Career Coaches

The PARW/CC is the oldest credentialing organization for resume writers, founded in 1990.

Prior to their formation, there were no associations for resume writers or career professionals. The organization was formed to achieve several purposes, the most important of which was to set quality standards in resume writing and to help resume writers share information about their craft.

Today it is the most widely-held certification among resume writers and (depending on who you talk to) either the Number One or one of the Top Two most respected designations a writer can hold.

CPRW Certification Prospective professional resume writers must pass a multi-part test comprised of multiple-choice questions and essay questions, all dealing with the different aspects of resume writing. [Editorial Note: Be sure to also check out our post titled, “ How Difficult Is The CPRW Exam .”

There is a study guide that applicants have several days to learn, and the final part of the exam involves creating a resume and cover letter from a mock client’s raw data.

The examination is timed, and the applicant can obtain and return the test via email or fax. Tests and sample resumes are reviewed by a team of industry professionals, and then a grade is issued.

The price of the study guide and examinations is $225, and applicants must demonstrate basic skills in resume writing before being approved to take the examination. To date, no sample CPRW test is available to the public.

Because the CPRW is both the most recognized designation in the industry and possibly the most highly regarded, more resume writers pursue this certification than any other. This is both a good and bad situation for new CPRWs because it means having a true industry-standard designation but it also means not standing out from the crowd anymore.

In addition to the CPRW designation, the PARW/CC also offers the following certifications:

Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP) Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC)

II. National Resume Writers Association (NRWA) www.nrwa.com

Formed originally as an offshoot of the Professional Association of Resume Writers (the Northeast Resume Writers Association), it evolved into the NRWA in 1997 and today boasts more than 400 members.

NCRW Certification Individuals wishing to obtain an NCRW designation are required to take an examination that covers resume writing, cover letter composition, proofreading, and electronic resume preparation.

Unlike the CPRW designation, before taking the exam a prospective writer must first obtain 10 continuing education units (CEUs). These can include outside courses, attending conferences, and performing self-study. Once received, the NCRW is valid for 3 years.

Retaining the certification is based on continuous membership in the NRWA and obtaining 15 CEUs during each 3-year period.

The price to take the certification test is $140, plus a $50 fee for submitting samples for evaluation. This is in addition to whatever membership fees the organization charges and the costs of CEUs.

While the NCRW program doesn’t offer anything that isn’t included in the CPRW designation, the NRWA’s policy of requiring continuing education throughout the writer’s career does tend to provide some impetus for keeping up-to-date on the latest trends.

On the other hand, some would object to the cost this involves and say a true professional will always keep abreast of changes in their industry and licensing shouldn’t depend on how many conferences are attended during a 3-year period.

III. Resume Writing Academy www.resumewritingacademy.com

The newest of the resume writing organizations, the Resume Writing Academy was founded by two resume writing professionals with extensive credentials, Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark. It is the only organization devoted entirely to providing advanced education to help professionals become certified resume writers.

From their website: “Graduating from the Resume Writing Academy is a true professional accomplishment. The program is tough, the grading is tougher and the expectations of your trainers.”

The program is much more intense than the other credentials, with a combination of classroom (in person or self-study), training assignments, independent learning projects, and examinations. Included with resume and cover letter preparation, the program also covers grammar, client positioning, and more.

Details: Part I includes 8 teleseminar classes plus weekly homework. Part II includes 3 independent learning programs (bi-weekly custom projects)

Students must earn an A or B for each assignment; a lower grade requires the assignment to be redone and resubmitted.

At the end of the 11-week program, students with all passing grades earn the Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) credential plus 36 continuing education credits (CEUs).

Pricing As might be expected for a program billing itself as the most extensive resume-writing credentialing program, the price is higher than any of the others. Registration for the Resume Writing Academy is $1,895 (formerly $2,295) and includes all training sessions, course materials, audio recordings, and more.

They also offer additional CE classes ranging from $99 to $199

Supplemental Certifications for Resume Writers

Various organizations offer other certifications for individuals looking to move beyond resume writing and into other areas of career and job search assistance.

Here are some of the most common of these:

1. Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC) This organization offers two non-resume writing certifications: the Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP) and the Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC). The CEIP involves specialized training in how to prepare clients for employment interviews. CEIPs assist their clients with interview training, question/response preparation, and making a positive impression during the interview.

As the title states, the CPCC is for professionals who focus on identifying life goals, ambitions, and career options for their clients, and then crafting customized career and job search strategies to help their clients achieve those goals. CPCCs are in demand to assist employed and unemployed individuals, recent college graduates, and people looking to pursue a career change.

2. International Coach Federation (ICF) This organization offers three different credentials: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC).

