Is a Resume Writing Business Right for You?
Before you plan a launch, make sure this is a fit for you. Ask yourself if owning a business is right for you, and if a resume writing business is the right match for your strengths and your goals.
Here is the question you must answer first: “Are you moving toward something or running away from something?” If you are starting only to escape a job or a financial bind, that reason may not hold up when the work gets stressful.
Passion matters because it helps you push through problems. Without it, many people start looking for a way out instead of looking for answers. If you want help thinking it through, review How Passion Affects Your Business and Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business.
Now do the reality check. Are you ready for uncertain income, long hours, difficult tasks, fewer vacations, and full responsibility? Is your family or support system on board? And do you have the skills (or can you learn them) and the funds to start and operate the business while you build steady demand?
One more smart move: talk to owners in the same business, but only when they are not direct competitors. In other words, only talk to owners you will not be competing against. Look for someone in a different city, region, or target market.
Here are a few questions to ask those owners.
- What did you underestimate before you opened, and what do you wish you set up sooner?
- What types of clients are a strong fit for your process, and what types are a poor fit?
- What does a “ready to start” client look like, and what should a new owner screen for?
If you want a simple way to picture what you are building, read Business Inside Look and then come back here.
What a Resume Writing Business Is
A resume writing business helps job seekers present their work history in a clear, job-targeted format. You may also help with cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and interview prep documents, depending on your offer.
This is usually a small-scale business you can start on your own. Many owners begin from a home office with a laptop, writing tools, and a simple website. You can add contractors or employees later if demand grows.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Model and Scope
Start by deciding how you will deliver the work. Many resume writing businesses begin as a solo service business where you handle sales, writing, and client communication yourself.
You can also launch with a partner, or you can plan to use contractors later for editing, design, or niche work. If you are staying small at first, your setup can be lean. If you plan to scale fast, you will need more systems, stronger cash reserves, and more help.
Decide what you will offer at launch. You can start with core services and add extras later. Keeping your first offer simple can make your launch cleaner.
Step 2: Confirm Demand and Willingness to Pay
Demand is not just “people need resumes.” Demand is “people in your area or niche will pay your price for your result.” That is what you need to confirm before you build a full launch.
Use real signals. Look at job boards, local hiring trends, and the number of active resume writers in your market. If you need a simple framework, read Supply and Demand and apply it to your local and online market.
Your goal here is basic. You want enough demand to cover expenses and still leave room to pay yourself. If the numbers do not work, adjust your niche, your offer, or your pricing before you register and spend more.
Step 3: Study Competitors and Define Your Angle
Resume writing is crowded online, so your angle matters. Your angle is not hype. It is a clear reason a client would choose you over other options.
You might focus on a niche, such as federal resumes, tech roles, health care, trades, executives, career changers, or new graduates. Or you might focus on speed, depth, or a structured process that is easy for clients.
As you review competitor sites, watch for what they promise. You will want to keep your own claims honest and clear, especially in ads and sales pages.
Step 4: Build Simple Packages and Set Prices
Define what a client gets, what you need from them, and how revisions work. Packages can reduce confusion because the client knows what they are buying.
Pricing is a core startup decision. It changes your target client, your marketing plan, and how many projects you need each month. Use Pricing Your Products and Services to set pricing that covers your time, tools, and business costs.
Keep your early pricing structure easy to explain. You can refine it later, but you need something clear to launch.
Step 5: List Startup Essentials and Build a Cost Plan
This business can be low-cost to launch, but you still need a real cost plan. Your costs will come from tools, software, security, branding, and basic business setup.
Scale drives total startup cost. A solo home-based launch can be lean. A small office, paid ads, contractors, and premium tools increase costs quickly.
If you want a clean way to estimate costs, use Estimating Startup Costs and build your list from the essentials section later in this guide.
Step 6: Choose a Business Name and Claim Your Online Real Estate
Your name needs to be usable, searchable, and clear. If you work under your own legal name, you may still want a brand name for marketing and a matching domain.
Before you print anything, check name availability. Look at your state business registry, domain availability, and social handles. You can use Selecting a Business Name as a step-by-step guide.
Claim your domain and the main social handles you will use. You do not need to be everywhere, but you do need consistency.
Step 7: Pick a Legal Structure and Register the Business
Many small service businesses start as sole proprietorships and later form a limited liability company as the business grows. The best choice depends on your risk, taxes, and how you plan to grow.
