How to Become a Freelance/Telecommute Resume Writer


Without a doubt, there are people who are talented at writing resumes and cover letters for job applications. It naturally follows that they're more likely to bag a position and land the job.

Unfortunately, no matter how much everyone needs a job these days, not everybody can be quite as talented. If you're exceptional on this aspect and you'd like to help people out with their resumes and cover letters, then you can become a freelance resume writer.

On being a freelance resume writer

Most writers view resume writing as more of a part-time job than a full-time one. At any rate, you're bound to earn at least $30 per page, depending on how notorious you are for delivering killer resumes and attention-grabbing letters.

Usually, your clients would consist of university graduates fresh out of school, housewives going back to work, and employees who have just been laid off. If you have the right formula and you're willing to share it, you could even be a saving grace for millions of unemployed workers who haven't bounced back yet from the ongoing recession.

The specialty and its challenges

Aside from your four-year bachelor's degree and additional units earned, you can also aim for certification. If you obtain your credentials from the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA), they render you with the title of being a Certified Resume Writer.

A touch more professional-sounding than being a freelance resume writer, certified writers achieve not only higher occupational status but also higher professional income.

The downside, however, is that you must have accumulated at least three years of initial credits plus another 15 continuing credits per three-year interval. These credits are amassed from writing books, attending seminars, and participating in conferences. There's also a certification examination which you'll definitely have to take and spend for.

On becoming good at what you do

Step 1: Possess excellent communication skills.

Resume writing involves more than average grammar and communication skills. It requires excellent proofreading and editing abilities. These are plus factors which enable you to word and punctuate each page to perfection.

Step 2: Join a resume writing program.

If you'd like to polish your grammar and improve on communication, then it would be smart to enroll in a resume writing program. These are writing workshops which train you to write better through lecture and laboratory sessions. For economy and convenience, these are usually conducted online on your own time and within your budget.

Every chance you get, also sign up for a local seminar or conference which earns you credits and points. These are credentials which you can add to your qualifications.

Step 3: Market your services.

Since you're starting a small business of your own, you've got to plan your strategy. Reach out to the market through business cards and flyers. These can be distributed at community centers and local employment offices. They can also be posted on bulletin boards in your community college or local university.

To support your start-up plan, you may also set up your own business website. A simple and functional one, it should link to popular job search sites and contain helpful articles related to job hunting and resume writing.

To market efficiently without stretching your means, take advantage of all the free advertising you can get. These are in the form of positive feedbacks which circulate through word-of-mouth, referrals, tweets, and retweets. The more positively you'll be reviewed, the better your chances of succeeding as a freelance resume writer.

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