20 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Resume Writer

A good resume writer can make all the difference in your job search, helping you to hear back from employers more often and land more interviews. Yet, to get such a result, you need to choose trusted and reliable resume writing services. The simplest thing to do that is by asking the right questions.

Keep reading for a list of questions to ask a resume writer to get a truly helpful document that generates interviews.

A well-written and formatted resume is your ticket to a job interview. On the other hand, a resume done by a poorly qualified writer or low-end resume writing services can jeopardize your chance for a role.

By asking the right questions, you can evaluate the writer's qualifications and expertise. Say, as a technology specialist, you want to work with a professional resume writer who knows the peculiarities of IT recruitment and has written tech resumes before.

You might also wonder about the strategy the writer will use to help you stand out from the competition. It will give you confidence that you'll get a great product for your money.

Questions will help you understand how long the resume writing process takes and how you'll collaborate with your writer. If you have concerns about working with resume writing services, ask them questions before you start working with them. The best writers will be more than happy to answer!

Do you know that many companies receive 200+ resumes for each job position? If you are not sure that your resume can withstand such a competition, working with an executive resume writer is the best solution.

But how do you feel confident about the expert? How do you make sure that they can deliver a powerful resume that helps your career? Ask these questions first!

1. What Is Your Experience Writing Resumes in My Industry?

You want to work with a professional resume writer who knows the ins and outs of recruitment in your field. Ask the writer if they offered resume writing or career coaching services to professionals in your industry before. It's best to work with a professional who was a recruiter in your industry or wrote resumes for it before.

2. Can You Share Resume Samples Similar to My Background?

Many resume writing services post samples. Yet, make sure to request examples for your specific industry. These samples will help you evaluate the quality and the writing style the company provides. Pay attention to the document structure, length, and keywords. If you're interested in cover letter writing, request letter samples as well.

3. How Do You Approach Clients with Career Gaps or Unusual Paths?

Not all of us have linear career history. Employment gaps, switching industries, and irrelevant experience can affect your chance of landing an interview. So, ask a professional resume writer how they can address these issues from your career in a document and how they will downplay your year off work, for example. Thus, you'll receive a more helpful document for your job search.

4. Whatâs Your Process for Understanding My Goals?

Before the writer starts working on your resume, they will need to collect information about your background, career goals, and expectations so they can further customize resumes to them. A writer may schedule a phone conversation, send your current resume, or complete a detailed questionnaire.

Some companies cooperate via phone, while others use email and messengers. Some are actively engaged in the process, and others gather information from your side and send a finished product to you. The key here is to find a company whose style of collaboration best suits you and matches your schedule.

5. Do You Offer Any Revisions or Guarantees?

The best resume writing services offer guarantees to ensure that you get a quality resume for your money. Make sure the company offers a full refund in case of non-delivery or late delivery. Another term to look for is free amendments or edits in case the first draft doesn't fully meet expectations. A company may offer a fixed number of revisions (for example, 3) or unlimited revisions within 1 or 2 weeks.

6. What makes your resume writing services stand out?

Ask this question to understand why choose this particular company over other services and what makes them unique. For example, some resume writer offer an expedited next-day delivery, some offer ATS-optimized resumes, and some have multiple certifications. Choose a writer whose value proposition matches your needs.

7. How Do You Tailor Resumes for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)?

ATS systems scan your resume for keywords. If it seems irrelevant to the system, it will get tossed before a human hiring manager sees it. Qualified resume writers incorporate the keywords into your resume to score higher in the system and get your resume shown one of the first. If the writer doesn't give you a clear answer about their ATS optimization features, look for a resume expert elsewhere.

8. How many years of experience do you have?

Just like with any other job, in resume writing practice makes perfect. The longer the writer has been providing their services, the better. For instance, our company has been in the resume writing market for 9+ years, and most of our writers have over 3 years of relevant experience. In any case, it's not the best idea to hire the writer who has less than a year of experience, especially if you apply for management or executive role.

