resume help monster

The opinions expressed are solely those of Find My Profession. Click to see our Advertising Disclosure.

Monster.com Resume Service Review [Cost + Customer Reviews]

Monster is rated 50/100 by the career pros at Find My Profession. Read Jeff Taylor customer reviews, cost, pros/cons, and more!

Your resume is an important part of the job search. It could very well be the thing that sets you apart from your competition.

This also means that a subpar resume can set your job search back months.

Today we will be reviewing Monster.com and their resume writing services.

We have taken a deep dive into the customer reviews, cost, resume samples, and writer credentials at Monster Resume. Our overall rating for Monster.com is 50/100.

Monster.com Resume Service Score

Best monster.com alternatives.

Our goal is to help you find the best resume service that will fit your needs and advance your career.

We’ve researched and provided detailed reviews for several alternatives below if Monster’s resume services don’t align with your requirements.

Take a look at our highest-ranked service, Find My Profession. You’ll also find ResumeZest, Storeyline Resumes, and TopResume on the list.

About Monster Resume

Jeff Taylor created Monster.com in 1999. This is when the Monster Board and Online Career Center joined forces.

In recent years, Monster began offering resume writing services. This was a logical addition for a website that already has thousands of job seekers visiting it each day.

Our review includes the pros and cons of working with Monster’s resume service, not the job board.

Let’s dive right into some of the pros and cons when it comes to working with Monster Resume.

Monster.com Resume Pros vs Cons

As with any company, there are pros and cons. It’s up to you to determine what is a “must-have” and what things you can live without.

• 3,000+ customer reviews on reliable third-party review sites.
• Affordable resume services coming in at $129 – $349.
• 2 – 5 business day turnaround time is faster than most services.
• 60-day 100% satisfaction guarantee on all resumes.
• No industry-recognized resume writing certifications. 
• Over 1,000 1-star customer reviews on Trustpilot alone.
• Website provides no tangible information about the resume writers.
• No phone consultation is offered to resume clients.

If you are looking for a resume writing service, Monster is a good option, but it is worth exploring other alternatives to find the best fit for your needs.

One such alternative is  Find My Profession , which has a rating of 4.9/5 stars from 900+ previous clients, a quick turnaround time, and a 60-day interview guarantee. However, Find My Profession differs from Monster.com in that they are transparent about their writers (and their certifications), and all resumes include a phone consultation with your assigned writer.

Monster.com Customer Reviews

Our Certified Professional Resume Writers have rated Monster Resume a 50/100. Additionally, Monster has received customer reviews of 2.8/5 on Trustpilot, 3.6/5 on ConsumerAffairs, 2.25/5 on Sitejabber, and 1/5 on BBB with an A+ rating. Most of these reviews are about their job board; we’d like to be able to find some more Monster resume reviews.

Trustpilot shows 3,512 reviews with an average rating of 2.8/5. This is far below what a quality resume service should be receiving. It’s even more disappointing that over 1,900 of the reviews are 1-star and 2-stars.

ConsumerAffairs shows 197 reviews with an average rating of 3.6/5. Many customers complained about constantly receiving spam emails from “placement” agencies. Apparently, Monster was giving out their private information.

Sitejabber shows 107 reviews with an average rating of 2.25/5. More than 70% of the customers were unhappy with the service. To make matters worse, Monster didn’t deem it necessary to address ANY of the complaints.

Better Business Bureau shows 6 customer reviews with an average rating of 1/5. They’ve closed 12 complaints in the last 12 months. That said, it’s unclear how a company with an A+ rating ended up with 1/5 stars. 

As with anything, it’s important to take each review with a grain of salt. Additional research should be done beyond reading the reviews that are found online.

How Much Does Monster Resume Cost?

Monster.com’s resume packages cost $129 – $349. This is very affordable compared to most services; however as the reviews show, you get what you pay for.

There are three packages to choose from – Basic ($129), Deluxe ($189), and Premier ($349).

The main difference between the three packages has to do with the types of services that you receive.

• The Basic package includes a custom resume to be delivered in 5 business days ($129).
• The Deluxe package includes a custom resume plus a cover letter for one target job to be delivered in 5 business days($189).
• The Premier package includes a custom resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile makeover – all to be delivered in 2 business days ($349)

For the most accurate and up-to-date details on package pricing at Monster Resume, we recommend that you visit their website directly.

Monster.com Resume Sample

We wanted to see what the resume quality of Monster looked like so we took a look at some of the resume samples featured on their website.

We’ve attached a Monster resume sample for you to review (first page only). Below, we share some of the things that we liked, and what we disliked about this resume.

