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Best Executive Resume Writing Services

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Executive resume writing services can help professionals land top-salary positions with a resume, cover letter, and personal branding package targeted to their skills and goals. Most are run by former executives or recruiters who know exactly what it takes to compete in the upper echelons of the executive world.    

According to professional resume writer Mary Elizabeth Bradford, only 10% of executive positions in the $300K+ range are advertised online. A laser-targeted resume and a well-polished executive bio can help an executive get discovered by recruiters and headhunters, giving them a leg up on the competition.

We reviewed over a dozen executive resume writing services and chose the best based on experience, personalized service, career support, cost, and more. Here are our top picks. 

The 7 Best Executive Resume Writing Services

Best Overall : Career Steering


Career Steering

 Career Steering

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Work directly with Rosa

  • Comprehensive approach with graphics, LinkedIn, etc.

  • À la carte resume service

Cons
  • Four-week turnaround, or more

  • No interview guarantee

Why We Chose It

Career Steering was founded in the early 2000s by Rosa Elizabeth Vargas, a certified resume writer and career coach with a background as a senior-level executive. For over 10 years, the company has been providing boutique resume writing services for C-suite executives, general counsels, and board-level leaders. We chose it as the best overall because it offers personalized, one-on-one resume consulting and writing as well as career branding.

Every resume is written by Rosa herself with editing, research, and preliminary preparation done by one of her certified, executive resume writing assistants.

Clients start by choosing an executive resume service package, then email their career documents (resume, cover letters, LinkedIn profile, etc.) and fill out an executive career assessment. From there, Career Steering schedules a 60- to 90-minute writing session to map the resume branding strategy by phone, Skype, or Zoom. 

Because clients work directly with Rosa, the turnaround time for a completed resume is four plus weeks with back-and-forth consultation as needed. Career Steering’s most basic package includes a resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile optimized for search.

In addition to the packages listed below, Career Steering also offers à la carte resume writing services that include a one-hour resume branding phone session, resume branding and value proposition, career assessment personal branding questionnaire, and two rounds of edits and edit phone calls, all for $1,695.

Package Cost Features
180° Career Acceleration Executive Branding $2,295 Branded executive resume with custom graphics (3 formats: Word, PDF, and ASCII), LinkedIn profile and SEO optimization,
Job-focused cover letter (2 formats: Word and ASCII),
Job search handouts
270° Brand Reputation Executive Branding $2,795 All 180° Career Acceleration Executive Branding Package features,
Modern bio with custom graphics (3 formats: Word, PDF, and ASCII)
360° Career Steering Executive Branding $3,995 All 270° Brand Reputation Executive Branding Package features, LinkedIn development and SEO optimization,
Customized LinkedIn background,
Distribution to recruiters and venture capital,
Networking resume or personal branding video,
Thank-you letter,
Unlimited email communications

Runner-Up, Best Overall : The Writing Guru


The Writing Guru

 The Writing Guru

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Plenty of experience writing resumes

  • Focused on senior attorneys, executives, and board leaders

  • Plenty of coaching and consulting time

Cons
  • Turnaround time can be relatively long

  • Relatively expensive

Why We Chose It

The Writing Guru was founded in 2010 by Wendi Weiner, a professional writer with a long career as a college professor and lawyer. Wendi is recognized as a top executive resume writer and has been published in major media outlets including HuffPost, Forbes, and Thrive Global. We chose The Writing Guru as our runner-up because it offers the most one-on-one time with each client.

The Writing Guru focuses its services on senior attorneys (general counsels), senior executives, and C-suite/board leaders. Wendi handles each project from beginning to end and doesn’t outsource any work to a subcontractor or another writer. Projects typically take over 15 to 20 hours and include more than three hours of coaching and consulting.

Using an existing resume review, an extensive questionnaire, and a one-hour interview process, Wendi digs in to craft a resume tailored to the career objectives and experience of each client and a detailed cover letter that emphasizes their credentials and accomplishments. Wendi updates her clients on the progress of their resumes and will ask additional questions and request more information on follow-up calls if needed.    

The Writing Guru offers tiered packages focused on the type of professional served. Due to the focus and attention Wendi gives to each client, the typical turnaround for a resume and cover letter package is 14 to 21 days.