3. The Coaches Training Institute (CTI) This organization offers the Certified Professional Co-Active Coach designation. In order to achieve a CPCC, coaches must complete a multi-course core curriculum and then a 6-month certification program.

4. Career Coach Institute (CCI) The CCI offers the designation of Certified Career Coach (CCC). This program involves a series of study exercises, tests, e-based classes, practice coaching sessions, and a final examination. The CCI also offers the Certified Workforce Development Coach (CWDC) designation, which involves a similar curriculum and testing process.

5. Career Coach Academy (CCA) The first certification is the Certified Career Management Coach (CCMC), which is a rigorous 3-month training program including studies, examinations, and live coaching evaluation covering a wide range of topics.

The CCA’s second credential offering is the Certified Job Search Strategist (CJSS), in which coaches learn how to facilitate their clients’ success through job search strategy design and job seeker evaluation tactics. Coaches also learn online search strategies and tools, network fundamentals, interviewing concepts, and more.

6. Career Planning & Adult Development Network (CPADN) This organization offers Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC) and Job & Career Development Coach (JCDC) credentials. Each credential is achieved by completing 3-day, hands-on workshops.

7. Career Thought Leaders Consortium (CTLC) To achieve this organization’s CCM designation, career professionals must already hold a Master’s Degree or higher, previous certifications in the field, published articles, previous CEUs, public speaking experience, volunteer experience, and more.

8. Life Purpose Institute (LPI) This organization offers a variety of certifications, including Life Purpose & Career Coach (LPCC), Certified Life Coach (CLC), and Certified Coach (CC). All programs involve a series of weekly teleclasses followed by nine to 12 practice sessions with real clients and an oral examination.

9. Reach Communications Reach Communications offers a Personal Branding Program certification (Certified Personal Branding Strategist – CPBS). This patented program teaches coaches how to provide custom, innovative career management strategies for their clients.

10. World Coach Institute (WCI) The WCI offers the ICF-approved Certified Career Coach (CCC) designation, which includes career assessment, networking, interviewing, communication skills, career advancement, transformational coaching, and other training areas.

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How to Become a Professional Resume Writer

September 15, 2023

Written by:

Erica Warren

Erica is a freelance writer and proofreader. As the owner of Words with Erica, she helps indie fantasy authors polish their...

Startup Time

Startup Costs

Remote-Friendly

College Required

Certification Required

If you’re a talented writer looking to make some extra cash, resume writing is one of the best ways to put your skills to work. It’s a relatively easy side hustle to get off the ground, and it’s one that you can do remotely.

Keep reading to find out how to add this in-demand service to your repertoire.

01. What does a professional resume writer do?

Resume writers help people create or update their resumes before applying for jobs

As you probably know, a resume is a document that details your work experience, skills, and education. It’s essential for anyone who wants to land a job or transition into a new career.

A lot of people find resumes intimidating and put off creating or updating theirs. Many would rather hire a freelance writer to do it for them. Professional resume writers provide this service, creating polished resumes for people so that they don’t have to do it themselves.

As a resume writer, it’ll be your job to produce a professional-looking document for each client and do so in a way that presents their qualifications and experience in the best possible light. They’ll be relying on you to boost the odds that they’ll get hired quickly.

Who can become a resume writer?

Anyone with the right set of skills can write resumes for money. Above all, you’ll need to be a strong writer with good attention to detail. You’ll also need a certain amount of technical savvy (to use the software required to create a resume), and if you have design skills, that’s also a plus.

You don’t need a college degree or a special certification to do this kind of work—you just need to be able to convince potential clients that you’d do a good job.

That said, there are professional resume-writing certifications, and getting one can be a big help. We’ll go over this in more detail below.

02. How to start a resume writing side hustle in 5 steps

Brush up your skills, consider getting the CPRW or NCRW certification, and land your first client

Professional resume writing isn’t the hardest field to break into, but it does take some work. Follow these five steps to get started writing resumes professionally:

1. Build your skills

Although most resumes are short (between one and two pages long), it still takes time, effort, and expertise to craft an excellent one. Brush up the following skills:

Writing and editing

Traditional writing skills are a must for a resume writer. You’ll need to summarize your clients’ work experience with simple but descriptive language that will grab a hiring manager’s eye.

Basic editing and proofreading skills are essential as well. You may be asked to edit an existing document instead of creating a resume from scratch. You’ll need great attention to detail to spot and correct any errors and to be sure you don’t introduce any mistakes yourself.

As a resume writer, you’ll need to gather information on each client’s background and the job market in general. You’ll also need to gain a thorough understanding of terms specific to their industry. This will help you highlight relevant skills to persuade the hiring manager that the client is a good fit for the position.

