Like most everyone, when I am shopping and something catches my eye, I look at the price tag. From the inquiries I get, I believe many of you do the same. However, shopping for a resume writer solely based on saving money isn’t in your best interest. Will the finished product be unique to you? Or a generalized representation that could fit any number of candidates? Will it look like thousands of other resumes?
More often than not, the first question a client asks is “how much does a resume cost?” 
My response is, “My process begins with a no-obligation review of a client’s existing document (if available). This allows me to accurately assess your individual needs and the service level you may need.” Why not the same price for everyone? Because each client is different as is their scope and depth of experience and the time it will take to craft the resume.
Think in terms of hiring a house painter.
Customer: “How much does it cost to have my house painted?”
Painter: “That depends on the size and scope of the project.”
Customer: “Could you give me an idea of your usual price quote?”
Painter: “I would love to but I need more detail. What size house? What type of siding? Paint or stain? How much trim work is involved? Any other detail work that needs to be done?”
The same is true when hiring a resume writer.
Customer. “How much does it cost to have a resume written?”
Writer. “That depends on the size and scope of the project.”
Customer. “Could you give me an idea of your usual price quote?”
Writer. “I would love to but I need more detail. What is your career target? How many years of experience do you have? Or, are you transitioning into a new career? Do you have an existing resume? Will you need a cover letter or help with a LinkedIn profile?”
If a painter is charging the same price for every house, I would wonder about the quality of their work. Why? Because the time it takes to paint a small, Cape Cod style house (or write an entry-level resume) is different than the time it takes to paint a large, two-story (or write a C-level document). Yes, people hire low-priced contractors but usually they aren’t too pleased with the end product. What about their knowledge of the paint product. Will they choose a high quality paint that has a warranty or whitewash?
Consider this, for the $50 contractor to make an entry-level, annual wage of $25,000, they would have to complete 9.6 jobs per week. Possible? Yes. Would I hire them? No.
To answer the question “Why I don’t charge $50: I am not capable of balancing 9.6 jobs per week. The quality of my work would suffer. I would have to finish quickly and move onto my next job. I doubt I would have time to fully communicate with the clients or provide any further help. More than likely, the mental stress would be unsustainable and my work would suffer.
So back to saving money. For the job seeker, every week you are unemployed costs you money. Having a well-written resume that presents you as a viable candidate can help shorten your job search thus SAVING you money.
I know I am not the lowest priced writer in the market — my quotes mostly range from $149 to $349. Where will you fall in that range? You’ll never know until you contact me. Want to see recent client testimonials? Visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/breakthroughresumes
If you need help developing or polishing your resume, Breakthrough Resume Writing Service is a virtual (online) business that offers assistance to people from around the globe. From the privacy of your own home and on your timetable, you can contact Tammy at tammy@breakthroughresumes.com
About the Author:
Tammy Shoup, Executive Resume Writer and Career Strategist, is among a small number of professional résumé writers in the U.S. who has earned the title of Certified Professional Résumé Writer from the Professional Association of Résumé Writers / Career Coaches.
Shoup is also a member of the National Résumé Writers’ Association and Career Directors International. Her activity in both organizations ensures that her knowledge of industry and employment trends remains current. It also indicates her dedication to continuing education in her industry. Her work is published in both JIST and Barron’s career books.
Please review Shoup’s information at www.breakthroughrésumés.com or www.tammyshoup.com or inquire directly to Tammy Shoup at tammy@breakthroughresumes.com
Wishing you the best in your job search campaign! †
Leave A Comment