• Target title is clearly defined and highlighted at the top of the resume.
• Includes relevant projects and internships that the candidate held.
•  Has color and shading that provides visual appeal.
•  Contained lots of keywords that are relevant for the target title.
• Content contains and excessive amount of adjectives.
• Too much content for an entry-level resume.
• Includes manager-level positions, making the candidate appear over-qualified.
• Missing relevant coursework completed during degree program.

Monster Resume Writer Credentials

As mentioned above, Monster shares little information about their resume writing team.

They do mention that their writers are:

• Certified (the kind of certification is not mentioned).
• Receive specialized training through their professional development programs.
• They have experience in human resources and recruiting in a variety of industries.

The lack of information is a bummer since the resume writer is going to be doing all the work. Companies with amazing writers like to show off the quality of their team members.

We did some more digging outside of Monster.com and checked out LinkedIn. We searched “resume writer” in Monster employees and couldn’t find any resume writers.

Monster.com Resume Writing Process

Monster Resume follows a straightforward and simple operating procedure for getting your resume written.

Let’s look at the steps taken in Monster’s resume writing process below:

• Choose the Basic, Deluxe, or Premier package and then submit your payment.
• Fill out a detailed questionnaire about your career progression and desired job type.
• Upload your resume (if you have one).
• Monster will assign you a resume writer who has experience in your industry.
• Depending on the package you choose, you’ll receive the first draft in 2 business days or 5 business days.
• Review the draft and provide any feedback you have for your Monster resume writer.
• You only have one revision with your writer so make it count!

If your writer has a question about your questionnaire or resume, they will contact you.

Is Monster Resume Worth It?

Whether or not Monster is worth it is entirely up to you.

Our goal is to provide you with the most transparent and helpful information possible. But, only you know what is best for you and your career.

Here is a summary of our findings on Monster.com written and reviewed by a Certified Professional Resume Writer:

• Customer Reviews: 10/25
• Cost to Value: 10/25
• Sample Quality: 15/25
• Writer Credentials: 15/25
• Total Score: 50/100

As a reminder, we highly recommend reviewing 2-3 services before making a final decision.

If you’re in need of a resume writing service, we suggest checking out  Find My Profession . With a team of experienced reverse recruiters and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Find My Profession can help you find your dream job. And with a perfect score of 100/100, you can trust that you’ll be in good hands!

Recommended Career Advice For You

45 Key Leadership Skills for a Resume (All Industries)

10 Best Resume Writing Services in Canada (2024)

10 Best Career Coaching Services for Women (2024)

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Post Your Resume on Monster

Last Updated: February 5, 2023

This article was co-authored by Kent Lee . Kent Lee is a Career and Executive Coach and the Founder of the Perfect Resume, a career development services company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Kent specializes in creating customized resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters, and thank you letters. Kent has over 15 years of career coaching and consulting experience. Previously, he has worked as a Career Consultant for Yahoo and has worked with thousands of clients including Fortune 500 executives from around the world. His work and career advice have been featured in ABC, NBC, CBS, Yahoo, Career Builder, and Monster.com. This article has been viewed 78,799 times.

Monster.com began the online employment trend in 1994 and has steadily grown bigger. It's now a publicly traded, world-wide business that pairs job seekers with available jobs. Monster now offers more than an online help wanted section. It has branched out into job recruitment and career management. Monster has also partnered with a great number of social networking sites. Knowing how to post your resume on Monster gives you access to its vast resources.

Creating an Account

• Click on “Log In” in the upper, right hand side of the screen.
• Look on the middle, right hand side of the screen. It will say “Don’t have a Monster account? with a link next to it that says “sign up”. Click this link.

Uploading your Resume

• Monster’s website accepts files that end in “.doc”, “.docx”, “.pdf”, “.rtf”, “.txt”. If you have created your resume using a different format, change the file extension so that it will be accepted. Be sure to open the new file before posting to see if the formatting has been changed in the new file type!
• Be aware that the file cannot exceed 500 kilobytes. If your file is too big, try converting it to a different format. For example, PDF files work well, but tend to be quite large, try converting it to a “.doc” or “.docx” file.

• Be aware that by making your resume searchable, you are making your information available to a large number of people. This may be helpful in finding a job, but may be concerning for some. If you prefer to maintain your privacy, do not check this box.

• Again, be aware that this makes your resume available to many people. If you would prefer to maintain more privacy, do not check this box.

Improving Your Profile on Monster

• Click on the eye underneath “Profile Visibility”, which is in the middle of the screen on the right hand side.
• “Visible”, which means everyone can search for and view your information,
• ”Limited”, giving everyone the ability to search for and view your profile, but keeps your contact information private,
• and, “Private”. With this option your profile is only visible to you and cannot be searched for. This is a good option if you only want to search for jobs and want the highest amount of privacy.