At a minimum, you need a legal setup that matches how you will operate. If you are unsure, a small-business attorney or accountant can help you choose a structure and avoid common setup problems.
For the big picture on registration steps, review How to Register a Business and the U.S. Small Business Administration guide on registering your business.
Step 8: Handle Tax Basics and Set Up Your Accounts
Once your structure is decided, set up your tax basics. Many businesses need an Employer Identification Number, especially if you will hire employees or open certain financial accounts. The Internal Revenue Service explains how to get an employer identification number.
You also need to understand how your structure affects taxes and filings. The Internal Revenue Service overview of business structures is a good starting point.
Set up a business bank account and a clean way to track income and expenses from day one. If you need funding, review How to Get a Business Loan, but keep your plan realistic and based on your actual launch needs.
Step 9: Decide Where You Will Work
Most resume writing businesses can be home-based and remote. That is a major advantage because you do not need foot traffic to launch.
Even so, your location still matters for taxes, business registration, and local rules. The U.S. Small Business Administration explains why in Pick Your Business Location.
If you work from home, you may need to follow home occupation rules. If you lease an office, you may need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and local approvals before you open the doors.
Step 10: Set Up Your Tools and a Secure Workflow
Your tools need to support fast writing, clean edits, and safe handling of client documents. At launch, you can keep it simple, but do not ignore privacy.
Clients may send sensitive details like addresses, phone numbers, employment history, and references. You should have a clear plan for secure storage, access control, and secure sharing.
The Federal Trade Commission resource Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business is a practical baseline for handling personal data.
Step 11: Create Your Client Paperwork and Proof Assets
Before you take a job, prepare your client agreement, your scope of work, and your client questionnaire. These tools reduce confusion and help you deliver consistent results.
Create a small set of sample resumes and documents that show your style. Use samples that do not expose personal details. If you plan to specialize in federal resumes, review what USAJOBS expects in How do I write a resume for a federal job?.
Also plan how clients will send files and how you will deliver final documents. USAJOBS explains common formats and upload steps in How to add a resume to your profile, which can help you understand client needs.
Step 12: Build Your Brand Basics and Online Presence
You do not need a complex brand to start, but you do need a clean, trustworthy presence. At launch, focus on clarity: who you help, what you deliver, and how clients start.
A simple website, a professional email, and a consistent visual look are enough for many new owners. Use An Overview of Developing a Business Website to plan what your site should include.
If you plan to use printed materials, review What to Know About Business Cards and Corporate ID Considerations so your basics match your offer.
Step 13: Plan How You Will Get Your First Clients
Marketing is a startup requirement, not an optional extra. You need a plan for how people will find you and why they will trust you.
Choose a small set of channels you can manage well. That could be local networking, online content, referrals, partnerships with coaches or staffing firms, or targeted ads. If you open a physical office, signage may matter, so review Business Sign Considerations.
Keep your claims clean and accurate. The Federal Trade Commission topic page on Truth In Advertising is a useful reminder that ads must be truthful and not misleading.
Step 14: Do a Pre-Launch Test Run and Tighten the Details
Before you announce your launch, run a small pilot. This can be a limited number of projects with clear boundaries so you can test your workflow and timing.
Use the pilot to confirm your questionnaire, your delivery method, your revision rules, and your pricing clarity. You are looking for friction points you can fix now, before you scale demand.
Then review your business plan and your numbers one last time. If you have not written a plan yet, use How to Write a Business Plan to build a simple plan that keeps you on track.
Step 15: Final Pre-Opening Checklist
This is the last step before you take on the public launch. Your goal is simple: confirm you are legal, ready, and consistent.
Confirm your registrations are complete, your basic bookkeeping is set, your client agreement is ready, your payment method works, and your website clearly shows how to start.
If you plan to hire early, confirm you understand wage and hour basics and required notices. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a starting point for new employers in New and Small Businesses and in Fact Sheet #27: New Businesses Under The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Services You Can Offer at Launch
Start with services you can deliver well and explain clearly. You can expand after you build steady demand.
- Professional resumes for private-sector roles
- Federal resumes and USAJOBS-focused formatting
- Cover letters matched to job postings
- LinkedIn profile rewrites and headline summaries
- ATS-friendly resume formatting and file cleanup
- Career change positioning and transferable skills framing
- Executive bios or leadership summaries
- Interview prep sheets, talking points, and accomplishment lists
Typical Customers for a Resume Writing Business
Your customer is anyone who needs to present their experience clearly to get interviews. Some customers are job-ready. Others need more guidance and structure.
