You’ve hit this page because you’re in need of executive resume writing services. Below you will find a number of frequently asked questions, details about our resume writing process, and pricing for our resume writing services. Is it your first-time hiring an executive resume writer? We highly recommend reading our informative blog post: How to Research & Review Executive Resume Writing Services.
Question: What types of clients do you serve?
Answer: Senior-level attorneys, senior executives, C-suite leaders, and board members.
Here’s a breakdown of our client base:
► Over 60% of our clients are attorneys (practicing and non-practicing JDs in compliance, public affairs, or business segment work). Of the attorneys we work with, 80%+ are general counsels (GCs) or CLOs at top-tier companies, startups, and those in the IPO stage. Majority of our attorney clients hold hybrid roles in senior legal advisory, board leadership, and executive business leadership. We work with attorneys who have had a progressive career advancing in legal departments, building new legal departments from scratch, and serve in an executive capacity. We also work with law firm partners who are looking to pivot into a GC role or exit out of law into a paid Board seat.
If you’re an attorney, read Wendi’s informative article: How to Write a Legal Resume and Build Your Brand
► Our senior management executives are typically in VP, EVP, SVP, and senior director roles, heading into the C-suite or already there (CXO, CEO, CFO, CIO, CTO, CHRO, CISO, CMO, CSO, CRO, etc.). We assist these clients in a number of industries and sectors: general business (transformation, global operations, supply chain), healthcare, sales, marketing, finance, and technology.
► We frequently work with leaders seeking a paid or unpaid board seat. Read our article in the Ladders about writing a board resume.
► We work with mid-level managers/rising executives on a limited basis for LinkedIn makeovers only — they are looking to take their career to the executive level and want to invest with us for that coveted position. We do refer them out to a colleague who concentrates on mid-level managers for the resume portion, but we are happy to craft them a powerful LinkedIn profile.
► Our clients work at, or have landed roles, at Fortune 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 companies, including big tech companies (Google, Amazon, Oracle, Microsoft, Dell), privately held organizations, early stage start-ups, mature, and emerging brands.
► Our clients earn at least $250K annually, with 60-65% earning between $350K to $500K annually, and 25% earning between $500K to $1M+ annually.
If you are not a fit for our services, we will gladly provide you with a referral to another certified resume writer and trusted colleague. We aim to make sure you are paired with a writer who can match what you need.
Question: Why should I hire an executive resume writer?
Answer: Leverage and advantage.
The job market is over-saturated and highly competitive. With 250+ candidates applying for the same job, 94% of recruiters scoping out candidates on LinkedIn, and job search boards giving you a ~4% shot, you must stand out and get noticed faster in the digital age. That’s why turning to a certified executive resume writer is the best decision for your career. It can mean the difference between getting an average job versus getting the job you want….and deserve! Qualified (i.e. highly certified) resume writers are trained to see things in a resume that laypersons do not see.
Always make sure your resume writer is certified and verify the certifications with the trade associations. This is extremely important because the resume industry is not regulated, and you want to ensure that your writer has received the proper training and maintains actual credentials in resume writing. A high-level executive resume writer will have multiple resume writing certifications. Do your due diligence always! We suggest talking to a few resume writers before making a decision on who to hire.
Question: What makes Wendi Weiner, The Writing Guru different from other resume writers?
Answer: Our career credentials, certifications, industry leadership, publications, & credibility.
With thousands of resume writers out there, selecting the right one for you is almost as stressful as writing your own resume. The idea can best be compared to shopping for a car. There are some shoppers who see a vehicle as a simple mode of transportation that takes them from point A to B. Then there are those shoppers who want a vehicle that has all of the bells and whistles – backup camera, navigation, heated seats, leather interior, etc. While a car’s ultimate purpose is taking you to your next destination, the bells and whistles can ultimately define the comfort of getting to your destination.
Similarly, resume writers come in different tiers and levels. Since your resume is the most important document in your career, selecting the right resume writer is an intricate task. It’s a fact that a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) is a true resume expert – it is considered to be the PhD of resume writing. As the only NCRW with a combination of a law degree from a top 100 law school and teaching expertise for college-level writing, Wendi Weiner leverages her value on having the highest academic and proven career credentials of any resume writer in the industry. Additionally, we possess 6 top industry certifications in both resume writing and career coaching. We have sat on interviewing committees, reviewed thousands of resumes, and have written thousands of resumes in 30+ industries. We are a global industry expert for resumes and other career documents – we’ve been published and featured in 75+ media outlets which surpasses any other writer in the industry! We firmly believe that to produce the best work, you must be armed with the best credentials.
Question: What are your prices?
Answer: Our fees range from $2,395.00 (director, VP/SVP) to $2,695.00 (c-suite/BOD/general counsel) for a resume and cover letter. We also offer packages with full LinkedIn optimization, which places them at $3K-$4K, and with bio writing, $4K to $5K.