Expert Q&A

• Monster now has an application for iPads. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Monster recommends making a great first impression with a cover letter that accompanies your resume. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Be cautious about sharing your information on the internet! You can never be completely sure who is looking at your information if you make it available to everyone. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• At various intervals, Monster uses advertisements, typically related to online schools and universities. If you are not paying attention it will be easy to click the link, which will take you away from the website. If you are not interested in the advertisement, move on by clicking the small print below that says "Skip Ad". Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

About this article

Did this article help you?

• About wikiHow
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

The analyses and opinions presented on Career Cloud are our own. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content.

Monster Review: Features, Plans, and Pricing

Table Of Contents

What is monster, monster for employers, monster features for employers, how to post a job on monster for employers, step 1: sign up and select a plan, step 2: set up your password and security questions, step 3: complete your company profile.

• Step 4: Choose Job Ad Type & Make a Payment

Step 5: Craft an Engaging Job Post

• Step 6: Post Your Job & Manage Candidates on Monster

Monster for Job Seekers

How to find and apply for jobs on monster, monster pricing, frequently asked questions , how does monster make money, is monster.com free for employers, how does monster.com work for employers, how much does monster cost to post a job, the bottom line.

Ready to hire? Post your job opening on our #1 recommended  job posting site ,  ZipRecruiter .

Whether you’re a company seeking talent or a professional on the hunt for a new opportunity, Monster may be able to help. We’ll share details about the platform’s key features, benefits, pricing, and more. That way, you can decide if it fits in with your recruiting or job search strategy.

This review will focus on Monster, however, if you are looking for other options, we would recommend ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter offers free job searching for jobseekers and a free trial for job seekers.

Discover Your Dream Job

Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.

Monster is a long-time leader in the recruiting and staffing industry. The employment portal helps companies and candidates find each other, resulting in a professional match. Let’s review what Monster does for both employers and job seekers.

Monster allows registered employers to search through a resume database , list open positions, contact potential candidates, and more.

Monster offers employers features like:

• Unlimited resume searches
• Unlimited job applicants
• Reusable job postings
• Email alerts about your job sent to matching candidates
• Email alerts about new matching resumes listed on the platform sent to you
• Performance booster, which shares your listing with hundreds of other sites

If your company has more advanced needs, Monster can also provide:

• Employer branding services (including a company career website)
• A recruiting marketing strategy to include photos, videos, and social media posts
• Recruiting software solutions such as applicant tracking software
• Recruiting assistance to include finding talent, screening candidates, and more

Monster also hosts a vast library of free hiring resources on its website, such as blog posts, guides, and job post templates.

When it comes to creating a Monster job posting , you have a couple of effective options at your disposal:

1. Leveraging the Indirect Approach: You can utilize Monster's aggregation system or integrate your ATS (Applicant Tracking System) with Monster. If you're using a Monster-partnered ATS, this method allows you to distribute your job listing not only on Monster but also on numerous other global and local job boards.

2. Directly Posting Through Your Monster Account: If you're already a registered Monster user, simply log in to your account and start the job posting process on Monster. For those who are new to Monster, creating an account is straightforward; head to the Monster for Employers Page to set up your account and initiate the job posting.

The choice between these methods largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, both options provide a seamless way to reach a vast pool of potential candidates on Monster. Additionally, keep in mind that you may need to provide detailed information about the job, including the job description, location, and other relevant details, to attract the right candidates effectively.

Creating a direct Monster job posting is simple, and you can get it done in a few minutes. 

1. Visit the Monster for Employers Page: Head over to the Monster for Employers Page and locate the prominent "SIGN UP NOW" button.

2. Choose the Right Plan: Monster will guide you to a pricing page where you can select the plan that best aligns with your requirements. Here are your options:

• Monster+ Plan: Ideal for smaller companies with single job openings. It allows you to switch between jobs if needed, but please note that you can keep only one job active at any given time.
• Standard and Premium Plans: If you're looking to hire for multiple roles simultaneously, these plans offer the flexibility you need. Both of these plans come with a 4-day free trial period, allowing you to explore their features before committing to a subscription.

3. Provide Required Information: After choosing your plan, you'll be prompted to enter essential details, including your payment and billing information. Keep in mind that once the free trial period ends, the monthly fee will be automatically charged to your designated payment method.

4. Set Up Your Password: Upon successful registration, you will receive a one-time link to establish your account password, enabling you to manage your job postings and access other employer resources on Monster.

After successfully signing up, you'll receive a one-time link in your inbox to create a secure password. It's essential to use a robust password, especially if your account will store sensitive information like credit card details.