- People changing careers or re-entering the workforce
- New graduates and early-career candidates
- Mid-career professionals aiming for promotion
- Executives and senior leaders
- Federal job applicants using USAJOBS
- Trades and skilled workers who want clearer job documents
- Laid-off workers who need fast turnaround
Pros and Cons of Owning a Resume Writing Business
This business has real advantages, but it also has constraints. Seeing both sides helps you plan with clear eyes.
Here are common benefits.
- Can be launched as a home-based, solo business
- Low physical overhead compared to location-based businesses
- Work can be delivered remotely across many markets
- Clear outcomes clients care about, such as more interviews
Here are common tradeoffs.
- Time-heavy work that can limit how many clients you can serve
- Clients may be stressed or urgent, which can raise communication demands
- Strong competition online, which pushes you to define a clear niche
- Quality control matters, especially if you later use contractors
Common Business Models
Pick a model that matches your skills, your time, and how you want to grow. You can start lean and still leave room to expand.
- Solo owner-operator with direct client work
- Solo owner with contractors for editing, design, or niche projects
- Small agency model with multiple writers and a lead reviewer
- Hybrid model combining writing services with coaching packages
- B2B model serving outplacement firms, recruiters, or training programs
Skills You Need to Start Strong
You do not need every skill on day one, but you do need a plan to cover them. You can learn skills or bring in help where you are weak.
- Clear business writing and editing
- Resume structure and formatting across industries
- Interviewing skills to pull out strong accomplishments
- Basic sales conversations and expectation-setting
- Project management for deadlines and revisions
- Basic privacy and document handling practices
- Pricing and simple math for break-even planning
- Customer service and calm communication under pressure
Essential Equipment and Tools
You can launch with a simple setup, but it must be reliable and secure. The categories below cover the typical essentials for a resume writing business.
Computers and Hardware
- Reliable laptop or desktop computer
- Second monitor for editing and side-by-side review
- Keyboard and mouse suited for long writing sessions
- Printer and scanner (optional but helpful for some clients)
- External hard drive for local backups (if you use local storage)
- Headset or earbuds for client calls
- Webcam (if your computer does not have one)
Software and Digital Tools
- Word processing software that supports tracked changes
- PDF editing and exporting tool
- Grammar and style checking tool
- Secure cloud storage with access controls
- Password manager
- Scheduling tool for booking calls
- E-signature tool for agreements (optional)
- Invoice and payment tools
Security and Privacy Basics
- Device encryption (when available on your system)
- Multi-factor authentication on email and cloud accounts
- Secure file-sharing method for client documents
- Document retention and deletion plan
- Shredder for any printed documents (if you print client materials)
Office Setup
- Desk and supportive chair
- Good lighting for calls and video meetings
- Quiet space for client conversations
- Basic office supplies (notebooks, pens, folders)
- Mailing supplies (optional)
Brand and Marketing Basics
- Domain name and professional email address
- Simple website or landing page
- Logo and basic brand look (simple is fine at launch)
- Business card design file (optional)
- Portfolio samples that do not expose private client data
A Simple Pre-Launch Day in the Life
Before you launch, your day is less about writing and more about building your base. You will spend time clarifying your offer, setting prices, and getting your paperwork ready.
Expect a lot of small tasks. You may draft a client agreement in the morning, test your payment setup at lunch, and build a sample resume in the afternoon. This is normal, and it is part of getting ready to take money with confidence.
As you move closer to launch, your days will shift toward short discovery calls, collecting client details, and doing timed writing blocks. The goal is to prove you can deliver your package within a clear timeline.
Red Flags to Watch for Before You Launch
Red flags are early signs that can cause stress, refunds, or reputation problems. Catching them early helps you protect your time and your brand.
- Unclear target market or “I help everyone” positioning
- Pricing that does not cover your time and tool costs
- No written scope, revision rules, or client agreement
- Weak document security or casual handling of personal data
- Marketing claims that promise outcomes you cannot control
- Relying on one channel for leads without a backup plan
- Taking on complex niche work without proof you can deliver it well
Legal and Compliance Basics
Resume writing is usually not a licensed profession, but you still must follow standard business rules. Your exact requirements depend on where you live and how you run the business.
If you want a solid federal baseline, start with the U.S. Small Business Administration pages on Register your business, Get federal and state tax ID numbers, and Apply for licenses and permits.
