Is a Resume-Writing Service or a Resume Builder Better for You? It Depends on Your Needs

So, you’re on the hunt for a new job, and your resume isn’t quite up to speed. Writing a resume is hard work, and it’s one of the most important documents in your career. You know you need help writing it, but you're not sure whether you should go with a resume-writing service or a resume builder. 

Both work toward the same goal—a powerful resume that will get you noticed by recruiters. Given the fierce competition in today’s job market, you need a truly superb resume. How do you know whether to choose a resume-writing service or a resume builder? 

Let's take a look at what each one has to offer so you can make an informed decision. If you opt for a resume-writing service, consider our skilled team.

Resume-writing service

One reason to go with a professionally written resume is that it bolsters your chances of landing an interview by 31%, according to TheLadders.com. Since the entire purpose of a resume is to secure interviews, that’s a pretty compelling reason. 

If that's not enough, consider the expertise you’re getting for your investment. With years of experience and tons of resumes under its belt, a resume-writing service knows exactly how to craft this critical document to make you stand out from the competition. A professional writer is also up to date on the latest trends in the job market and can integrate their knowledge of what recruiters seek into your resume. 

For example, they will incorporate the right keywords so that your resume makes it through an applicant tracking system (ATS). This is a computer program that scans the resumes a company receives and filters out the ones it deems unworthy. In general, the algorithms make this decision based on how many keywords the resume features. Nearly every large and mid-sized company these days uses an ATS, so knowing how to get past these programs is essential.

When you collaborate with a professional service, you'll provide the writer with all the necessary information, such as your work history, unique skills, and the type of job you want. If you’re eyeing a particular opportunity, you can even show the writer the job posting and have them tailor your resume accordingly. The writer will take it from there and expertly incorporate these details to present you as a desirable candidate. They’ll take care of the editing and proofreading as well, handing you a polished resume that’s ready to go right away.

Resume builder

If you’re comfortable with modern resumes, including keyword optimization, and just want some help with structure, a resume builder may be a good fit for you. It is simply a tool, so you still need to have all the right knowledge to produce a high-quality resume. 

The ease of using an interactive automated tool can be an attractive option for those who already know what they’re doing. Resume builders feature templates that let you fill in your contact information, work history, education, and accomplishments, then take that data and generate your resume. You also answer a few questions during the process to help create your ideal resume in just a few steps. Of course, you can then freely edit anything you wish—a resume builder simply aids you in crafting a killer document.

Other benefits resume builders may offer include creating cover letters formatted to match the style of your resume, writing tips, and a choice of downloadable formats for the finished products, including PDF and Word. Word documents are generally a better idea because ATSs can sometimes have trouble deciphering PDF files.

In summary

Whether you choose a resume-writing service or a resume builder, it's critical to do your research. For example, if you go with a resume builder, pick one that has modern template options that work for your industry. If you opt for a resume-writing service, look for one that's reputable and also provides quality customer service and support. 

The bottom line is that if you're already knowledgeable about modern-day resumes and just need a little extra help, a resume builder will probably do just fine. However, if you need guidance and expertise, let a professional resume-writing service do the heavy lifting for you. In case you have any uncertainty about the resume creation process, this is a good option—think of it as an investment in your career. If you decide to go with the professional option, check out our resume-writing services.