Note that clients may want you to use particular keywords that are specific to their field or the job they’re applying for. Even if they don’t, you should be prepared to research this on your own. Many companies use automated systems to process incoming resumes, and it’s important to include any keywords they’ll be scanning for.

Communication

You need to understand your clients to create good resumes for them. This may require interviewing them via phone, email, video call, or a fillable form to get the information you need—their education, work experience, skills, accomplishments in the field, etc.

The client may ask for revisions if they’re unhappy with an aspect of the final product. You’ll need good listening skills so you can understand and incorporate their feedback. Sometimes, you might also need to tactfully explain why their suggestions are off-base and you recommend doing things another way.

Computer skills

While you don’t need expert technological skills, you’ll need proficiency with the software programs that are commonly used for writing and laying out resumes. Microsoft Word and Canva are both popular programs with editable resume templates.

As mentioned, you might need basic design skills to customize each client’s resume and make it visually pleasing. You also should know how to export documents in a variety of formats, such as PDF.

2. Considering furthering your education

You don’t need a degree to become a resume writer, but having a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, journalism, or a similar discipline will give you an edge. If you have a degree in an unrelated field (such as engineering), that can be an advantage, too—you can leverage your industry knowledge to write resumes in that niche.

If you don’t already have a college degree, it probably doesn’t make sense to get one just to launch a resume-writing side hustle. However, there are less formal types of education that you can pursue as well.

For instance, consider taking a human resources course (either online or at a local university) to learn about the hiring process from the perspective of a hiring manager.

You could also contact a company in your area and ask to shadow someone in their HR department while they review resumes. There’s a surprising amount of bad resume-writing advice out there, and you’ll have a leg up (both when it comes to landing clients and doing your job) if you have direct insight into what hiring managers are actually looking for.

3. Get certified (if you plan on pursuing this long-term)

Getting a professional resume-writing certification isn’t required, but it will give you an advantage when you pitch your services. You have several options:

Become a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

The Certified Professional Resume Writer credetial is the industry-standard certification given to experienced professional resume writers who pass a test administered by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC) . They offer a training program to prepare you for the test, although taking it isn’t required.

In order to take the test, get certified, and maintain your credential, you’ll need to have an active PARWCC membership.

• CPRW exam : $295 (one-time fee)
• PARWCC membership : $175 (yearly)
• Training course : $500 (one-time, optional)

Become a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)

The Nationally Certified Resume Writer certification is a similar credential offered by the National Résumé Writers’ Association (NRWA) .

The NRWA also requires membership to go through the testing process, and you’ll need to participate in their in-house continuing education program and submit a writing sample for review before taking the exam.

• NCRW exam : $250 (one-time)
• NRWA membership : $175 (yearly)
• Writing sample review : $75 (one-time)

Note that there are several other certifications for professional resume writers, but they’re fairly niche. Most of the time, when people claim to be “certified” in this industry, they’re talking about either the CPRW or NCRW, with the CPRW being significantly more widely recognized.

4. Gain experience

A lot goes into writing a winning resume, and your first few projects may take you longer than you’d like, but as you practice and develop your skills, you’ll get faster and better.

Here are some ways to gain experience so you’re ready for your first job:

• Begin with yourself : One way to gain experience right away is to be your own first client. Create a resume for yourself to showcase your skills to potential clients.
• Help out people you know : Ask to revamp existing resumes for your friends and family and add those to your growing portfolio as examples of your work.
• Volunteer : Donate your skills to recruitment companies or nonprofit organizations that help unemployed people find work.

5. Look for jobs

With a great number of people seeking new employment all the time, the demand for resume writers is consistently high, so finding jobs shouldn’t be difficult. Look for work in the following places:

Online job boards

Your best bet is to register on online platforms that list jobs for freelancers, such as:

Create a profile showcasing your skills and start applying to jobs.

Other sources of resume-writing work

You can also find job opportunities by contacting:

• Recruitment agencies : Search LinkedIn for recruitment agencies looking to hire freelance resume writers.
• HR groups : Reach out to local HR groups that regularly hire new resume writers and ask about internship opportunities or entry-level positions.
• Individuals : Talk to people you know who have recently been laid off or who are looking for a new job. New graduates wanting to enter their chosen field and business executives looking to advance their careers also make good potential clients.

You can also choose to set up your own website and start advertising your services by connecting with people on social media.

03. How much can you make with a resume writing side hustle?

Rates for freelance resume writers are variable, but you can expect to earn upwards of $50 per resume

The rates you can get away with charging will vary widely based on the complexity of the resume and the industry the client wants to work in.

Writing a standard resume for somebody who wants to land a job at a retail store might pay between $50 and $75 . Meanwhile, a resume for a business executive seeking employment at a Fortune 500 company might pay between $200 and $300 .