Additionally, Monster will prompt you to set security questions. If you're the account owner, you can choose the questions. If you're an employee, it's advisable to consult with your HR or a responsible colleague to set the security questions, ensuring that your account remains accessible even when you're not available.

To proceed with this step, click on the gear icon at the top of your dashboard and select "My Company Profile". This will grant you access to your company profile, where you can add crucial information.

Take your time to carefully review your company's profile to avoid any potential errors. When crafting your company description, consider adding some creativity to give prospective candidates a glimpse of your positive company culture.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to posting job listings on Monster for Employers and connecting with great talent to enhance your organization.

Step 4: Choose Job Ad Type & Make a Payment

After you've completed your company profile, return to your dashboard. Navigate to the "Post a Job" option in the top navigation bar and review the pricing plan options if you haven't already made your selection during the signup process.

Select your preferred plan and proceed to make the payment. Once the payment is completed, you'll notice an immediate change in your dashboard.

Now, it's time to create a compelling job listing on Monster that will capture the attention of top-tier talent. Click on "Post A Job" at the top of your dashboard to access the job ad creation page. Here, you'll need to provide all the essential details, including:

• Job/employment type
• Salary/wage
• Job description

A well-crafted job description is essential for attracting qualified candidates. It not only showcases your employer brand but also conveys information about open roles to potential candidates. It addresses questions they might have, making it a valuable tool in your recruitment process.

When creating your job post, Monster offers relevant job description suggestions that you can choose from, customize, and use for your listing. Alternatively, you can craft your job description from scratch.

Step 6: Post Your Job & Manage Candidates on Monster

1. Posting a Job on Monster: Once you've prepared your job ad and are satisfied with it, it's time to post the job on Monster. You also have the option to save this job in Monster's library for future hiring needs.

You can conveniently access all the application details directly from the dashboard as candidates begin applying for your open position.

2. Managing Candidates on Monster: Managing candidates is straightforward through the dashboard. Simply click on the "My Candidates" tab to access a comprehensive list of job applicants. You can review their resumes and other pertinent information right from this section.

It's worth noting that viewing resumes in this section does not count against the resume view quota included with your subscription.

As soon as you identify the ideal candidate, return to the "My Jobs" page via the top navigation bar. From there, you can access a job ad dashboard to manage all your job positions. You can also handle candidates and send rejection emails to those who do not align with your desired candidate profile.

Once you've successfully hired your preferred candidate, remember to close your job posting on Monster. Additionally, if you intend to continue using Monster's services, refrain from deleting your job listings. This allows you to reutilize them promptly when you have new hiring requirements.

Monster lets you find and apply for jobs and list your resume on the platform. The site offers features like:

• Navigation by your place in the job search journey: just looking, getting your resume ready, applying for positions, or currently interviewing
• A collection of career-related articles to help you land your target job and advance in your profession
• Quick Apply: save time applying to jobs with this feature
• Salary tools to help you gauge your market value based on your job title and location
• Paid resume help (or check out our favorite professional resume writing services )
• A mobile app (for Apple or Android) to find your next career move while you’re on the go

Now, let’s take a look at how to use the website.

To use the service, you’ll need to log in or create an account. To make it easy, Monster lets you use your Apple, Facebook, or Google credentials.

Once you’re signed in, you can upload your resume.

If you don’t have a resume, Monster can help you build a profile. The system will walk you through the process and ask you for essential information about your work history, education, and more.

Now that your resume is live on the website, employers can find you when they need someone with your background and skillset.

If you want to be more proactive and apply for posted jobs, you can search for current openings directly from the platform’s homepage. Here’s how:

• Enter your desired job title and location. Then, click ‘search.’

• Refine your search by distance from your chosen area. You can also specify that you only want to see remote job opportunities. Then, click ‘view results.’

• Review the jobs in the list, and apply for the positions that interest you.

Monster is free for job seekers. However, employers must pay to use the service. The company offers three monthly subscription options:

Monster offers a 4-day free trial if you’d like to test out the platform before making a purchase. You can cancel your subscription at any time.

Related Reading: If you’ve got a limited recruiting budget, review our list of the best free job posting sites .

Monster makes money by selling recruiting-related services to employers. The employment platform is free for job seekers.

While Monster.com offers a 4-day free trial, the company charges employers for its services. Employers must pay a monthly subscription fee or reach out to the sales department for a custom quote.

After paying a fee, Monster.com lets employers post jobs, search through a resume database, contact candidates, and take advantage of other recruiting-related services.

It costs $279 to post a single job for a month. Additional jobs cost more.

Monster can be a powerful addition to your recruitment strategy. But it’s a good idea to check out all of your alternatives before making a choice.

ZipRecruiter can help with all of your hiring needs. If you are ready to add to your team, consider listing your job opening on ZipRecruiter !

