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Work at Home Business - Resume Writing Service
What It Takes to Start a Resume Writing Service Home Business

From Ron Dicker, for About.com

(LifeWire) - Overview of this Business

All the templates and how-to books in the world can't automatically turn a job seeker into a resume writer. That's where a resume writing service comes in, creating that magical document highlighting a client's job experience and achievements, and explaining why that candidate should be chosen for an opening. A resume writing service can make a great work at home business, both for when times are hard to come by and when times are good and workers are looking to advance in their careers.

Resume writing fees for a work at home business often range between $100 and $400, according to resume-resource.com, a website designed to help job applicants write resumes and cover letters. Successful resume writers often interview the client or have the client fill out a questionnaire to get all the necessary information, plus develop a feel for personality strengths. Resume writing jobs range from a full writeup (many pros recommend one page but customers might request more, especially in high tech occupations) to tweaking an existing resume.

A resume writing service is a work at home business you can pursue part-time or full-time. Many resume writers promise quick turnaround -- some within hours -- to anxious customers willing to pay more for expedience. Resume packages often include a cover letter as well, and, on occasion, follow-up letters.

Pros of a Resume Writing Service Work at Home Business

  • Low startup costs.
  • The need for well-written resumes is pretty much economy-proof; workers are seeking advancement in good times and basic employment in bad times.
  • Many people cannot present themselves in a concise, illuminating form on paper -- that's where you come in.
  • No formal training is necessary, although a background in human relations or recruiting is a definite plus.
Cons of a Resume Writing Service Work at Home Business
  • Steady volume is needed to make a living, but you may branch out and offer other writing services along with your resume writing.
  • Resume writing is not as artistically satisfying as other writing pursuits.
  • There's lots of competition.
What You Need to Get Started in a Resume Writing Service Work at Home Business
  • Writing skills. Lean, punchy and correct get resumes read.
  • Good interviewing skills to assess your client's abilities
  • Business cards, fliers, advertising in print and online, and a website to promote yourself, as well as a well-written resume for yourself that can service as a model of your resume writing skills.
  • Additional presence online by writing how-to articles at career websites with a bio briefly mentioning your services (see the Article Marketing Guide).
  • A computer, good printer, CD burner, resume-quality stationery, templates, which you can create yourself, and an Internet connection

Resume Writing Service Work at Home Business: Real-Life Example

Jerry Bills owns Dr. Jerry, a resume service in Colorado Springs, Colo. He charges executives and senior managers $249 for a resume. The service includes an extensive interview and four-hour turnaround.

More Writing-Related Work at Home Businesses

Resume writing is also something that works well on a freelancing basis. See the Freelancing Guide for more information.

Internet-Related Business Ideas

8 Internet Business Ideas

LifeWire, a part of The New York Times Company, provides original and syndicated online lifestyle content. Ron Dicker is a New York-based freelance writer who covered sports for the New York Times from 1996 to 2005
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