- C-Level/C-Suite, BOD, General Counsel, International Leaders ($2,695): Corporate owners, presidents, CEO, CFO, CIO, CXO, CHRO, CTO, CLO, CMO, CSO, general counsels and hybrid executive roles, associate/assistant general counsels, deputy general counsels, law firm partners, and all internationally located executives/international business leaders.
- Senior Executives ($2,395): Attorneys with 10+ years of experience, senior corporate counsels (non-executive level), senior executives, business leaders, and those holding coveted senior management roles (directors, VP, SVP, EVP).
We assist high-level professionals and mid-level (younger professionals with ~5 years of experience) for LinkedIn makeovers on an as-needed basis.
- High-Level Professionals & Non-Executive Managers: High-level professionals and managers with 5 or more years of work experience. This also includes attorneys with 5-9 years of experience who are mid-level associates.
Question: How do you determine your prices?
Answer: The difference is in the details. Compare our prices to value, skill, service level, recommendations, and results.
Our prices may seem high compared to the average non-certified resume writer, but when choosing the person who will write the most important career document, you get what you pay for. Don’t let the stick shock scare you!
The difference is truly in the details. We ARE NOT a resume mill. We DO NOT outsource any work. Many of those companies that charge $99 or $150 for a resume are not top-tier resume writers. Those companies simply churn and burn resumes with low-level writers, writing multiple resumes a day, and dozens a week. You may see companies that charge half of what we charge. Consider that they may be employing a team of writers who are not certified and who truly do not know the resume industry standards or have the command and tenacity of writing that we do. Our services are concierge style, one-on-one, and extremely personalized. You will always collaborate one-on-one with just us (Wendi Weiner). We will learn your personality, attributes, and shape your resume in the best way possible to create a strategic marketing document that best sells your value. Most importantly, we will always be available for your call, text, or email.
The average resume overhaul takes around 15-20+ hours when you include the branding, strategy, and consulting process involved. Our prices also fall within the guidelines established by the National Resume Writers’ Association for our caliber and level. We construct our resume prices based on your level of experience and the type of position you are seeking. Remember, your career advancement is contingent on your progression of skills and accomplishments. Therefore, as you move up the ranks in your experience and positions, so does the information and time needed for proper branding of your resume.
Resumes for executives and C-level clients are very specialized and require the utmost of detail. The resume we create for these top-ranked professionals is slightly different than standard professionals. Also, we never use just one template, or a form. Each resume is created from scratch. We pride ourselves on having one that is specifically tailored for a high-ranking executive, including key figures, career highlights and accomplishments that emphasize the resources candidate has effectuated during his/her tenure.
We believe our resumes hold their value, particularly when our clients receive job offers for better positions and higher salaries, ranging from $25K to over $50K salary increases.
Question: How much time do you spend on my resume and what is your process from beginning to end?
Answer: On average 15-20 hours, with researching, consulting, strategizing, proofreading, and editing added in.
Remember, we do not outsource any work. Your resume is crafted by our owner, Wendi Weiner. The average resume, from creation to finalization includes time spent consulting with the client, additional research, drafting a cover letter, or crafting a LinkedIn profile. The research we perform for each client exceeds what most resume companies will do. Our process after the initial consultation includes a detailed questionnaire that seeks to extract information regarding the client’s full employment history, career goals, and accomplishments. We research each company the client has worked for, the positions held, and the positions of interest to ensure proper keyword matching. Once we receive the questionnaire back, we will have a 60-minute coaching call with you prior to delivering the new resume.
All resume writing projects include two revisions/rewrites. This means that after the first draft is presented to the client, the second draft (presented in 4-6 days) will be the first revision/rewrite, and the third (final) draft will be the second revision/rewrite. Additional consulting, writing, edits and rework after the third (final) draft is presented to the client is billable at the rate of $350 per hour. After the first draft is delivered, we will arrange for a 60-minute project strategy session call to make changes that are needed as well as strategize about your job search process. Most clients hire us to do the LinkedIn profile as well, and that includes a 60-minute LinkedIn marketing call. In total, if you hire us for a full project, you will receive 3 hour-long strategy calls with us to help coach you and prepare you for the job search process.
Please note: We provide candidates with their resumes in standard Word and PDF formats. Our resumes are ATS compliant with respect to keywords.
Question: What if I need my resume updated?
Answer: We give our clients reduced rates for resume updates.
Resume updates are one of our favorite things to do. Our clients’ resume update will encompass additional flavoring to reflect accentuated skills, new accomplishments, and job experience. They are based on an hourly fee.
Question: Do you work with clients out of state or out of the country?
Answer: Yes, more than 80% of our clients are located outside of the Miami, Florida area.
We offer Zoom calls for all clients and will accommodate time zone differences.
Question: Do you have published testimonials?
Answer: Yes, we have testimonials on Yelp, Google, and LinkedIn.
We recommend you review them ahead of speaking with us. Many of those testimonials include specific details about our process and the working relationship which is extremely important. Please also be wary of resume writing companies that attempt to self-review other resume writers while attempting to self-inflate. This is not only unethical, but also a deceptive marketing practice.