TopResume is an executive resume writing service that claims to help professionals advance their careers. The company focuses specifically on executive-level resumes for leaders and aspiring executives across all industries. But is TopResume actually effective for executives? Let’s dive into the key factors to consider when evaluating if TopResume is a good choice for executive resume writing.
Background on TopResume
TopResume was founded in 2009 by career experts and executive recruiters. The company aims to help professionals stand out in competitive job markets by crafting resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and other career documents tailored to each client’s unique background and goals.
TopResume employs over 400 professional writers, most of whom have direct experience as recruiters or hiring managers. This gives them insider knowledge into what employers look for in executive candidate resumes. The TopResume team has prepared over 2 million job application documents to date.
The company offers resume writing services at three main levels:
– Career: For professionals with 1-4 years of experience ($199)
– Professional: For managers and seasoned professionals with 5-15 years of experience ($349)
– Executive: For directors, VPs, and C-suite leaders ($589)
Additional services include cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, and interview coaching and preparation.
TopResume Executive Resume Writing Process
The TopResume executive resume package includes working one-on-one with a certified executive writer through the following process:
– **Initial consultation:** Clients complete an intake form detailing their background, skills, achievements, career goals, target roles, and more. Clients then have a 45-60 minute phone call with their writer to further discuss career history and objectives.
– **Resume development:** The writer conducts additional research as needed on the client’s employment history, industry, ideal target roles, etc. They then apply their expertise to create a strategically branded, visually appealing resume tailored to the executive’s goals.
– **Feedback and revisions:** The client receives their new resume draft within 5 business days to review and provide feedback. The writer makes any requested revisions to ensure the client is fully satisfied.
– **Final files:** The client receives updated resume files in Word and PDF formats, along with a cover letter if purchased. All documents are designed to pass applicant tracking system (ATS) screening.
Executive Resume Examples
TopResume provides over 200 executive resume examples on their website. These anonymous samples provide potential clients with a sense of their style, branding, and caliber of work.
For instance, a Chief Information Officer resume example highlights experience with digital transformation, strategic planning, cybersecurity, and talent development. A Chief Marketing Officer example focuses on brand growth, campaign management, market research, and leveraging data.
These samples demonstrate how TopResume tailors each executive resume to the client’s precise career trajectory and professional strengths. The executive writers emphasize measurable achievements, leadership competencies, and concrete value delivered to employers.
TopResume’s Executive Resume Credentials
What qualifications does TopResume have for executive level resume writing specifically?
– **Certified Executive Resume Master:** This is an advanced certification held by writers who complete over 150 hours of training in executive career branding and messaging strategy. Only about 1% of TopResume writers achieve this elite status.
– **Robust executive experience:** Most TopResume executive writers have experience as senior leaders themselves, as well as working with executive recruiters and hiring managers. They understand necessary qualifications and language for leadership roles.
– **Member, Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches:** This association upholds standards and continuing education for professional resume writers. TopResume helped establish its training curriculum.
– **Career Directors International:** TopResume writers belong to this global network of over 4,000 executive coaches and resume experts. Members are committed to ongoing training and development.
Pricing
TopResume’s executive resume package costs $589. This includes:
– 45-60 minute consultation
– Professionally written executive resume
– Custom cover letter
– Thank you/follow-up letter
– Keyword optimization
– Graphic design and layout
– Formatting for applicant tracking systems
– 5 business day turnaround time
– Unlimited revisions
Additional options include LinkedIn profile optimization for $120 and interview coaching starting at $200 per hour.
These costs are in line with competitors in the executive service space. TopResume offers tiered packages based on level of experience, with executive services at the top end. Discounts are sometimes available as well.
Pros of TopResume for Executives
Here are some of the key advantages TopResume offers executive-level candidates:
– **Specialization in leadership roles:** TopResume focuses exclusively on professional and executive resumes, so they are highly tailored to senior management and C-suite positions.
– **Recruiter-guided approach:** With input from recruiters and hiring managers, TopResume optimizes resumes to pass initial screens and stand out from the executive applicant crowd.
– **Strategic career branding:** The executive writers are experts in strategically positioning each client’s experience, skills, and achievements in the best possible light.
– **ATS formatted:** Resumes are designed to make it through applicant tracking systems, using optimized keywords, proper nouns, legible fonts, and structured layouts.
– **Visually appealing:** TopResume utilizes creative designs, infographics, and layouts reflective of current industry trends to capture attention.
– **Convenient services:** In addition to resume writing, TopResume provides cover letters, LinkedIn help, and coaching for interview prep and salary negotiation.
Cons of TopResume for Executives
The potential drawbacks of using TopResume as an executive include:
– **Higher cost:** The $589 executive package is expensive compared to basic resume writing services, but still cost-effective compared to most executive writers.