For federal tax concepts, the Internal Revenue Service explains Employer Identification Numbers, Business structures, how sole proprietors report income on Schedule C, and what applies if you hire in Employment taxes.
Varies by Jurisdiction
Use this section as a fast checklist to verify what applies to your exact location and setup. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so confirm with official state and local sources.
If you are home-based, also verify home occupation rules and whether signage is restricted. If you plan to hire, verify employer registrations before you run payroll.
Federal
- Employer Identification Number: Consider if you need an EIN for banking, hiring, or certain tax filings; when it applies: often when hiring or forming certain entities; how to verify locally: Internal Revenue Service -> search “Get an employer identification number.”
- Business structure basics: Consider how your structure affects federal tax filing; when it applies: before registration and tax setup; how to verify locally: Internal Revenue Service -> search “Business structures.”
- Employment rules if hiring: Consider wage and hour rules and recordkeeping; when it applies: before your first hire; how to verify locally: U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division -> search “New and Small Businesses” and “Fact Sheet 27 new businesses FLSA.”
State
- Entity formation: Consider whether you will form a limited liability company or other entity; when it applies: before you operate under an entity name; how to verify locally: State Secretary of State (or equivalent business filing office) -> search “business entity search” and “form LLC.”
- Assumed name or DBA: Consider if you will use a brand name that is not your legal name; when it applies: before marketing and contracting under that name; how to verify locally: State Secretary of State or county clerk -> search “assumed name” or “DBA filing.”
- State tax registration: Consider income tax, employer withholding, and any required state tax accounts; when it applies: before collecting money and especially before hiring; how to verify locally: State Department of Revenue (or Taxation) -> search “register a business” and “withholding account.”
- Sales and use tax: Consider whether any part of what you sell is taxable in your state; when it applies: before you invoice clients; how to verify locally: State Department of Revenue -> search “sales tax services” and “sales tax registration.” Label varies by jurisdiction.
- Workers’ compensation rules: Consider if your state requires coverage when you have employees; when it applies: before your first employee starts; how to verify locally: State workers’ compensation board -> start with Workers’ compensation and follow the state office path. Label varies by jurisdiction.
City and County
- General business license: Consider whether your city or county requires a license to operate; when it applies: often before opening or before advertising; how to verify locally: City or county business licensing office -> search “business license” + your city or county name. Varies by jurisdiction.
- Zoning and home occupation: Consider whether home-based work is allowed and if client visits are restricted; when it applies: before you operate from home; how to verify locally: City or county planning and zoning department -> search “home occupation permit” + your city or county name. Varies by jurisdiction.
- Certificate of Occupancy: Consider if you lease or open a public-facing office; when it applies: before opening a location to the public; how to verify locally: City building department -> search “Certificate of Occupancy” + your city name. Varies by jurisdiction.
- Sign rules: Consider if you plan to post any exterior signage; when it applies: before installing signs; how to verify locally: City planning or code enforcement -> search “sign permit” + your city name. Varies by jurisdiction.
Owner Questions That Change What Applies
- Will you be home-based, fully remote, or will clients visit an office?
- Will you hire any employees or contractors in the first 90 days?
- Will you use a business name that is different from your personal legal name?
101 Step-By-Step Tips for Your Resume Writing Business
You’re about to read tips that cover different stages and pressure points in this business.
Use what fits your situation right now and skip what does not apply yet.
Bookmark this page so you can come back as your workflow, pricing, and marketing mature.
Pick one tip, put it into action, and return when you are ready for the next step.
What to Do Before Starting
1. Decide if you want this business for the long haul, not just for a quick cash fix. If you are starting only to escape a job or money stress, you may quit the first time it gets hard.
2. Write down the exact client you want to help first (new graduate, career changer, executive, trades, federal applicant). A clear target keeps your services and marketing tight.
3. Pick your launch model: solo, partners, or a small team. Most people start solo and add contractors later when demand is steady. Many owners also begin as a sole proprietor and later form a limited liability company (LLC) as the business grows.
4. Choose your core offers for launch and keep them simple. A common starting set is resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile writing.
5. Decide if you will focus on one niche or stay general at first. A niche can make it easier to explain why you are the right choice.
6. Study at least 10 direct competitors and record what they sell, how they package it, and what clients seem to value. This gives you a realistic view of the market.