Laura Gariepy

Laura Gariepy is a freelance writer and business coach to new and aspiring freelancers. She runs an online resource hub called Before You Go Freelance. Before launching her company, she earned an MBA and enjoyed ten years in the HR profession. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and an MBA in Human Resources from the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth.

7 Of The Best Accounting Careers [2024]

The 11 Best Delivery Driver Jobs [2024]

Want to build an unbreakable career.

• Services & Software

Article updated on May 10, 2024 at 5:00 PM PDT

Best Resume Writing Services for 2024

Whether you need to build a new resume from scratch or want some professional advice, we’ve curated the best websites, apps and services to make you stand out.

Our Experts

• She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.

• Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Even you've written a resume before, the job market is always changing and it can be hard to keep up with. Having a fresh resume ready when you aren't searching can make a huge difference if you need it in a pinch. New formats, new terms and making sure your experience is not only up to date but relevant to the job you're applying for can be stressful. Take the pressure off with the best resume writing services.

Some of what you'll need to include in your resume will depend on the industry you want to work in. While it can vary, employers will likely look at your education, work history and skills. We’ve combed through dozens of resume services looking at the most helpful features across a variety of needs. We looked especially closely at the number of custom templates, the amount of guidance the service offered, the ease of navigation and the robustness of the service's privacy policy. Each of these templates and professional writing services will help you create a complete resume that best reflects your skills and experience at an affordable price.

What’s the best resume builder website?

The best resume template and builder should give you a variety of options to customize your resume. Resume.com has many options and customization features that make it a useful tool for almost any candidate applying to any job. You can upload and edit an existing resume, customize an available template from its collection or let the service guide you through creating one from scratch. Resume.com also offers helpful guidance throughout your resume creation process, making sure you include and optimize all your content. Once you’re happy with your resume, you can download it for free in multiple formats.

Depending on where you’re at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. These services include more personalized coaching and features, but they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options for your budget and needs. Because your resume likely includes your contact information and some personal information, we've also included information about each service's privacy policy.

Best resume templates and builders of 2024

A well-constructed resume can help you stand out during a job search.

• Can create new resume or customize templates
• Many free features, guidance while writing
• Integrated with Indeed job search site
• Difficulty unsubscribing from paid services

Best free resume builder

Resume.com is a free resume writer offering dozens of templates for creating your resume or cover letter, as well as job boards and career advice. You have the option to upload and edit an existing resume, create a new one, or customize one of the sample resumes offered on the site. It's intuitive and easy to use, and it creates a professional-looking final product.

When starting from scratch, you'll go section by section, entering your education, employment history, hobbies and interests, professional skills, languages and references. Resume.com provides question prompts and tips for guidance, as well as career-specific examples you can add if you're struggling to find the right words. You can also choose to forgo any of these sections, rearrange sections and add custom ones depending on what you need. As you update and save each section, you can see how it will appear on the page on your resume preview to the right. You can also change the template, font style and size, or spacing at any time and see it update in real-time in the preview. 

Once you're done, you can download your new resume (in PDF, DocX, RTF or TXT format), create a custom URL or print it out. You also have the option to upload it to Indeed, a job search site that partners with Resume.com . The account you make will work with both Indeed and Resume.com . On the privacy side, the site does collect user information. If you want to delete your account, simply click your profile icon and then Account . Clicking Close My Account deletes your account and your data. If you didn't make an account, you can still choose Delete Guest Data . You can also request your data, and the company will send you an email with what it has collected. 

On the review site Trustpilot , Resume.com only has 38 reviews, but of those, 53% of them awarded the site four or five stars. Some negative reviews speak of difficulty unsubscribing from paid services, so read carefully as you use the free aspects of this service . 

• Guided help writing work experience descriptions
• Cover letter and CV help
• Easy to change layout and color styles
• Must pay to download resume

Best option for your first resume

Resume genius.

The website Resume Genius says you can "make a professional resume in 12 minutes." We tested it out and indeed had a solid first draft of an easy resume completed in about 10 minutes. Resume Genius takes you step-by-step through the process, prompting you with questions about your education and work experience to help you fill out the applicable sections. Resume Genius is particularly helpful because you can search for a job and see prewritten text for the description that you can add or edit. When finished, you can easily toggle between different templates to see what looks best for the final product. You also have the option to directly share your resume with Indeed or Resume Library. 

The site can also help you build cover letters and curriculum vitae. After you input all your information, you can choose different layout styles and colors. It's easy to move through, but you have to do it in order and fill in all the information before continuing. Resume Genius also offers examples of resumes, CVs and cover letters for specific jobs, as well as recommended jobs near you. You can download the resume you create for $3 (which starts a 14-day trial for Resume Genius Pro), or $8 (which kicks off a monthly subscription plan). If you fail to cancel your trial before the 14 days are up, you'll be billed $24 every four weeks, according to the site. 

