In today’s highly competitive job market, having a polished resume and a compelling cover letter is crucial. These documents are often the first impression you make on a potential employer, and a well-crafted one can be the difference between landing an interview or being passed over. However, creating these documents can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure about the latest trends in resume writing or how to tailor your cover letter to a specific job. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help you craft the perfect resume and cover letter. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best options, including both free and paid services, so you can find the right support to enhance your job application materials.
Why Professional Help with Resumes and Cover Letters is Important
Before diving into where to find help, let’s quickly discuss why getting professional assistance can be beneficial.
- Expertise: Professional resume writers have deep knowledge of what employers are looking for. They stay updated on the latest hiring trends and know how to highlight your skills effectively.
- Objectivity: It can be difficult to assess your own experience and skills objectively. A professional can view your background from an employer’s perspective, ensuring that your strengths are front and center.
- Time Efficiency: Crafting a great resume and cover letter takes time. Hiring a professional can save you hours of research and writing.
- Tailored Content: Professionals can tailor your resume and cover letter for specific industries or job positions, increasing your chances of getting noticed.
Top Resources for Resume and Cover Letter Assistance
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best places where you can get help with your resume and cover letter, along with pricing information and links to their services.
1. TopResume
TopResume is one of the leading resume writing services, known for its thorough approach and expertise. They offer a free resume review, where a professional will critique your current resume and suggest improvements.
Services:
- Resume Writing: Professional resume writers create a new resume from scratch or optimize your existing one.
- Cover Letter Writing: Tailored cover letters that complement your resume.
- LinkedIn Profile Makeover: Enhances your LinkedIn presence, making it consistent with your resume.
Pricing:
- Resume Writing: Starts at $149
- Resume + Cover Letter: Starts at $219
- Resume + Cover Letter + LinkedIn Profile: Starts at $349
2. ResumeWriters.com
ResumeWriters boasts a wide range of services, catering to different career levels, from entry-level to executive. They offer a satisfaction guarantee, promising free revisions if you’re unhappy with the result.
Services:
- Resume Writing: Specialized services for different career stages.
- Cover Letter Writing: Custom cover letters aligned with your resume.
- LinkedIn Profile Writing: Optimized LinkedIn profiles for better online visibility.
Pricing:
- Entry-Level Resume: $169.95
- Professional Resume: $199.95
- Executive Resume: $299.95
- Resume + Cover Letter: Additional $60
3. The Muse
The Muse is a well-known career advice platform that offers personalized resume and cover letter writing services. Their expert coaches work one-on-one with you to craft documents that stand out.
Services:
- Resume Review and Rewrite: Includes a critique and rewrite by an expert.
- Cover Letter Review and Rewrite: Custom cover letter writing.
- Career Coaching: Offers advice on job search strategies and interview preparation.
Pricing:
- Resume Review and Rewrite: Starts at $119
- Cover Letter Review and Rewrite: Starts at $89
- Resume + Cover Letter + LinkedIn Profile: Starts at $299
4. LinkedIn ProFinder
LinkedIn ProFinder connects you with freelance professionals, including resume and cover letter writers. You can review multiple proposals and choose the best fit for your needs.
Services:
- Resume Writing: Freelancers with expertise in various industries.
- Cover Letter Writing: Custom cover letters tailored to your target jobs.
- Interview Coaching: Some freelancers also offer mock interviews and coaching.
Pricing:
- Prices vary depending on the freelancer but typically range from $50 to $500 for resume services.
5. Fiverr
Overview: Fiverr is a marketplace where freelancers offer services at various price points, including resume and cover letter writing. It’s a budget-friendly option with a wide range of professionals to choose from.
Services:
- Resume Writing: Custom resumes starting at affordable prices.
- Cover Letter Writing: Tailored cover letters that highlight your strengths.
- Job Application Packages: Combined services for resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
Pricing:
- Resume Writing: Starts at $25
- Cover Letter Writing: Starts at $20
- Resume + Cover Letter + LinkedIn Profile: Starts at $75
6. Indeed Resume Services
Indeed, one of the largest job search engines also offers professional resume services. Their team of experts helps you create a resume that aligns with the latest hiring trends.
Services:
- Resume Review: Detailed feedback on your current resume.
- Resume Rewrite: A complete rewrite to improve formatting, content, and keyword optimization.
- Cover Letter Writing: A custom cover letter that complements your resume.
Pricing:
- Resume Review: Free
- Resume Rewrite: $89
- Resume + Cover Letter: $119
7. ZipJob
ZipJob offers resume writing services focused on keyword optimization. They use ATS (Applicant Tracking System) technology to ensure your resume passes the initial screening processes many companies use.