7. Validate demand with real conversations. Talk to job seekers, recruiters, and career coaches to learn what people will pay for and what they complain about.
8. Set a minimum monthly income goal and work backward. Estimate how many projects you must complete each month to cover expenses and pay yourself.
9. Sketch a simple workflow from first contact to final delivery. If you cannot explain your steps in plain language, clients will feel unsure.
10. Decide how you will collect client information (questionnaire, call, or both). Plan how you will request job postings and role targets up front.
11. Choose a business name that is easy to spell and easy to remember. Check for obvious conflicts in your state’s business registry and online.
12. Claim your domain name and matching social handles before you print anything. Consistency saves you time later.
13. Write a plain-English service agreement before you take payment. Include scope, revision limits, timelines, and what the client must provide.
14. Build a basic budget for startup costs and the first 90 days of operating costs. Your plan should cover slow weeks without panic.
15. Decide whether you will operate from home, a rented office, or a coworking space. Your choice affects local rules and costs.
16. Create a basic business plan, even if you are not seeking funding. It keeps your offer, pricing, and marketing aligned.
17. Set up a separate business bank account as early as possible. You may need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) depending on your setup, so confirm what your bank requires. Clean records reduce tax headaches.
18. Choose a payment method and test it end-to-end before launch. You want invoices, receipts, and refunds to work smoothly.
19. Create a simple portfolio using sample resumes that do not reveal personal details. Proof matters more than fancy branding at the start.
20. Schedule a small pilot launch with a limited number of clients. Use it to test your process and tighten your policies.
What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)
21. Do not guarantee job offers, interviews, or salaries. Advertising claims must be truthful and not misleading, so keep your promises tied to what you control.
22. Treat client resumes as confidential documents. Set a rule that you never share client work as a sample without written permission.
23. Plan for sensitive personal information in client files. Use strong passwords, turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA), and restrict access to only what you need.
24. Back up your client files on a schedule and test restores. A backup that cannot be restored is not a backup.
25. Know that hiring cycles rise and fall by industry and region. Track local hiring trends so you can plan promotions and cash reserves.
26. Understand how Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening works at a high level. Design resumes that are readable, consistent, and easy to parse.
27. If you offer federal resumes, learn the expectations for federal applications before you sell that service. Federal resumes often require more detail than private-sector resumes, but they must comply with current USAJOBS resume length limits (for example, two pages).
28. Decide how you will handle clients who want you to exaggerate or invent experience. Set a clear “no” policy and explain your standards up front.
29. Be careful with client logos and proprietary content. Do not copy internal job descriptions or company materials into a resume without permission.
30. Expect a wide range of client writing quality and detail. Your onboarding process must pull out specifics, or you will be forced to guess.
31. Build a plan for late or unresponsive clients. Your agreement should spell out how long you will hold a project before closing it.
32. If you meet clients in person, check local rules for home-based businesses and office use. A commercial space may require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) before you open.
33. Decide whether you will sell digital products like templates. If you do, set clear terms for what customers can and cannot reuse or resell.
34. Plan for reputation risk. One unhappy client can be loud, so use clear expectations, consistent process, and documented communication.
What Successful Resume Writing Business Owners Do
35. Use a structured consultation so every client answers the same core questions. Consistency improves quality and reduces revision loops.
36. Ask for the job posting or target role before you write. Writing without a target often produces a generic resume.
37. Turn client stories into measurable outcomes. Train yourself to ask “what changed” after each responsibility.
38. Build a repeatable resume template set for different career stages. Templates speed delivery while keeping quality stable.
39. Keep a checklist for each deliverable (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile). Checklists help you catch missing sections and formatting errors.
40. Use tracked changes and version control for every project. Name files consistently so you can roll back if needed.
41. Block writing time and protect it. Administrative tasks can expand and swallow the work that actually generates revenue.
42. Track how long each project takes from start to finish. Use that data to adjust pricing and timelines.
43. Create a standard revision process with specific deadlines for client feedback. This prevents projects from dragging on for weeks.
44. Build a small library of accomplishment prompts by job type. Good prompts help clients remember results they forgot.
45. Develop a simple quality review step before delivery. Read the final resume as if you are the hiring manager skimming it fast.
46. Keep learning through courses, workshops, and credible career resources. Resume trends shift, and your skills must stay current.
47. Collect testimonials ethically and only with permission. A few clear success stories can boost trust faster than long marketing copy.