On Trustpilot at the time of this publication, the site has 4.6 out of 5 stars based on more than 38,000 reviews. Note that if you register on the site, Resume Genius does collect personally identifiable information and may share it with third parties for advertising and other purposes, according to its privacy policy. The account deletion process is buried in the Terms of Service . According to Resume Genius, complete data erasure can take up to 30 days, but they may retain "certain information in accordance with privacy laws."

• Easy to customize
• Free downloads
• Optional paid extra assistance with Indeed professionals
• Unclear how to delete personal information

Easiest resume builder to use

Indeed resume builder.

It's free to create a resume or post your current resume on Indeed. If you're building a new one, you can choose between eight templates. The resume sections are highlighted and when you click, each section expands specific text fields. You can swap templates at any time without losing your work, as well. There are also options for toggling sections on and off, in addition to rearranging them. When you're finished, you can download a free PDF of your work history.

Indeed Resume Builder also offers optional professional advice for your new resume. After you download the resume you created, you'll get a prompt and can click Get Resume Help From a Real Person. Fill out a short questionnaire about what type of help you want and upload your resume (it's OK if you haven't built one). This service usually costs $89 unless you've applied to at least 10 jobs using your Indeed resume. According to Indeed, if you haven't received an interview request within 60 days of receiving your new resume, you can request a one-time rewrite. 

For $19, you can take a quiz and get feedback from a professional to get you started. You can also use Indeed's automated instant report system for free. The system returns quick tips to improve your resume. 

Indeed's privacy policy says that it does collect and share user data with third-party providers to connect job seekers with employers and improve services. According to Indeed's privacy policy, you can request an account or personal data deletion and request that your data not be shared while your account is active. CNET reached out to Indeed for more information and we'll update when we hear back.

• Guides resume creation
• Free resume downloads
• Paid tier offers interview advice and cover letter builder
• Have to pay for additional downloads

Most affordable paid resume builder

Cv engineer.

CV Engineer is an easy-to-use smartphone app that creates a professional-looking resume. With 16 templates to choose from, you can tap to enter information into all of the usual sections and add custom ones. When you tap on each section, you can tap through the bottom toolbar to get advice on what type of information to add, as well as view resume examples to show you how the section could look. 

CV Engineer lets you send or download your first completed resume for free, but upgrading to CV Engineer Pro for a one-time payment of $6 gives you access to unlimited downloads. A Scan My CV feature is also included, which can detect common mistakes and suggest improvements, such as places where you can add more information. The Pro version also offers interview advice and a cover letter builder. 

You can download CV Engineer from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store . CV Engineer does collect personal information and can share it with Google Play Services and Firebase Analytics, according to its privacy policy. The app is free to download and ad-free.

• Strong privacy policy
• Example resumes available
• Only one layout available
• Little guidance during creation

Best free iOS resume builder

Resume star 2: pro cv designer.

Resume Star 2 isn't the most visually stunning resume design app for iOS, but it gets the job done. To use, tap each section of the resume, fill in your information and it will fill in a traditional template (you only get one layout). The app offers some example resumes you can start with and edit as needed, including job-specific ones for a: cashier, dental hygienist, receptionist, waitress, mechanic and senior manager.

You can add or delete any sections you like without needing to hit save every time you add information, and you can see your resume update as you go. The autosave feature makes it easy to toggle quickly between the different sections as well. At the end, you'll have a basic resume ready to go. The app's interface doesn't offer as much guidance about how to write your resume or what types of information to include. If you need extra help, tap the information icon in the bottom left and choose the Resume Writing Guide. This will open up a crash course on resume writing in your mobile browser. It also includes a job search feature. 

The app collects payment via donations after you use the service -- you don’t have to pay if you don’t want to. The app connects to iCloud, and you can export your resume as a PDF to any location on your device(s). If you are happy with the service, you can choose the $6 "helped a bit" tier, a standard donation of $10, or the "really helped me" tier for $25. 

Resume Star 2 has a 4.8 out of 5 rating, and more than 1,800 ratings in the App Store . The first version, Resume Star: Pro CV Maker, which is the same except for the iCloud connection, had a 4.9-star rating and more than 16,000 reviews. The site does not collect personally identifiable information without user consent, which seems to make it one of the more secure options available.

• 42 templates to choose from
• Easily customizable
• Little to no guidance during creation

Best free Android resume writing service

Intelligentcv resume builder app.

