In today’s competitive job market, having a strong resume is more important than ever. With so many qualified applicants applying for every open position, you need your resume to stand out from the crowd. This has led many job seekers to consider hiring a professional resume writer, especially one who specializes in creating LinkedIn profiles. But are LinkedIn resume writers really worth the investment? There are pros and cons to weigh when deciding if you should pay someone to optimize your LinkedIn profile and resume.
The benefits of hiring a LinkedIn resume writer
Here are some of the potential advantages of working with a LinkedIn resume writing service:
They understand the LinkedIn platform
LinkedIn has unique features and algorithms that differ from a standard resume. Resume writers who specialize in LinkedIn profiles know how to optimize them for maximum visibility and exposure in LinkedIn searches. They understand what keywords and sections will make you pop up more frequently in recruiters’ searches.
They create an ATS-friendly resume
Many large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human recruiter ever sees them. A LinkedIn resume service will ensure your resume is formatted properly so it can make it through the ATS screening process. This improves your chances of progressing to the next stage.
They know what makes a profile stand out
Experienced LinkedIn resume writers are familiar with the small details that make a profile really shine, from the profile photo and headline to the summary section and experience descriptions. They can ensure your profile looks visually appealing and compelling.
They have time to customize content
Crafting a new resume tailored specifically to each job takes a significant time investment. Hiring a writer allows you to spend your time on other priorities while they handle optimizing your profile.
They stay up-to-date on trends
The LinkedIn platform and hiring best practices are constantly evolving. Resume writers make it their business to stay on top of the latest profile updates and trends, ensuring your profile leverages the most cutting-edge strategies.
The potential drawbacks of LinkedIn resume writers
However, there are also some possible downsides to hiring a LinkedIn resume service:
It can be expensive
LinkedIn resume writing services range widely in price, but hiring a professional service can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000 or more. For some job seekers, this high price tag may not fit within their budgets.
It may not feel personalized
When you work with a resume writer who handles many different clients, your profile may end up looking very similar to other profiles they have written. It may not capture your unique personality and strengths.
You lose control over the process
When you hand your profile over to a writer, it involves trusting their judgment on how to best present your background. You have less control over how your skills are described compared to writing it yourself.
It requires sharing personal details
To write an effective profile, the resume writer will need to know private information about your work history, skills, education, etc. Not everyone feels comfortable sharing these details.
The writer may not understand your field
Unless you hire a niche writer familiar with your specific industry, they may not tailor the profile using appropriate keywords and terminology for your field.
Key factors to consider
When weighing whether to invest in a LinkedIn resume service, here are some important things to consider:
Your budget
What is your price range for this service? Costs vary widely, so decide what you can reasonably afford.
Your industry and job type
Do you work in a competitive, fast-moving industry like tech where a polished online presence is crucial? Or a more traditional field where in-person networking is still key?
Your LinkedIn activity level
How actively do you use LinkedIn to network and apply to jobs? If it’s your main job search platform, optimizing your profile is a smarter investment.
Your comfort delegating
Do you like maintaining control over your self-presentation? Or are you open to letting an expert handle the process?
Your resume’s current state
If your profile is badly in need of updating, hiring a writer may make sense. But if your current resume is already solid, you may not gain as much value from the service.
Questions to ask LinkedIn resume writers
To find the right resume writer for your needs, come prepared to ask potential freelancers or services some key questions:
What is your experience specifically with LinkedIn profiles?
Look for writers who focus exclusively on LinkedIn versus general resume writers. You want someone who lives and breathes LinkedIn every day.
May I see some LinkedIn profiles you’ve written?
Ask to view examples that are similar in profession and industry to yours to assess their work.
How do you keep up with LinkedIn profile best practices?
Do they proactively take training classes and courses? Read industry articles and blogs? Their process for staying current matters.
What differentiates your LinkedIn profiles?
Every writer will say they create great profiles, but try to get specifics on what exactly makes their work stand out from competitors.
Can you provide references from past LinkedIn clients?
Reputable writers should be able to easily supply references and testimonials from satisfied customers they’ve worked with.
How much do LinkedIn resume writers charge?
LinkedIn profile writing services have a wide range of fee structures and packages. Some options to expect:
Flat rate resume package:
A one-time fixed fee for creating your profile, often ranging from $100-$500.
Monthly retainer model:
Ongoing access to the writer for continued profile updates and adjustments, typically $100-$300 per month.
Resume rewrite and LinkedIn bundle:
Combines resume and LinkedIn writing services, commonly $300-$800.
A la carte offerings:
Some freelancers charge by the hour or offer add-ons like LinkedIn profile photo design, customized edits, or rush delivery fees.
As with any service, you often get what you pay for. Higher priced writers typically have more experience and provide more personalized attention.
How to get the most value
To maximize your return on investment, here are tips for getting the most mileage out of working with a LinkedIn pro resume writer:
Come prepared:
Provide them plenty of material to work with including your current resume, job descriptions, skills, accomplishments, etc.
Communicate your goals:
Be clear about your target job titles and employers. The writer needs this insight to make appropriate keyword and branding decisions.
Participate in the process:
Engage in an ongoing dialogue and provide feedback on drafts. This allows you to steer the direction and have input.
Mind the follow-through:
Update your resume and apply to jobs promptly. Don’t let their work go to waste by letting your profile stagnate.
Review the results:
Measure your LinkedIn profile analytics like views and follower growth. If they don’t improve, request revisions.
Stay active:
Continue to nurture your LinkedIn presence after the initial writing is complete to maximize the opportunities the platform provides.
Alternatives to hiring a pro
If hiring a professional LinkedIn resume writer doesn’t make sense for you right now, consider some alternative options:
LinkedIn’s free resume builder:
LinkedIn offers a DIY resume builder template as part of your account. It aggregates info from your profile into resume format.
Enlist a friend’s help:
Ask a professional colleague or friend with strong writing skills to provide feedback on your profile.
Use resume writing software:
Some software like Novoresume, Resume Genius, or Resume.com offers step-by-step resume building wizards.
Take a LinkedIn class:
LinkedIn Learning has many courses on optimizing your presence and using LinkedIn features.
Hire an affordable freelancer:
Search sites like Fiverr and Upwork for freelance profile writers if you want help on a budget.
The bottom line
Here are the key takeaways on whether paying for LinkedIn profile help is worthwhile:
– It’s a smart investment if you’re in a competitive industry where LinkedIn is key to networking and recruiting.
– To get the full value, vet writers carefully and communicate your goals clearly.
– It may not be worth the cost if your current profile is decent and LinkedIn isn’t integral to your field.
– Alternatives like DIY tools or an editor friend can work if budgets are tight.
– Continually maintaining and updating your profile is critical for ongoing results.
The best approach depends on your unique priorities, needs, and financial situation. With the right LinkedIn resume writer, you can cut through the noise and present your strongest professional self to stand out among the crowd of applicants. But you want to balance the benefits with the costs to make the smartest decision for advancing your career.