C-Suite, General Counsel, BOD, International Execs

Package Cost Features
Standard Resume Package $2,695 Executive resume (includes two rounds of revisions),
Unlimited email support (after the project is complete),
Master cover letter,
Pre- and post-strategy calls
Premium Branding $3,595 All Standard Resume Package features,
Full LinkedIn profile makeover and strategy call
Premium Branding Plus Bio $4,995 All Premium Resume Package features,
C-Suite/Board Bio
Ultimate Branding $8,495 All Premium Branding Package features,
Thank you letter,
Networking e-note letters,
One-page networking resume and interview coaching call

Senior Executives, Executive Managers, Business Leaders

Package Cost Features
Standard Resume $2,395 Executive resume (includes two rounds of revisions),
Unlimited email support (after the project is complete),
Master cover letter,
Pre- and post-strategy calls
Premium Branding $3,095 All Standard Resume Package features,
Full LinkedIn profile makeover and strategy call
Premium Branding Plus Bio $4,195 All Premium Resume Package features,
C-Suite/Board Bio
Ultimate VIP Branding $7,895 All Premium Branding Package features,
Thank you letter,
Networking e-note letters,
One-page networking resume and interview coaching call

Best Customer Service : TopResume


TopResume

 TopResume

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Relatively simple signup process

  • Inexpensive (lowest package is $149)

  • Quick response

  • Attentive resume writer and clear communications

Cons
  • The length of the Summary and Job Scope sections on our resume was rather long

  • The Training section wasn’t highlighted enough

Why We Chose It

Founded in 2014, TopResume boasts a network of over 1,200 writers, certified career coaches, recruiters, and experienced hiring professionals with experience in over 65 industries. We chose it as the best customer service because it offers a free resume review and a free rewrite of resumes it creates that don’t generate twice the number of job interviews.   

TopResume uses a unique approach to the resume writing process, combining the knowledge of its resume writers with feedback from resume-scanning software that filters applicants based on keywords. This dual approach ensures that resumes created by the company satisfy both humans and the machines that sift through resumes before passing them on.

TopResume’s certified resume writers collaborate with each client to deliver the first draft of a resume within about a week. Clients have another week to offer feedback to the writer and receive up to two rounds of revisions. The entire process normally takes one to two weeks.  

In addition to its paid resume writing services, TopResume lets users upload a copy of their resume for a free review that includes feedback on the layout, how the resume communicates skills and expertise, and personalized recommendations for improvement. The company will also rewrite a client’s resume if it doesn’t double the number of interviews within 60 days. 

Package Cost Features
Professional Growth $149 Professionally written resume
Career Evolution $219 Professionally written resume,
Custom cover letter,
Sixty-day interview guarantee
Executive Priority $349 All Career Evolution Package features,
LinkedIn makeover

Best for Experienced Executives : Briefcase Coach


Briefcase Coach

 Briefcase Coach

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Experienced resume writer

  • Job search assistance

  • Turnaround time: 7 business days

Cons
  • Short consultations in lower-tier packages

  • No LinkedIn branding in lower-tier packages

Why We Chose It

Briefcase Coach is the creation of Sarah Johnston, a former corporate recruiter and development professional who has helped executives move up the ladder with professional resumes and career coaching. We chose Briefcase Coach as the best for experienced executives because it offers tiered resume writing packages based on the needs of each client.

Although Briefcase Coach also offers resume writing services for graduates and non-executive professionals, its experience in the latest trends of the recruitment process and applicant tracking system (ATS) software allow it to offer executives support in branding, networking, and interviewing as well as resume writing.

Briefcase Coach clients start with a 60 to 90-minute intake and strategy interview with Sarah where she works to understand each client’s strengths, goals, and achievements. From there, she crafts a custom resume from scratch, typically spending an average of 12 to 20 hours per resume. Turnaround time from consultation to final draft is typically seven business days. 

In addition to resume and cover letter writing, Briefcase Coach also helps executives improve their skills in networking, personal outreach, navigating LinkedIn, and even handling job searches and interviews.        

Beyond the executive resume writing packages offered below, Briefcase Coach also offers à la carte pricing with an executive resume as a standalone product starting at $1,300.