Intelligent CV's Resume Builder App offers 42 resume templates and allows you to change font colors. Each resume section appears on a list, and you can move through sections in whichever order you choose, save and go on to another. You also have the option to add, delete or rearrange sections such as education, experience and skills. There’s a Help icon in each section for a little bit of extra guidance. Once you're finished, you can download your document for free as a PDF, which you can then save on your device or send via email or text. 

On the downside, the app is ad-supported and ads for other resume creators do pop up, which can get confusing. The app also offers less guidance than some of the other services, which means it's not a great option if you're new to resumes.

Resume Builder App has one of the strongest privacy policies of the bunch. The app does not collect personally identifiable information , though third-party services (including Google Play services and analytics firms) may collect information. The app has 4.6 out of 5 stars and more than 424,000 Google Play Store ratings and is free to download.

• Easy-to-use interface
• Inclusive premium package

Best range of professional tools

VisualCV has an easy-to-use interface that lets you build your resume in the way that works best for you. After signing up, you can upload an existing resume, begin with a prewritten sample or start entirely from scratch. You can use the basic editor to input information in a list form, the visual editor to edit directly on the resume and preview mode to see changes made on either version in real time. Revision history is also available. 

The free basic edition allows you to select from over a dozen professional templates to create, edit and download one resume as a PDF. You can also create one free cover letter and apply to jobs through its job search feature.

To download or share additional resumes, you’ll need to buy VisualCV Pro for $15 a month quarterly or $24 a month monthly. Upgrading unlocks more templates, unlimited creations, downloading, career tracking and the ability to build a personal resume website. The website URL goes through VisualCV but can be shared online. 

In terms of privacy, VisualCV's policy says that it does not sell, trade, rent or license personal information to third parties. As of publication, VisualCV has 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot but only 131 reviews.

Best professional resume writing services of 2024

Depending on where you’re at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. 

As these services include more personalized coaching and features, they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options depending on your budget and needs. Best professional resume writing services of 2024.

• Resume writing and career coaching
• Builds your resume from the ground up
• Quick turnaround
• More expensive options

A premium option for a tailored resume

Resumespice.

Suppose you're totally lost and are willing to invest several hundred dollars into your job search. In that case, ResumeSpice is a resume writing and career coach service created by recruiters that connects you with a "resume expert" to build your CV from scratch. 

Once you choose, you'll fill out a short questionnaire and schedule a phone consultation with a resume expert to discuss your experience, job search and career goals. The expert will take that information and turn around a personalized resume draft within two business days. You can review the draft and request any changes, and you'll get the final version in PDF and Word formats. 

An entry-level resume costs $479, a professional resume costs $589 and an executive resume costs $699. In addition to these packages, you can also add a cover letter, LinkedIn profile, interview coaching or other services to help you be more competitive in the job market.

• 60 day interview guarantee
• Industry-specific advice
• Variety of packages
• Limited non-resume add-ons

A 60-day interview guarantee

Resumewriters.com.

ResumeWriters.com offers a guarantee: If you don't get a job interview with a potential employer within two months of getting your new resume, they'll rewrite it for free. The service claims that in the 20 years and tens of thousands of resumes completed under this guarantee, it averages fewer than five requests for rewrites per year. 

To use the resume writing service, submit your current resume or career information on the site, and an experienced resume writer will contact you to assess your materials and plan out what you need. You'll get a first draft back within 72 hours and can work with the writer on revisions until you're satisfied with the result. 

ResumeWriters offers student, professional, executive and career-change resume services, as well as CV services for those conducting their job search in fields specific to the military, IT and research. The resume services cost $170 for students and $200 for the professional level, with a cover letter, one-on-one consultation and LinkedIn profile. The career change level ($250) is a comprehensive package that includes everything plus a post-interview follow-up letter, and the highest tier is the executive package that guarantees applicants its most experienced writers for $300.

• ATS screening
• Unlimited revisions
• Longer turnaround time (3-7 business days)

A fast pass through HR screening software

Zipjob’s professional resume writers optimize your resume to get through the applicant tracking system (ATS) software used by the majority of employers to automatically scan and sort resumes. An expert writes your resume and scans it through the ATS to ensure it will make it through to the hiring manager's desk. 

To use the service, upload your resume or fill out a form to start from scratch. You'll be matched with a professional resume writer who will work with you to improve it and will then scan the final product to make sure it passes through the screening algorithms. Depending on which package you choose, your resume will be ready in three to seven days. 

You can choose from three packages: Launch (resume writing and unlimited revisions for $139), Fast Track (adds a cover letter and a 60-day interview guarantee for $189) or Premium (adds a top resume writer, LinkedIn profile optimization, future resume updates and expedited delivery for $299).

• Career coaching
• Industry-specific feedback
• Ability to customize packages
• Longer turnaround time (3-5 business days)

An executive resume solution

Find my profession.

