In the competitive landscape of the modern job market, executives need to stand out from the crowd to secure their dream roles. Crafting an exceptional executive resume that showcases skills, achievements, and leadership potential is crucial for career advancement. However, this task is complex and requires a profound understanding of hiring practices and the executive job market. For this reason, many professionals turn to an executive resume writing service to create a compelling and tailored resume that helps them secure highly coveted career opportunities.
This article will delve into the benefits of using executive resume writing services and present an editor’s choice of the top 5 executive resume writing service providers available. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these services can strategically position you for success and ultimately be a long-term investment in your career.
Benefits of Executive Resume Writing Service
Creating an exceptional executive resume is no ordinary task. It requires a deep understanding of the executive job market, hiring practices, and business success. Professional executive resume writers with decades of experience in resume writing and career marketing excel in this multifaceted endeavor.
The best executive resume writers know how to tailor your resume to attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. They have the ability to present information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner to enhance readability, thus maximizing your chances of landing interviews and job offers.
Besides, high-caliber C-suite resume writers have a lot of experience with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This is very important, since a lot of companies are using the ATS to filter resumes. With the help of professional writers, your resume will have a better chance of passing this process through effective keyword matching strategies.
All these factors, ultimately, play a significant role in helping you define and articulate your personal brand. Even if you have years of experience in your field, or have just decided to shift to a new job role, skilled professional resume writers can effectively showcase your skills and experiences. This allows you to stand out from your competitors, increasing your suitability for the new position.
Top 5 Executive Resume Writing Service Providers – Editor’s Choice
Career Steering
Founded by Rosa Elizabeth Vargas, a certified resume writer and career coach with extensive executive-level experience, Career Steering is our top pick for the best executive resume writing service providers. With over a decade of experience providing a boutique resume writing service for executives and board-level leaders, Career Steering offers personalized, one-on-one consulting and writing services.
One of the unique aspects of Career Steering is that they do not outsource their resume writing services. Clients work directly with Rosa herself, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored approach to resume building. The process involves an in-depth assessment, 60- to 90-minute strategy sessions, and careful resume branding. While the direct involvement guarantees quality, it also leads to a turnaround time of around four weeks or more.
Pros
- Work Directly with Rosa:
The advantage of working directly with Rosa Elizabeth Vargas cannot be overstated. Her expertise and insights as a certified resume writer and career coach can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of your executive resume.
- Comprehensive Approach:
Career Steering takes a holistic approach to resume writing, including graphics, LinkedIn profile optimization, and more. This comprehensive strategy helps executives build a strong personal brand and stand out in the competitive job market.
À La Carte Services: In addition to package offerings, Career Steering also provides à la carte resume writing services. This flexibility allows executives to choose specific services that align with their needs and budget.
Cons
- Four-Week Turnaround:
Since the team works directly with clients, the demand might lead to a longer turnaround time. Executives should be prepared for a wait of three to four weeks or more to receive the final copy of their resume.
- No Interview Guarantee:
Unlike some other services, Career Steering does not offer a guarantee of securing job interviews. However, their personalized approach and expert guidance greatly enhance the chances of success.
Jobscan
We’ve done a thorough review of Jobscan, and there is indeed a lot to talk about this company. One of the most crucial aspects of executive job hunting is optimizing your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Jobscan, a Seattle-based company, was founded with the vision of empowering job seekers to conquer ATS by providing an online keyword analysis tool. The founder’s personal experience with the challenges of online job searching led to the creation of this innovative tool.
Jobscan’s software is remarkably user-friendly. You can simply copy and paste your resume and the job posting into designated fields, and with the click of a button, you receive a comprehensive Scan Report. This report provides ATS-specific tips and insights, making it easier for you to tailor your resume to each employer’s preferences.