Package Cost Features
Compact Briefcase $1,500+ 60-90 minute consultation,
Custom resume,
Custom cover letter
Portfolio Briefcase $2,000+ Two 30-minute job search coaching calls,
One-hour interview coaching call,
Executive bio,
Email and text support
Attache $2,799+ LinkedIn profile branding,
One-hour mock interview (recorded),
Thirty minutes of LinkedIn training,
Email and text support

Best for ATS Software : ZipJob


ZipJob

 ZipJob

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Easy signup process

  • Insightful testimonials on their website

  • Resume’s Skills area contained strong keywords

  • Resume draft was delivered on time

Cons
  • Design and format made reading the resume difficult

  • Education and Training sections were poorly formatted

Why We Chose It

After learning that his wife’s resume was being filtered out by automated resume screeners, Michael Krikheli created ZipJob in 2017 to help job seekers build resumes that make it through the filters to real recruiters. We chose it as the best for ATS software because it focuses on creating keyword-optimized resumes that will land more interviews.

ZipJob asks users to either upload an existing resume or answer some questions to create one from scratch. From there, a dedicated writer works with each client to build a properly formatted resume that highlights their skills and goals. Writers communicate with their clients through the entire process, asking questions and getting clarification along the way.          

All of ZipJob’s resume writers are experienced in resume keyword optimization to ensure that every resume has the best chance of being scanned and accepted by automated screeners. Once a resume is written, the writer will scan it through ATS software and adjust it as needed. 

ZipJob claims that its optimized resumes get their clients two to three times more interviews. It backs this up with a 60-day interview guarantee and will offer a free rewrite of a client’s resume if it doesn't generate more interviews after 60 days. 

ZipJob  offers three packages:

Package Cost Features
Launch $139 A professionally written resume from an experienced writer,
Keyword optimization to pass ATS scanning software,
1-on-1 communication with your writer
Fast Track $189 Everything from Launch plus,
Cover letter,
60-Day interview guarantee
Premium $299 Everything from Fast Track,
LinkedIn update,
Expedited delivery

Best for C-Suite Executives : CEO Resume Writer


Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Experienced resume writer

  • Comprehensive service

Cons
  • Only higher-tier packages include consults with Mary Elizabeth

Why We Chose It

Having built a successful recruiting business in the 1990s, Mary Elizabeth Bradford launched her personal brand in 2008 and more recently rebranded to CEO Resume Writer. Today, her team of certified resume writers offers boutique resume writing services to executives across the globe. We chose it as the best for C-suite executives because it helps them make high-level career transitions with professional resumes, personal branding, networking, and more.

CEO Resume Writer offers directors, VPs, CxOs, and board members both executive resume packages and the option of working directly with Mary Elizabeth herself. In addition to providing its clients with resumes, the company also helps them find a clear focus of direction and lock down some concrete strategies for reaching their career goals.

Clients who choose one of CEO Resume Writer's lower-tier executive resume packages won’t be working with Mary Elizabeth herself, but with one of her certified executive resume writers and coaches. All packages include a resume, a value proposition letter, digital storage, an executive thank-you letter, and three of Mary Elizabeth Bradford’s bestselling Career Artisan guidebooks.    

CEO Resume Writer's VIP packages are for high-earning executives looking for private coaching during executive transitions. Many corporations and private equity firms also use these services to outplace their top executives. 

CEO Resume Writer offers multiple packages ranging from one-on-one consulting with Mary Elizabeth to working with her team of certified executive resume writers. The company also offers à la carte “resume only” services for $2,597.

Package Cost Features
Executive Resume $2,597 Executive resume
Value proposition letter
Digital storage
Executive thank you letter template
Three Career Artisan guidebooks
VIP Premium $3,979 Executive resume,
Two value proposition letters,
Digital storage,
Executive thank you letter template,
LinkedIn profile design and optimization,
Executive recruiter distribution,
Thirty-minute Power Coaching session,
The Job Search Success System  
VIP Board of Directors Resume $4,397 Executive resume written specifically for BOD roles,
Value proposition letter,
Digital storage,
Executive thank-you letter template,
LinkedIn Profile design and optimization,
Executive recruiter distribution,
Board of Directors special report and tip sheet,
Executive biography   
VIP Executive $5,979 
Executive resume
Second one-page networking resume
Three customized value proposition letters
Digital storage
Executive thank you letter template
Reference testimonials
LinkedIn profile design and optimization   
VIP Platinum In-Person Coaching Program $11,997 Private strategy coaching session (two and a half hours, live or via phone),
Email access to Mary Elizabeth Bradford for six months,
One 20-minute phone call every other week

Best Value : Capstone Resume Services


Capstone

 Capstone

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Relatively inexpensive

  • Add-on services like cover letters and LinkedIn profile updates

  • Fast turnaround times

Cons
  • No interview guarantee

Why We Chose It

Capstone Resume Services was created by Amy Gies who has written resumes for and coached over 7,000 clients worldwide. The company offers one-on-one consultation to ensure that its clients’ resumes match their target jobs. We chose it as the best value since it offers basic and affordable resume writing with add-on services to suit the needs of any client.

