Building a Resume Writing Service for Profit
The resume writing service serves an important role in the
economy. Many qualified candidates have a difficult time
marketing themselves to employers and turn to a professional
writing service for assistance. A successful resume is more than
just a job history. As an experienced resume writer, you can
provide the exposure needed for a job seeker to land an
interview.
Specializing as an executive resume writing service can bring
greater income for both you and your clients. One perfect resume
is easily worth hundreds of dollars to an executive seeking a
five- or six-figure increase of salary. The drawback, of course,
is that fewer people are seeking such resumes.
Start Up Costs and Financing Sources:
Under $500
Starting a professional writing service can be virtually free.
The major expense is advertising. Personal savings, credit
cards, friends, or family members are probably your best
resources for financing. Bank or venture capital investments are
unlikely in this volatile industry.
Pricing Guidelines for Service:
$50 to $300+ per resume Prices vary according to the market and
the experience of the provider. An executive resume writing
service with a good reputation can command much higher prices.
Advertising and Marketing:
Advertise in the help wanted sections of local newspapers.
Work with local colleges and technical schools. Their
endorsements could mean big business for you. Also look near
campuses for bulletin boards where you can place free
advertisements. Laundromats, grocery stores, and banks are good
sources of such bulletin boards.
Your web site will probably be the largest source of customer
orders. A professional web site that is easy to use will be
immensely helpful.
Essential Equipment:
The most basic piece of equipment is a computer with a word
processing software package installed. An Internet connection
and high-quality printer will also be useful. While today's
widespread Internet makes it possible to run a purely digital
resume writing service, it is still customary to provide quality
hard copies printed on elegant paper.
Income Potential:
$5,000 to $50,000
Working part time can produce a few thousand per year of extra
income with virtually no overhead. A full-time venture can bring
a very sizeable income.
Target Market:
Some of the situations you might encounter are: - People
entering the job market for the first time
- People who are
re-entering the job market after an absense (maternity, etc.)
- Professionals seeking an executive resume writing service to
move upward within the company
Tips for Success:
Offer free advice on your web site. Rather than "giving away"
advice, you are establishing yourself as an expert who has even
more to offer.
A resume writing service is not the type of business that has
many repeat customers. (Actually, a repeat customer in this
business is kind of a bad thing.) Don't expect a lot of repeat
customers, but do make it easy for your customers to refer their
job-seeking friends and family members. Your business depends on
word of mouth.
Training, Skills or Experience Needed:
A professional writing service is driven more by results and
marketing than a particular college degree. Becoming certified
by the Professional Association of Resume Writers (PARW) or the
National Resume Writers Association (NRWA) can help establish
your credentials.
Educate yourself by studying the resumes of current and past job
seekers. Search the web; they're easy to find. Look for examples
of the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly. This will be some
of the biggest help in preparing you to produce resumes from
scratch.
There are many books and online tutorials dedicated to what the
authors consider to be the best advice for writing a resume.
Read them all, connect the dots, and you will come away with a
realistic understanding of what employers seek in a resume.
Helpful Books or Trade Publications:
How to Start a Home-Based
Resume Business
Start Your Own Resume Writing Business
Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume
Writer