As you’d expect, the latter type of job will also be much tougher to land, with a lot more competition from your fellow freelancers and CPRWs. Remember that you can charge more if you’ve been certified or have several years of experience.

Other jobs that use the same skills as resume writing

There are always people applying to jobs, so resume writing is in high demand. But if you aren’t sure whether it’s the right fit for you, there are other similar side hustles you could try.

Consider pursuing these services instead of or in addition to writing resumes:

• Writing cover letters : Many job applications require a cover letter, and writing a good one takes specialized skills. People will hire you to write a cover letter for much the same reasons they hire you to write their resume. This is a good side hustle to add if you particularly enjoy the “writing” part of being a CPRW.
• LinkedIn profile optimizer : People looking for employment may also pay you to optimize their LinkedIn profile, which can act as a sort of resume itself. Potential employers are more likely to hire someone with a complete, professional profile.
• Copywriting : If you want to flex your writing muscles, try writing blog posts, articles, or marketing copy for businesses or websites. Knowledge of SEO is especially prized in this industry.
• Proofreading or editing : Professional writers often transition into careers as editors or proofreaders. While many of the same skills apply, you’ll need additional training to perform these services.

Resume writing is an engaging and rewarding side hustle that can start off small and grow into an entire business if you so choose. Helping people get jobs could become your job!

Robert Jellison

Managing Editor

Robert is a writer and editor for SideHustles.com. He has 7+ years of experience in freelance writing and previously worked as the in-house editor for Compose.ly, a platform for remote and part-time writers.

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How to Write the Perfect Fresher Resume Templates and Examples

• August 25, 2024

Creating a resume as a fresher can be challenging, especially when you have little to no work experience. However, with the right approach, you can craft a resume that highlights your skills, education, and potential, making you an attractive candidate to employers. This guide will walk you through the process of writing a fresher resume, providing you with an example and a template to help you get started.

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

There are several resume formats to choose from, but the most suitable for freshers are:

• Chronological Resume: Lists your education and experiences in reverse chronological order.
• Functional Resume: Focuses on skills and abilities rather than experience.
• Combination Resume: Merges the chronological and functional formats, highlighting both skills and experiences.

For freshers, the functional resume is often the best choice, as it emphasizes your skills and education over work experience.

Free CV Builder: Moawin.pk 2. Start with a Strong Objective Statement

Your resume should begin with a concise objective statement. This statement should reflect your career goals and what you can offer to the employer. Since you are a fresher, focus on your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills you possess.

Example Objective Statement:

"A highly motivated and dedicated recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, seeking an entry-level position in software development. Eager to apply my technical skills and problem-solving abilities to contribute to innovative projects."

3. Highlight Your Education

As a fresher, your education is one of your strongest assets. Be sure to list your degrees, institutions attended, and any honors or relevant coursework. If you have a strong GPA, include it as well.

Example Education Section:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science ABC University, XYZ City | June 2024 - GPA: 3.8/4.0 - Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development, Database Management

4. Showcase Your Skills

Example Skills Section:

• Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++
• Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Database Management: SQL, MongoDB
• Soft Skills: Problem-solving, Time Management, Team Collaboration

5. Include Internships and Projects

If you’ve completed internships, volunteer work, or academic projects, include them in your resume. These experiences demonstrate your practical knowledge and ability to apply your skills in real-world situations.

Example Experience Section:

Internship - Web Development Intern Tech Solutions, XYZ City | Jan 2024 - Apr 2024

• Developed and maintained the company's website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Collaborated with the design team to enhance user experience.

Academic Project - E-commerce Website

• Created a fully functional e-commerce website as part of a group project.
• Implemented front-end and back-end features using JavaScript and MongoDB.

6. Add Extra Sections

You can add additional sections to your resume to further highlight your strengths. Consider sections such as Certifications, Extracurricular Activities, Languages, or Awards.

Example Extra Sections:

Certifications

• Certified Python Developer, ABC Institute, March 2023

Extracurricular Activities

• Member of the Coding Club at ABC University
• Volunteer at XYZ Charity Organization

7. Keep It Concise and Well-Formatted

8. proofread and customize.

[Your Name] [Your Address] | [City, State, Zip Code] | [Your Email Address] | [Your Phone Number]

Objective A highly motivated and dedicated recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, seeking an entry-level position in software development. Eager to apply my technical skills and problem-solving abilities to contribute to innovative projects.

Education Bachelor of Science in Computer Science ABC University, XYZ City | June 2024 - GPA: 3.8/4.0 - Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development, Database Management

Web Development Intern Tech Solutions, XYZ City | Jan 2024 - Apr 2024

E-commerce Website Project

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