– **Production timeline:** The 5+ business day turnaround may feel slow for executives in urgent need of an updated resume. However, most competitors have similar timelines.
– **Potential communication gaps:** With any resume service, miscommunications can happen between client and writer leading to required revisions. TopResume aims to minimize this through detailed consultations.
– **Impersonal experience:** Working with an assigned writer can feel less personal than working one-on-one with an independent local career coach. However, clients can request a writer switch if desired fit is not found.
TopResume Executive Resume Guarantee
One thing that sets TopResume apart is their satisfaction guarantee. Clients have a 60-day period after receiving their resume documents during which TopResume will:
– Make an unlimited number of revisions until the client is happy
– Either assign the client a new writer for a rewrite or provide a full refund if they are still not satisfied
Few competitors offer such a generous satisfaction window and revision policy. This allows executives to feel confident investing in TopResume knowing the company stands behind their work.
Conclusion
In summary, TopResume can be an excellent choice for executives and leaders seeking professional resume writing support. Their specialized executive packages, career branding approach, ATS resume optimization, and satisfaction guarantee provide notable value.
TopResume has demonstrated success specifically helping leaders across all industries land impactful executive interviews and career opportunities. Their credentials, expertise, and methodical process equip executives to stand out and accelerate their leadership trajectories.
For executives who can make the investment, partnering with a top-tier resume writing firm like TopResume is a smart move to maximize their career advancement potential in today’s ultra-competitive job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is TopResume best suited for?
TopResume is optimized for professionals at the executive level seeking to take their already accomplished career to the next stage. This includes leaders such as directors, vice presidents, c-suite executives, and aspiring top managers. Their executive packages are tailored for advanced strategic career positioning.
What types of professionals has TopResume worked with?
TopResume has experience serving leaders across all major industries. Some examples of executive client titles include:
– Chief Executive Officer
– Chief Operations Officer
– Chief Financial Officer
– Chief Marketing Officer
– Chief Technology Officer
– Chief Information Officer
– Chief Digital Officer
– Chief Human Resources Officer
– Chief Diversity Officer
– Vice President of Sales
– Vice President of Business Development
– Vice President of Engineering
– Vice President of Customer Success
– Director of IT
– Director of Marketing
– Director of Communications
What tangible results does TopResume offer executives?
TopResume aims to achieve the following concrete results for executives:
– Increased interviews and job offers
– Higher visibility among recruiters and hiring managers
– Strategically branded executive profile and career narrative
– Professionally designed and written resume formatted to pass ATS
– Improved confidence communicating experience and achievements
– Faster advancement to higher executive roles
– Higher salaries at new executive positions
How long does the TopResume executive process take?
Clients can expect the following timeline:
– 1 week for initial intake, consultation, and research
– 1 week for resume writing and first draft
– 1 week for client review and revisions
– Express turnaround available within 72 hours for additional fee
So most executive packages take 2-3 weeks total. Urgent orders can be expedited as well.
Can I get a refund if unsatisfied with my TopResume executive resume?
TopResume offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. If clients are not fully satisfied within 60 days of receiving their materials, TopResume will either rewrite the resume from scratch or offer a full refund. This allows executives to purchase with confidence in the service.
Comparisons to Other Executive Resume Services
How does TopResume compare to competitors specifically in the executive and leadership career space? Here is an overview:
| TopResume | iHire Executive Resume Writers | Let’s Eat, Grandma Resume Writing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $589+ | $699+ | $1,500+ |
| Years in Business | 12 years | 20+ years | 15 years |
| Specialization | Executive resumes | All levels | C-suite executive |
| Writers | 400+ | 75+ | Small team |
| Process | Consultation, writing, revisions | Questionnaire, resume draft, revisions | In-depth interview, iterative drafts |
| Delivery Time | 5 business days | 15 business days | 4+ weeks |
| Guarantee | 60 days | Not stated | 90 days |
As shown above, TopResume hits a sweet spot between turnaround time, price, experience level, and guarantee compared to select executive competitors. TopResume offers an advantage with their specialized executive writer expertise compared to broader services like iHire. They also provide faster turnaround compared to boutique shops like Let’s Eat, Grandma that offer intensive writer partnerships.
Conclusion
In closing, TopResume has built a strong reputation as an advantageous career partner specifically for executives and senior professionals. Their executive resume packages and related services deliver robust benefits for leaders seeking to level up their careers and earnings potential at this stage.
Through expert guidance tailored to each client’s goals, TopResume strives to showcase executives’ achievements in the best possible light. For those prepared to invest, TopResume’s offerings can fast-track executive job placement and career ascent.