Pros
- ATS-Specific Tips:
Jobscan understands that different ATS have unique preferences and quirks. With over 75% of Fortune 500 companies using the top five ATS, including Workday, Taleo, SuccessFactors, Kenexa Brassing (IBM), and iCIMS, Jobscan provides valuable insights into conquering each specific system. This advantage enables job seekers to tailor their resumes precisely to match the requirements of the desired company.
- Recruiter Tips:
Recruiters and HR teams understand that ATS is not infallible and employ a range of criteria for candidate evaluation. Jobscan’s Recruiter Tips section provides essential insights into what human readers value most, including word count, measurable results, job level match, and words to avoid (negative keywords or overused buzzwords). This section empowers candidates to create resumes that appeal to both ATS and human readers.
- Resume Manager:
Jobscan’s Resume Manager streamlines the process of tailoring resumes for different but similar roles. The feature also displays a concise snapshot of hard and soft skills identified in the master resume, saving valuable time during the application process.
Cons
- The Emphasis on the Match Rate:
While having a high match rate is beneficial, Jobscan’s obsession with an 80% or higher match rate might not always be practical. Recruiters and HR representatives often choose a few specific keywords relevant to a particular job, which may not align with all of Jobscan’s suggested keywords. As a result, relying solely on the match rate might lead to overlooking critical keywords that recruiters are looking for.
- The Template Upsells:
While Jobscan’s ATS-friendly templates are undoubtedly helpful, they only address a part of the resume-building process. Resumes need more than just a good layout; they require compelling content and personalized branding to make you stand out as a top candidate. Therefore, solely relying on templates may not be sufficient to make your resume truly outstanding.
TopResume
When it comes to resume writing service companies, TopResume stands out as one of the largest and most distinguished players in the industry. With a team of over 1,500 professional writers, they have successfully assisted over 400,000 individuals in their career journeys.
One of the unique aspects of TopResume’s approach is its combination of human expertise with technology. The company utilizes feedback from resume-scanning software that filters applicants based on keywords, ensuring that the resumes they create effectively pass through the automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) as well as impress human recruiters.
The process at TopResume is efficient and collaborative. Certified resume writers work closely with each client, delivering the first draft of the resume within about a week. Clients have the opportunity to provide feedback to the writer for up to two rounds of revisions, ensuring that the final product is tailored to their specific needs.
Pros
- Top-tier Writers:
With Executive Priority, you are assigned a seasoned writer from the top 10 percent of TopResume’s network, ensuring high-quality content tailored to your needs.
- 60-day Interview Guarantee:
With the assurance of getting twice the number of interviews, clients can be confident in the efficacy of the service.
- LinkedIn Makeover:
As a bonus, clients receive a LinkedIn profile makeover, enhancing their online professional presence.
- Interview Coaching:
For those who reach the interview stage, TopResume offers a valuable interview coaching service called TopInterview.
- Free Resume Review:
This is one of the few websites that offer free resume reviews on the market. By uploading your current resume, you receive a comprehensive diagnostic report pinpointing areas for improvement. This feature instills confidence in users before committing to the paid service.
Cons
- Revisions:
The limitation of only one round of revisions might not be sufficient for some clients who desire further refinements. Providing more revision opportunities could enhance customer satisfaction.
- Money-Back Guarantee:
While TopResume offers a 60-day interview guarantee, they do not provide a refund, only a revision. The details regarding any additional charges for continued dissatisfaction are not entirely clear on their website.
- Communication Fees:
While the company encourages open communication with assigned writers during the resume writing process, clients may incur unspecified fees if they prefer phone conversations instead of emails.
ZipJob Executive Resume Writing Service
ZipJob holds a prominent place in the executive resume writing service industry, and for good reason. Founded in 2017 by Michael Krikheli, this service was created to address the issue of automated resume screeners filtering out qualified candidates. ZipJob focuses on crafting keyword-optimized resumes that are more likely to reach the hands of real recruiters.