48. Build relationships with non-competing resume writers, recruiters, and career coaches. Partnerships can send steady referrals when you treat them well.
Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)
49. Write a one-sentence positioning statement you can say out loud. If it is confusing, prospects will not reach out.
50. Create a simple website page that answers the basics: who you help, what you deliver, price range, and how to start. Keep it clean and easy to scan.
51. Add a clear call to action like “book a consult” or “request a quote.” Do not make people hunt for the next step.
52. Use a professional email address tied to your domain. It signals seriousness and avoids deliverability problems.
53. Set up a Google Business Profile if you serve a local market. Local visibility can bring leads without paid ads.
54. Choose one primary channel to start and do it well (LinkedIn, local networking, partnerships, or content). Spreading thin across five channels usually fails.
55. Offer a short, low-risk entry service like a resume review. It can convert cautious prospects into full-service clients.
56. Build a referral system with simple rules and a clear thank-you. Referrals often become your best lead source once you deliver consistent results.
57. Partner with local career centers, workforce programs, or alumni groups. Provide a short workshop or Q&A to demonstrate your process.
58. Network with recruiters and staffing firms, but keep your message practical. Ask what common resume problems they see and address those in your offers.
59. Create a short onboarding form for leads so you can qualify quickly. It saves time and filters out poor-fit inquiries.
60. Use testimonials that describe the process and the outcome, not guarantees. Avoid implying results you cannot control.
61. Publish a few helpful articles that answer common questions. Useful content can build trust before someone talks to you.
62. Create sample before-and-after snippets that show clarity improvements without exposing personal details. Visual proof reduces skepticism.
63. Use a simple lead tracker so you do not lose conversations. A missed follow-up is a missed sale.
64. If you run ads, start small and test one message at a time. Track which offer generates booked calls, not just clicks.
65. Set boundaries for free advice. A short consult can be helpful, but it should not become unpaid work.
66. Keep your marketing claims evidence-based. If you say something works, be ready to explain what you mean and how you deliver it.
Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)
67. Start every project with a kickoff call or structured questionnaire. You need facts, not guesses, to write a credible resume.
68. Ask clients for their current resume, a few job targets, and any recent performance reviews. These inputs help you pull real achievements.
69. Explain your process before you take payment. Clients relax when they know what happens next and when they will see a draft.
70. Set a timeline that includes the client’s response time. If they delay, your delivery date should move too.
71. Teach clients what you need from them using examples. Many people struggle to describe results until you give them a model.
72. Use plain language to explain resume choices. Clients accept edits faster when they understand the reason behind them.
73. Confirm the job level you are writing for (entry, mid, senior, executive). Level affects tone, length, and the type of proof you highlight.
74. Do not accept vague goals like “I want a better job.” Push for a target role and industry so the resume is focused.
75. Handle sensitive gaps, terminations, or career pivots carefully. Stick to truthful framing and avoid claims you cannot verify.
76. Offer options when a client disagrees with a change. Give two versions and explain the tradeoff, then let them choose.
77. Keep communication in one place whenever possible. Scattered notes across texts, emails, and calls create errors.
78. Deliver files in formats clients can use easily. A common approach is an editable file plus a polished PDF.
79. Close each project with a short handoff note explaining how to tailor the resume for future postings. Clients value guidance they can use immediately.
80. Ask for feedback while the project is fresh. Quick feedback helps you improve and may lead to referrals.
Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)
81. Put your revision policy in writing and repeat it at checkout. Clear limits protect your time and reduce conflict.
82. Define what counts as a revision versus a new project. A new target role often requires a new strategy and may need a new fee.
83. Set a policy for no-shows and late cancellations for consultations. It keeps your calendar usable.
84. Decide how you will handle refunds before you need to. A simple rule can prevent emotional decisions under pressure.
85. Use written approval at key milestones (onboarding complete, draft approved, final delivered). It creates clarity if a dispute happens.
86. Create a service-level expectation for response time. For example, you reply within one business day on weekdays.
87. Protect client privacy in your support process. Do not discuss client details in public comments or on social media.
88. Keep a record of what you delivered and when. Good records help with customer questions and tax documentation.
89. Offer a short post-delivery support window for minor fixes, like a typo or formatting issue. Time-box it so it stays manageable.
90. Use complaints as data. Track why issues happen and adjust your process so the same problem does not repeat.
Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)
91. Review resume trends and hiring preferences on a set schedule, such as monthly. Small updates keep your work current without constant chasing.
