Hey, I’m Mary — founder of Resume Assassin. I’ve been writing résumés for 15 years, worked with over 4,000 clients, and spent years in recruiting before that. So trust me when I say… I’ve seen it all.

These days, I help people with résumé writing, LinkedIn optimization and content, and even how to use AI the right way to land interviews. With 177+ 5-star Google reviews and 280+ LinkedIn recommendations, I get a lot of the same questions — so I decided to answer them all in one place.

Here are the most common questions people ask before hiring a résumé writer 👇

Q1: Is hiring a resume writer worth it?
A: Absolutely. A professional resume writer can transform your resume from a list of job duties into a compelling marketing tool that showcases your skills, achievements, and value. This increases your chances of landing interviews and standing out in competitive job markets.

Q2: What do professional resume writers do that I can’t do myself?
A: Resume writers specialize in strategy, storytelling, and ATS optimization. We know how to highlight your achievements, tailor resumes for specific roles, and use keywords to get past Applicant Tracking Systems…something most DIY resumes miss.

Q3: How much does a professional resume writing service cost?
A: Pricing varies based on experience level and services offered. At Resume Assassin, we offer packages that include resume writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, and career strategy support to maximize your ROI.

Q4: Are resume writing services worth the money?
A: Yes. The investment in a professional resume often pays off with more interviews, better job offers, and faster career advancement. Think of it as investing in your professional brand.

Q5: Can a resume writer really help me get more interviews?
A: Definitely. A well-crafted, strategic resume that highlights your unique strengths increases your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers, significantly improving your chances of landing interviews.

Q6: What is the best resume writing service?
A: The best service is one that combines strategy, industry expertise, ATS knowledge, and a proven track record (Google, LinkedIn, Yelp reviews). Resume Assassin currently has 172 5-Star Google Reviews, 242+ LinkedIn Recommendations, and 56 5-Star Yelp Reviews.

Q7: How do I choose the right resume writer for me?
A: Look for experience in your industry, client testimonials, and a clear process that ensures your resume reflects your goals and achievements.

Q8: What should I look for in a resume writing service?
A: Focus on quality, expertise, customization, ATS optimization, turnaround time, and additional services like LinkedIn profile optimization, AI tools or interview coaching.

Q9: What’s the difference between a resume writer and using AI (like ChatGPT)?
A: AI can draft content, but professional resume writers bring strategy, nuance, and personalization. We craft resumes to highlight your achievements, tailor messaging for your target roles, and ensure your resume passes ATS filters.

Q10: Do I need a certified professional resume writer (CPRW)?
A: Hiring a CPRW-certified writer is not required if your writer has many years of experience and success stories to back it up (LinkedIn, Google, Yelp reviews).

Q11: How does the resume writing process work?
A: At Resume Assassin, we start with a conversation to understand your goals followed by a detailed intake form. We then draft your resume, iterate based on feedback, and deliver a polished, interview-ready resume.

Q12: How long does it take to get a resume professionally written?
A: Timelines vary, but most clients receive their first draft within 5–7 business days, with revisions completed shortly after. (Rush services available).

Q13: Will a resume writer also optimize my LinkedIn profile?
A: Yes! We offer LinkedIn profile optimization as part of our packages to ensure your online presence matches your resume and strengthens your professional brand.

Q14: Can a resume writing service help me get past ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)?
A: Absolutely. We use keyword optimization and formatting best practices to make sure your resume is ATS-friendly, increasing the chances of being seen by recruiters.

Q15: Do resume writers tailor resumes for specific industries or roles?
A: Yes. Tailoring is critical for success. We research your industry, target roles, and competitors to craft a resume that positions you as the top candidate.

Q16: What’s the best resume writing service for executives?
A: Executive resumes require strategic positioning, leadership storytelling, and results-focused language. Resume Assassin specializes in creating executive resumes that land C-level interviews.

Q17: Who offers the best resume writing services for recent graduates?
A: For graduates, we highlight transferable skills, internships, and academic achievements to craft a strong resume that stands out to employers.

Q18: What’s the best resume writing service for federal jobs?
A: Federal resumes have specific requirements and formatting. Resume Assassin can craft resumes that meet USAJOBS standards and improve your chances of passing federal screenings.

Q19: Do resume writers specialize in healthcare, tech, finance, etc.?
A: Yes. Industry specialization allows us to tailor resumes to specific jargon, trends, and expectations in your field, making your application more compelling.

Q20: Can a resume writer help me with career coaching or interview prep, too?
A: Yes. Many of our clients combine resume writing with career coaching, LinkedIn strategy, and interview prep to maximize their job search success.

Before you go —


Grab my free ATS résumé template and get insider tips (the kind no one’s talking about) every week: https://www.resumeassassin.com/newsletter/


Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern


Follow me on YouTube: I post new videos every Wednesday (and most Mondays!) — day-in-the-life, LinkedIn growth, résumé tips, personal branding, and more: https://www.youtube.com/@resumeassassin