So, you’re researching how to become a resume writer and you’re not sure if this business is right for you.
Am I right?
Maybe you’ve written resumes for friends, family members, and now, you’re looking for a side-gig or a business you can run from home.
In this post, we’ll outline how to get started on your journey to becoming a resume writer.
We’ll answer questions, such as:
- Do you need any formal training?
- What about resume writing courses?
And, we’ll even talk about whether you can make a decent living with this specialized writing skill and we’ll cover where resume writers get most of their clients.
Let’s get started.
Do You Need Formal Training to Write Resumes?
You can learn all about the intricacies of writing resumes if you’re determined to do so.
After all, many resume writers were born in the 1990s, when there was only one formal resume writing organization at that time.
The libraries and bookstores were little help in those days to those seeking guidance on the subject.
Fast forward, and everything is different now. We have access to:
- Published Award-Winning Resumes
- Resume Templates & Examples
- Multiple Industry Organizations
Here at ResumeBiz.com, we offer video training and weekly resume writing tips to our members. Be sure to check those out.
Our members are busy, so we intentionally produce tips that incrementally improve our member’s writing skills, without them being “thrown into the deep end” to drown in too much information.
What about certifications?
Just as with any specialization, there are certification programs for resume writers.
Although there are several training programs online, the primary go-tos for a certification continue to be the PARW/CC, NRWA, and Resume Writers’ Academy.
One of the biggest challenges IMHO to becoming certified is the cost.
Resume writing certifications can range from a few hundred to a few thousand, which makes it a barrier to entry for some.
What About Resume Writing Courses?
Access to information is generally easy if you know where to look.
Gaining access to free and low-cost resume writing courses can be found by scanning online tools, such as Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera.
Fleshed out courses expose you to a multitude of resume topics, including:
- Types of resume formats
- Writing strategies to overcome job-hopping/career gaps
- How to write better resume copy
- Differences between CVs and resumes
- Resumes strategies for new grads to executives
- Complying with ATS
- Writing for all types of jobs
Could you still learn resume writing without a formal course?
Absolutely. It’s called trial by fire, which tests your writing abilities under the pressure of working with a client.
This may be ideal for you.
Maybe you’re one of those folks who love the pressure and produce some of your best results in that environment.
If you are, the “learn as you go” model can work.
Can You Make a Living Doing This?
I’m about to give you a non-answer: maybe.
I’m sorry. I know you’re looking for a BIG FAT YES.
However, the truth is to be successful, you need to be skilled, driven, and motivated, and have the stamina.
As with any business, building one takes time, which some people don’t have the patience for.
You must focus on improving your mind, which is another key factor in ensuring your success. The most successful business professionals in the world will tell you that continued learning has been the key to their success. You must be a lifelong learner to be successful in any business.
If you’re generally a high-achiever in your professional and personal life, then congratulations. You have a better chance of success than most.
Where Do Resume Writers Get Clients?
The most obvious is the website. However, there’s a new trend of resume writers that are drawing clients from one platform.
For example, resume writers who set up and “farm” their LinkedIn profiles are finding that to be a profitable way of attracting new business.
There are many resume writers with just YouTube channels or Pinterest accounts, who have found ways to sidestep the traditional ways that others have used to attract business in the past.
Of course, there are other channels worth looking into. For example, Facebook, LinkedIn ProFinder, and Twitter. And, let’s not forget your local market, so holding monthly coaching sessions at your local library is a great way of getting your services in front of potential buyers.
For less seasoned resume writers, sites such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Scripted are worth a look. The one pitfall to sites like these however is that the pay isn’t great. It’s best to use these sites to gain experience, but make it your mission to move away from them as quickly as possible.