92. Watch how major platforms change profile sections and formats. When they update layouts, refresh your service templates fast.
93. Test your deliverables on different devices and software versions. Formatting that looks fine on your computer can break elsewhere.
94. Use artificial intelligence tools carefully. Treat them as drafts or idea starters, and always apply your own judgment and editing.
95. Stay ready for economic swings by diversifying services. Mixing resumes with reviews, LinkedIn profiles, or workshops can smooth slow periods.
96. Build a simple cybersecurity routine: updates on, MFA on, strong passwords, and regular backups. Small habits prevent big problems.
97. Track which niches are heating up or cooling down in your market. Adjust your marketing message to match what people are applying for now.
98. Keep a short “process improvement” list and fix one thing per week. Small upgrades compound into a smoother business.
What Not to Do
99. Do not write false credentials, fake job titles, or invented achievements. It can harm the client and damage your reputation.
100. Do not promise outcomes you cannot control, like guaranteed interviews. Focus your promise on the quality of the document and your process.
101. Do not store client files in unsecured places or share them casually. Treat every resume as sensitive data and protect it accordingly.
FAQ For a Resume Writing Business
Question: Do I need a license to start a resume writing business?
Answer: Many places do not require an industry-specific license for resume writing, but local business licensing rules can still apply.
Check your city or county business licensing office and your state’s business portal to confirm what is required where you live.
Question: Should I start as a sole proprietor or form a limited liability company (LLC)?
Answer: Many owners start as a sole proprietor because it is simple, then form a limited liability company (LLC) later as the business grows.
If you are unsure, talk with a qualified accountant or attorney so your setup matches your risk and tax needs.
Question: Do I need an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
Answer: It depends on your structure and whether you will hire, but many owners get one early for banking and separation.
Check the Internal Revenue Service guidance and your bank’s account requirements before you open accounts.
Question: Can I run a resume writing business from home?
Answer: Yes, many owners start from a home office and work with clients online.
Still, confirm local home-occupation rules, and check whether client visits, signage, or parking limits apply.
Question: What services should I offer at launch?
Answer: Start with a small, clear menu like resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile writing.
Add extras later after your workflow is stable and you know what clients ask for most.
Question: How should I price my services?
Answer: Price based on the time you need, the complexity of the client’s background, and your business costs.
Set prices that cover slow weeks, revisions, and admin work, not just the writing time.
Question: What should I collect from clients before I start writing?
Answer: Get their current resume, a target role or job posting, and a list of recent duties and results.
If they cannot describe results, use prompts to pull out numbers, scope, tools, and impact.
Question: How many revisions should I include?
Answer: Include a clear revision limit and define what counts as a revision versus a new project.
This protects your time and helps clients understand what they are buying.
Question: How long does it take to complete a resume?
Answer: It depends on the client’s work history and how fast they respond with details and feedback.
Set timelines that include client response time, and move dates when inputs arrive late.
Question: How do I protect client privacy?
Answer: Use strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure storage with limited access.
Also set a retention rule so you do not keep sensitive files longer than you need.
Question: Can I offer federal resume services?
Answer: Yes, but federal resumes follow different requirements and often require more detail than private-sector resumes; make sure your deliverables comply with current USAJOBS resume length limits (for example, two pages).
Make sure you understand federal resume expectations before you sell that service.
Question: Should I promise interviews or job offers?
Answer: No, you cannot control hiring decisions, so avoid guarantees tied to outcomes.
Instead, promise what you can control, like a clear document, a structured process, and a defined revision policy.
Question: Can I use artificial intelligence tools in my writing process?
Answer: You can use tools for ideas or drafts, but you should always review, edit, and verify details yourself.
Never paste sensitive client information into a tool if you are not sure how that data is stored or used.
Question: How do I get my first clients?
Answer: Start with one or two channels you can stick with, like referrals, partnerships, local networking, or LinkedIn outreach.
Make your offer simple, show samples that protect privacy, and make it easy to book a call.
Sources:
- Internal Revenue Service: Employer ID Number, Business Structures, Schedule C Filing, Employment Taxes
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Register Business, Tax ID Numbers, Licenses & Permits, Business Location
- Federal Trade Commission: Protect Personal Information, Truth in Advertising
- U.S. Department of Labor: Small Business Compliance, Fair Labor Standards (FLSA)
- USAJOBS: Federal Resume Tips, Add Resume to Profile
- USAGov: Workers’ Compensation