Rather than starting with a questionnaire like many other services do, Capstone offers each client a one-on-one personal consultation to discuss career goals, work experience, and achievements. From there, a certified professional resume writer will work to create a custom, targeted, keyword-optimized resume that will get the attention of ATS, hiring managers, and recruiters.

Rather than offering tiered pricing packages, Capstone keeps things simple and relatively affordable. Clients can choose to start with just a consultation and resume and add cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, resume distribution, and executive bios. The typical turnaround time for an executive resume is three to four business days and includes two revisions if necessary.

Package Cost Features
Executive Resume  $449 Personal resume consultation
Delivery within three to four business days of consultation (two revisions included)
Deliverable documents in editable Microsoft Word and PDF formats
Add-on Services  Add cover letter ($65),
Add LinkedIn profile ($249),
LinkedIn profile and cover letter ($259),
Resume distribution service ($249),
Executive biography ($349)

Compare Services

Service Cost
Career Steering Best Overall $2,295–$3,995
The Writing Guru Runner-Up, Best Overall $2,395–$7,895
TopResume Best Customer Service $149–$349
Briefcase Coach Best for Experienced Executives $1,500–$2,799+
ZipJob Best for ATS Software $139–$299
CEO Resume Writer Best for C-Suite Executives $2,597–$11,997
Capstone Resume Services Best Value $449+

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Resume Writing Services?

Resume writing services help job seekers craft a resume, cover letter, and sometimes LinkedIn profile that showcases their skills and helps them stand out above the competition. Since most resumes are filtered by automated resume screeners, known as applicant tracking systems (ATS), good resume writers also ensure the documents they create make it through to an actual person.     

Ideally, resume writing services should be run and staffed by certified resume writers who understand exactly what employers and recruiters are looking for with any given profession or job title. This in-depth knowledge allows resume writers to help an executive climb the ranks of the C-suite.  

How Do Resume Writing Services Work for Executives?

Executive resume writers start with a detailed interview process and questionnaire to understand every skill, accomplishment, and goal of an executive looking for a new position. From there, they build a professional resume targeted to the client’s career goals to help them rise above the competition and land more interviews.  

How Much Do Executive Resume Writing Services Cost?

Due to the level of expertise required, executive resume writing services can be considerably more expensive than other resume writing services. Competition at the top can be fierce, so writers who get results often work one-on-one with a limited number of clients to create truly customized and targeted resumes that will catch the eye of key decision-makers. 

Many of the services we reviewed offered specialized, executive-level resume writing packages for a one-time fee between $1,350 and $11,997. These packages include a one-on-one interview with either the company owner or a certified resume writer, a cover letter, some level of career consultation, and email support for three to six months. Higher-tier packages tend to offer a LinkedIn profile rewrite, a professional bio, and even resume distribution to executive recruiters. 

Is Using a Resume Writing Service Worth It?

Although many top executive positions aren’t advertised or only advertised internally within a company, a professionally crafted resume can help executives apply to their dream companies and possibly edge out the internal competition. What’s more, a keyword-optimized resume and LinkedIn profile can help executives get discovered by headhunters and hiring managers.

How We Chose the Best Executive Resume Writing Services

We looked at over a dozen executive resume writing services for this review. At the top of our list were firms with extensive experience and a long track record of success. Services that offered one-on-one consultation with the business owner also caught our eye since that kind of personalized relationship can result in the most targeted and customized resume.

We also looked at providers that offered additional services, including optimizing LinkedIn profiles, writing executive bios, distributing resumes to recruiters, and career counseling. Finally, we looked at executive resume writing services that paired best practices with technology to ensure every resume makes it through ATS software to a real decision-maker.

The success of an executive staying in their current role or climbing through the ranks of the C-suite can rest on the quality of their resume and online profile. Since a new executive position can result in a $5,000 to $100,000 salary increase, paying a professional resume writer who knows the ins and outs of executive hiring can be the best investment of an executive’s career.

Businesswoman Interviewing Candidate In Office

 

Ngampol Thongsai / Getty Images

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