Find My Profession offers professional resume writing services as well as career coaching. Every resume gets reviewed by two different consultants. 

You'll find packages that include entry-level, professional, C-level and executive resume writer services, as well as federal. In each, you can choose a base, premium or VIP package depending on your needs. For example, the professional resume package starts at $595 for a resume compatible with automated systems. You can also add help with a cover letter for an additional $119 or a LinkedIn profile for $399. 

You'll get the first draft of your resume within three to five business days after you consult with a writer. Or, upgrade to a priority service for another $149 to get it within 48 hours.

How we tested resume sites and services

When we evaluated the different resume templates and builders, we looked at how each site or app allowed you to create new resumes, browse templates or upload and edit existing resumes. We also looked at how easy or hard it would be to customize different templates and sections, how much guidance was available, how user-friendly it was to navigate, plus reading and understanding each company’s privacy policies.

Some of our picks are free, some enlist the help of professional writers and some require a subscription or one-time payment. When it comes to premium or paid services, we evaluated how inclusive its packages were compared to basic or free versions. In many cases for the professional writing services, these paid tiers included more guidance and additional job search support like a cover letter and LinkedIn editing, suggested jobs to apply to and interview coaching.

Factors to consider when choosing a resume writing service

This was a key factor when compiling this list. Whether you’re looking for a free service to boost your current resume or interested in professional editing services, there’s something for everyone’s price range.

Ease of use

When looking at each website, we looked at how easy it was to navigate, browse templates and add, edit or remove different sections. We also considered whether you can download and share your resume for free and in what format.

Customization options

Customization options were essential, as everyone’s resume is going to look different. Having easy user control over your resume helps you create a resume that meets your industry’s standards and showcases your professional experiences.

Privacy policies

Privacy policies were the final important factor to consider, as many of these are websites and apps that can collect and store your personal information. All of the services and websites included on this list have decent privacy settings, and we noted which ones have exceptionally clear use cases and account deletion policies.

Resume writing FAQs

What is a resume builder.

A resume builder is a company that has a website or app that helps you create and customize your resume. You can use pre-existing templates or create your own from scratch.

What is a resume writing service?

A resume writing service is a company that pairs you with a coach or writer to work with you to create, perfect and tailor your resume, cover letters and other job application materials. These tend to be more inclusive packages and therefore more expensive than simple resume template websites.

What is the best resume format to use?

The best format for your resume is going to depend on the job you are applying to, along with your work experience. Resume templates can help you format and include all the necessary information like your education, work experience, skills and contact information.

Services and Software Guides

• Best iPhone VPN
• Best Free VPN
• Best Android VPN
• Best Mac VPN
• Best Mobile VPN
• Best VPN for Firestick
• Best VPN for Windows
• Fastest VPN
• Best Cheap VPN
• Best Password Manager
• Best Antivirus
• Best Identity Theft Protection
• Best LastPass Alternative
• Best Live TV Streaming Service
• Best Streaming Service
• Best Free TV Streaming Service
• Best Music Streaming Services
• Best Web Hosting
• Best Minecraft Server Hosting
• Best Website Builder
• Best Dating Sites
• Best Language Learning Apps
• Best Weather App
• Best Stargazing Apps
• Best Cloud Storage
• Best Resume Writing Services
• New Coverage on Operating Systems

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

4 Resume Mistakes to Avoid When You Don’t Have Much Experience

• Irina Cozma

A good resume can set you apart and help you land that interview.

Understanding the common mistakes job candidates make on resumes, and how to overcome them, can set you apart from your competitors. The first mistake is including irrelevant work experience. Instead, only add roles that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. The second is customizing your resume. While it’s in your benefit to adjust your resume to better match the job description, over-tuning your resume for every application can be a waste of time — and end up slowing down your search. This is especially true if you’re focused on securing a particular position that has a standard job title like “marketing coordinator” or “sales associate.” The third is overdesigning your resume. Recruiters only spend a few seconds scanning it, so keep the format simple and straightforward. The fourth is coming off as a novice. For example, don’t use an ancient email address — update it to something that sounds more professional, and give your resume a specific name so it’s easier to identify.

Resumes. Love them or hate them, you will probably need one when you apply for a job. The resume has a specific tactical role to play in your search — to get you the interview. You need to make sure it checks a few boxes to do that work because, even if you take advantage of your network, sooner or later, you will need to share your resume with the hiring manager.

• Irina Cozma , Ph.D., is a career and executive coach who supports professionals to have better career adventures. She coached hundreds of Fortune 500 executives from global organizations like Salesforce, Hitachi, and Abbott. Irina also coaches startups and the Physicians MBA at the University of Tennessee. Download her free career guide to help you prepare for your next career adventure.

Partner Center