9. How much does the resume writing service cost and what does the cost entail?

If you browse the web, you'll find out that charges for resume vary from $100 to over $1000 per resume, so you can choose the option that suits your budget best. Our writing service's charges start with $90 only â you can learn more about our prices and deadlines. And unfortunately an excessively expensive price doesn't always imply exceptional quality. So, before the writer gets down to business, ask them about the final amount and clarify what is included in this amount â i.e. extras as free e-books, revisions, etc.

10. Do you offer original writing?

Some of dishonest resume services won't write an original resume for you. They will use an online template and simply paste your details into it so it could match your experience. Needless to say that this approach will bring you zero results. That's why always ask the company if they provide original writing to avoid problems with your resume in the future.

11. How long will the writing process take?

If you need to apply for the job tomorrow, you'll unlikely be happy with the service offering 10-days turnaround. Some companies (usually big ones) have exact deadlines, while the others can only give you an estimated delivery date. In any case, knowing the due date will help you feel more comfortable with the writer. And if you need to submit your resume online urgently, keep in mind that most companies offer urgent delivery for an extra pay.

12. Where can I see the reviews of your company?

Successful resume writing services are always happy to share positive reviews. If they aren't new in the market, you can easily Google reviews and testimonials. It's always a good idea to look for what other clients had to say before you place your own order. If the company only has negative feedback, you might not want to entrust your future career to them.

13. Do you have any certifications?

If you're looking for an executive resume writer, you'll want to consider a writer holding a relevant certification instead of writing your own resume. These certifications include CPRW, PARW, NRWA and more. It's a good idea to ask the writer whether they have been certified by any of these organizations to be 100% sure of their qualification. Nevertheless, as the practice shows, even the writers who weren't certified can deliver well-written resumes.

14. Where can I see the samples of your writing?

Samples will help you get the idea of the writer's tone of voice and how well they marketed other candidates for the job. Every reputable writer will provide you the samples of their work upon request. If the writer refuses to share their samples, this often means that they either don't have enough experience or provide low-quality services.

15. Can you guarantee me a job offer?

This is a tricky question! No resume writer can guarantee you employment, as they cannot influence the hiring process. So, if the writer promises you a job, it's best not to work with them. The writer's task is to provide you with an effective resume optimized for ATS software to help you land a job interview.

16. How long will my resume be?

There isn't such thing as the right resume length as it depends on multiple factors you need to consider. If you are a graduate of recent years with little work experience, it's recommended that you keep your resume to one page. You can also know how to find a job after graduation. Professionals with 5+ years of relevant experience (provided that they had more than one job) can make it two pages in length. Senior level executives and academics with broad experience can make their resume three pages in length.

A good resume writer will choose the optimal length to showcase your qualifications and explain their strategy to you.

17. Will I need a chronologic or functional resume?

Both formats are used with a specific purpose in mind. For instance, functional format is good for skill-based resumes or resumes with no clear career history. Reverse chronological format is used to highlight career progression and professional growth. If these format names are all Greek to you, worry not. The writer will pick one for that suits your career situation best.

18. Which file format do you use?

You want to receive an editable copy of your resume, because you might need to optimize it for a different job description in the future. Ask in which file format you'll receive your resume. The most common ones are PDF, DOCX, and Google Docs. You might want to request both PDF that saves the formatting and a DOCX to make edits.

19. Will you include a resume summary or objective in my document?

As a rule, most hiring managers prefer you to include the summary statement, not the objective. Summary lets you be clear about your professional strengths, achievements, and advantages over other candidates. Most likely, your executive resume writer will develop a summary, but you may want to clarify it upfront to be confident in your resume content.

The ResumePerk experts always create a focused Summary statement that outlines your strengths and value proposition. You can ask us questions in chat on the right or place your order here!

20. Should I send a cover letter along with my resume?

A well-written letter explaining what distinguishes you from the other applicants and what makes you perfect for the role can help you a lot with winning a face-to-face interview. It can give a touch of your personality, build personal connection with the hiring manager and even tell your story â provided that the story can bring value to the employer. Moreover, writing a tailored cover letter indicates that you went an extra mile to get the job which is always appreciated.