The process with ZipJob begins with users either uploading their existing resume or answering a series of questions to create one from scratch. A dedicated writer is then assigned to each client, ensuring that the resume highlights their skills and career goals effectively. Throughout the process, writers maintain continuous communication with clients, seeking clarification and insights to create a personalized resume.
ZipJob takes pride in its resume optimization process, claiming that its clients experience two to three times more interviews. To back this claim, the service offers a 60-day interview guarantee and promises a free resume rewrite if the expected results are not achieved within the given timeframe.
Pros
- Personalized Service:
ZipJob offers a high-touch approach to executive resume writing, ensuring that your unique skills and accomplishments are effectively showcased. The personalized service helps to create a resume tailored to your specific career goals.
- Unlimited Revisions:
After an initial phone consultation, ZipJob delivers an initial draft within five to seven days. Clients are then allowed unlimited revisions, allowing them to fine-tune the resume until they are fully satisfied with the final result.
- Additional Services Included:
The service goes above and beyond by offering three additional services at no extra cost: tailored cover letters and LinkedIn profile optimization, as well as a post-interview thank-you letter. These valuable additions add to the overall worth of the ZipJob package.
- Guaranteed Interviews:
ZipJob confidently guarantees that its optimized resumes will generate two to three times more interviews for clients. If this result is not achieved, the service offers a free rewrite of the resume to improve its performance.
Cons
- Design and Format Issues:
Some clients have reported difficulties reading the resume due to design and format concerns. While the content is vital, a visually appealing resume is equally important in capturing the recruiter’s attention.
- Poorly Formatted Education and Training Sections:
Education and training details are crucial aspects of an executive resume, but they are poorly formatted in some cases. Any formatting issues in this section might hinder the resume’s overall effectiveness.
- Limited Money-Back Guarantee:
ZipJob’s guarantee focuses on providing revisions based on the types of positions clients are applying to, rather than offering a traditional money-back guarantee. While unlimited revisions are available, a clearer refund policy would offer more reassurance to potential clients.
ResumeSpice
When it comes to finding a good resume writing service for executives, ResumeSpice stands head and shoulders above the competition. According to Trustpilot ratings, ResumeSpice is the #1 ranked resume writing and career coaching service.
ResumeSpice was founded by recruiters who possess a deep understanding of what human resources personnel, talent acquisition specialists, and hiring managers seek in a resume. They cater to job seekers from diverse industries, functions, and career levels, including those eyeing C-suite, upper management, and high-paying ($125k+) roles.
Pros
- High-Quality and Timely Service:
At ResumeSpice, a strong commitment to creating high-quality resumes promptly sets them apart. Once you purchase their executive resume writing service, you’ll have a consultation with a resume expert to discuss your background and career goals. Within just two business days of the phone consultation, you’ll receive the first draft of your resume – a faster turnaround than many other providers offer.
- Comprehensive Career Assistance:
Beyond executive resume writing, ResumeSpice offers a range of additional services to bolster your career prospects. These include resume and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, interview preparation sessions, and career coaching. With ResumeSpice, you’ll have a valuable resource to guide your career moves.
- Guaranteed Interviews:
ResumeSpice backs their work with a 60-day guarantee. If you do not secure any interviews within 60 days of receiving your final resume, they will redo it for free, provided you have submitted the resume to at least 15 different companies. This guarantee showcases their confidence in the quality of their services.
Cons
Unlike some other providers, ResumeSpice doesn’t offer package deals for bundling multiple services. This might be a drawback for executives seeking comprehensive assistance beyond resume writing.
Bottom Line
In the competitive world of executive job hunting, having a compelling and tailored resume is essential to stand out from the crowd. A well-crafted resume can open doors to better opportunities, higher salaries, and faster job searches. To maximize your chances of success, consider these top executive resume writing services and take the next step towards career advancement. Remember that investing in a professionally crafted executive resume is an investment in your future success. Choose wisely, and let the doors of executive excellence swing wide open!