Services:
- Resume Writing: ATS-friendly resumes that get noticed.
- Cover Letter Writing: Custom cover letters that match your resume.
- LinkedIn Optimization: Enhances your profile to align with your resume.
Pricing:
- Launch (Resume): $139
- Fast Track (Resume + Cover Letter): $189
- Premium (Resume + Cover Letter + LinkedIn): $299
8. Monster Resume Writing Service
Monster, another central job search platform, provides resume and cover letter writing services through professional writers with expertise in various industries.
Services:
- Resume Writing: Professionally written resumes tailored to your career goals.
- Cover Letter Writing: Cover letters that emphasize your qualifications and fit for the job.
- LinkedIn Makeover: A complete overhaul of your LinkedIn profile to match your resume.
Pricing:
- Basic (Resume): $149
- Deluxe (Resume + Cover Letter): $189
- Premier (Resume + Cover Letter + LinkedIn): $249
9. Resumeble
Overview: Resumeble offers various services, including resume writing, cover letter creation, and LinkedIn profile optimization. They provide a free consultation to assess your needs before you commit.
Services:
- Resume Writing: Professional resume writing across various industries.
- Cover Letter Writing: Tailored cover letters that enhance your job applications.
- LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Improve your LinkedIn visibility and consistency.
Pricing:
- Student/Entry-Level Resume: $149
- Professional Resume: $189
- Executive Resume: $299
- Resume + Cover Letter: Additional $60
10. ResumeGo
ResumeGo is a full-service resume-writing company that also offers cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, and career coaching. Its writers are experienced in creating documents that appeal to both human readers and ATS systems.
Services:
- Resume Writing: Custom resumes designed to pass ATS scans.
- Cover Letter Writing: Personalized cover letters that align with your resume.
- LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Enhances your LinkedIn profile to ensure consistency with your resume.
Pricing:
- Resume Writing: Starts at $199
- Cover Letter Writing: Starts at $79
- LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Starts at $99
- Full Package (Resume + Cover Letter + LinkedIn Profile): Starts at $299
11. CareerPerfect
CareerPerfect offers job seekers a comprehensive suite of services, including resume writing, cover letter writing, and LinkedIn profile development. They also provide interview coaching and other career resources.
Services:
- Resume Writing: Professionally written resumes tailored to your career stage.
- Cover Letter Writing: Customized cover letters will accompany your resume.
- LinkedIn Profile Development: Optimizes your LinkedIn presence for job searches.
Pricing:
- Entry-Level Resume: $139.95
- Professional Resume: $189.95
- Executive Resume: $299.95
- Resume + Cover Letter: Additional $50
12. JobStars USA
Overview: JobStars USA is a career services company that offers resume writing, cover letter creation, LinkedIn profile optimization, and career coaching. They work with clients across various industries and career stages.
Services:
- Resume Writing: Custom resumes tailored to your industry and career goals.
- Cover Letter Writing: Personalized cover letters that complement your resume.
- LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Enhances your LinkedIn profile to improve visibility.
Pricing:
- Entry-Level Resume: $199
- Mid-Career Resume: $299
- Executive Resume: $399
- Resume + Cover Letter: Additional $50
Free Resources for Resume and Cover Letter Assistance
If you’re on a tight budget or prefer to craft your own documents, several excellent free resources are also available.
1. Canva
Overview: Canva offers a variety of free resume and cover letter templates that you can customize online. The user-friendly platform allows you to create visually appealing documents without needing advanced design skills.
2. Google Docs
Google Docs provides several free resume and cover letter templates that you can easily edit and customize. The templates are basic but professional, and since they are cloud-based, you can access your documents from anywhere.
3. Resume.com
Resume offers a free resume builder that walks you through the process of creating a resume step by step. You can also download your resume in multiple formats.
4. Zety
Zety offers a free resume builder with a variety of templates. While some features are premium, you can create and download a basic resume for free.
5. Novoresume
Novoresume provides both free and premium templates for resumes and cover letters. The free version includes access to a few templates, which are professional and well-designed.
6. Jobscan
Jobscan offers a free tool that scans your resume and compares it against the job descriptions you’re interested in, providing tips on how to improve keyword usage to pass ATS systems.
Conclusion
Finding the right help for your resume and cover letter can significantly impact your job search. Whether you choose a professional service or a free resource, it’s important to ensure that your documents are polished, tailored to the job you’re applying for, and reflect your skills and experience. The options listed above cater to various budgets and needs, so take the time to explore them and find the best fit for you. Investing in your resume and cover letter is an investment in your career. Happy job hunting!