As you receive your newly written resume, review it closely. Double-check if the writer has included all the essential details, major achievements, and key skills (such as communication skills). If the document doesn't quite meet your expectations, ask for a revision. Clarify how many revisions you have so that the writer can cover all your comments and requests.

Here are the questions job-seekers should ask a resume writer at the end of the process:

Do You Provide LinkedIn Profile Updates Too?

Having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile is essential for job search, as 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn. Ask the resume service if they offer LinkedIn development. If they do, the writer can align the LinkedIn content with your resume and current career goals, which increases your chances of a successful employment.

Can I Contact You Later for Edits?

Clarify with the writer if you can contact them for resume edits later. Usually, resume writing services offer free revisions for several days, and after that, charge a small fee for updating your document. Writing and updating your resume in a few months can be a daunting task, so it would be great to get resume updates from the writer who has worked with you before.

By asking the right questions, you'll distinguish a reliable and competent resume-writing agency that can provide you with the best document for your career. Moreover, asking many questions is a good way to avoid scam companies, as they won't be willing to ask many questions from your side.

If you struggle finding a resume writer you could trust, consider collaborating with one of the writers of our company. We have 9+ years of experience delivering top-notch service to clients from the US and Canada and helping them advance their careers with well-written resumes. We provide 100% original resumes written especially for you and ongoing cooperation with your writer throughout the process. Moreover, if you didn't like something about the final resume, you can request a revision, and the writer will make corrections totally free of charge.

Do you still have any questions about resume writing?

How to ask someone to review your resume?

Politely ask by saying: "Would you mind reviewing my resume and sharing your thoughts?" You can also use LinkedIn or email for a formal request.

What should I know before hiring a resume writer?

Before hiring, check credentials, request samples, and understand how the service works. For practical tips, read 34 resume tips to stand out.

What are good resume questions to ask a writer?

Ask how they tailor resumes for your field, handle gaps, and ensure ATS compatibility. Clarity is key!

Are there specific resume writing questions for students?

Yes. Ask how to highlight internships, achievements, and soft skills to stand out for entry-level roles.

What are the most common resume writing questions and answers?

Common questions include how to write a summary, how long a resume should be, what skills to list, and how to make it ATS-friendly. Answers depend on your industry, but clarity and relevance are key.

How to ask someone to look at your resume professionally?

You can say: "Hi [Name], Iâm updating my resume for a job opportunity. Would you be open to reviewing it and giving me your thoughts?" This respectful approach shows consideration and professionalism.

How to request a resume review on LinkedIn?

Use LinkedIn messaging to reach out to someone in your field or a recruiter. Be specific: "Could I ask for your quick feedback on my resume? I'm targeting [Industry/Role], and would value your insights."

What should I include in a resume questionnaire template?

Include sections for career goals, achievements, work history, skills, certifications, and soft skills. This helps resume writers tailor the content effectively to your background.

What are two things to do after writing your resume's first draft?

First, review for clarity and grammar. Second, tailor it to the job by adjusting keywords and achievements. You may also want to get external feedback.

How can I become a certified resume writer in Australia?

In Australia, certification can be obtained through groups like the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) or international bodies like PARW. It usually involves training and assessment.

How do I become a certified federal resume writer?

To become certified in federal resume writing, you can pursue credentials from providers like The Resume Place or government-specific resume training platforms. These focus on USAJOBS format and federal hiring practices.

How do I become a certified resume writer?

You can get certified through PARW, NRWA, or CDI by passing exams and submitting a resume portfolio.

Our experienced writers can create a powerful resume suitable for each position. However, you may also request a specific resume depending on the job you are applying for, thus it will be tailored individually for your profession:

Sales, Accounting, Fashion, Marketing, Nursing, Pharmacist, Physician, Finance, Medical, Product Management, Military, Teacher, Healthcare, Executive, Technical, Engineer, Scientific, Military To Civilian, Pilot, Hospitality, Attorney, Banking, Project Manager, Lawyer, Career Management, Software Engineer, HR, Aviation, Construction, Legal, Science, IT, SES and ECO