Resume Writing Service

Experience and qualifications aren’t enough to get a great job, you need a well written resume to make your name stand out from the competition. Even with all the template options, internet applications and computer programs available today, many people still turn to a resume writing service when applying for a new job. If you are a freelance writer looking to pay the bills or just need some additional income, this flexible work at home job it for you.

Before The Start-Up – Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

You don’t need any formal qualifications to do this job, just a natural writing ability and good organizational skills. You will often be working to a deadline so a cool head under pressure is also helpful.

The Start-Up

If you already have a computer your start-up will be very affordable – to setup your office you’ll need a work space, internet connection, printer, scanner and fax machine. Stock up on high quality paper, white and ivory are the most common colours used for resumes. Finally you’ll need some business stationary for your own services including business cards, a letterhead and an invoice and quote template.

Create several packages for your clients to choose from. Your packages should include a basic resume, complete resume and cover letter options. Provide the option for clients to receive their resume on a CD for later printing. Add a personal touch by purchasing a DVD writer with Light Scribe, this allows you to burn you own branded covers onto the disk.

Pricing your packages competitively is very important, contact local services for a quote on different packages, or simply do research on the many internet based resume writing services.

Whether you plan on focusing your services on or offline you’ll need to develop a questionnaire for each client to take. The questions you pose should include everything you need to know to write a resume and cover letter. If possible request a copy of your client’s last resume so you can tailor your questions to their career background.

Here are a few example questions that you might include in your own questionnaire.

• What position if any, are you applying for?
• List all the responsibilities you held in your previous positions.
• List all relevant training and qualifications related to the job you plan on applying for.
• Provide all personal details including physical and postal address, contact numbers and email address.
• When do you need your resume to be completed by?

Making It Work

To establish your business you’ll need to provide more than just a typewriting service. Go beyond just listing the history of your client and create a resume that includes all of their relevant achievements, strengths, successes and awards.

Marketing

Market your services using the Yellow Pages and local newspaper classifieds. Consider developing a website with a full listing of your services, rates, contact details and client testimonials – a resume writing service has great online potential.

If you want to work online but don’t have the capital to get a website developed, sign up to one of the many online freelance services such as Elance. Elance matches buyers with freelancers looking for work. Each freelancer is usually given a rating for factors such as ability to meet deadlines and writing ability. Once you achieve a good rating its possible for Elance to provide the bulk of your new customers.

Don’t Forget

As with all service jobs it’s easy to spend more time on a client than you should, work out how many hours a job is worth to you and stick to that time frame.