Why Hiring Big Resume Firms is a Waste of Time & Money

(And How to Find a Resume Writer Who Actually Works for You)

The Myth of “Top Resume Firms”

You’ve probably seen the ads: “#1 Resume Writing Company in the U.S.,” “Guaranteed to Land You a Job,” “Professional Resumes Written by Experts.”

Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, big resume firms often overpromise and underdeliver, using cookie-cutter templates, generic phrasing, and little to no strategy in their approach.

Let’s break down why big names aren’t always better—and what you should look for instead when hiring a resume writer or career strategist.

🚩 The Problem With Large Resume Firms

1️⃣ Generic Templates That Strip Away Your Unique Value

I recently reviewed a resume from the so-called “#1 Resume Writing Company in the U.S.” It was… underwhelming.

✅ Overused buzzwords like “dynamic” and “proven track record.”

✅ No storytelling or impact statements.

✅ A generic format that could apply to any professional, anywhere.

✅ A design that doesn't clarify-- the pages are FULL and require the reader to read, in detail, to grab the impact.

Take a look at this executive-level resume they produced:

🔹 Instead of specific accomplishments, they filled it with vague HR jargon.

🔹 It fails to show measurable results, meaning hiring managers won’t see a reason to call this candidate.

🔹 The formatting looks just like every other resume they churn out—no personalization.

💡 What’s Missing? A strong resume shouldn’t just list responsibilities—it should showcase leadership impact, strategic initiatives, and measurable success.

2️⃣ Little to No Personalization or Strategy

Large firms work on high volume, meaning they:

🚫 Don’t take time to understand your career trajectory.

🚫 Use AI-driven templates that don’t showcase unique strengths.

🚫 Fail to align your resume with your target job or industry.

A great resume is more than just a list of skills—it should strategically position you for your next role, not just summarize your past.

✅ A real resume writer will ask in-depth questions, understand your strengths, and frame your experience in a way that tells a compelling career story.

3️⃣ No Ongoing Career Support

Many big resume firms send you a document and disappear.

But what happens when:

❌ You need to tweak your resume for a specific role?

❌ You’re getting interviews but not landing offers?

❌ Your LinkedIn presence needs work?

A resume alone isn’t enough—you need a cohesive career strategy that includes:

✅ Resume optimization for specific roles

✅ LinkedIn branding & networking strategies

✅ Interview preparation & self-advocacy coaching

Without that full-picture approach, you’re left with a resume that might look “nice” but doesn’t actually help you land the job.

🔍 What to Look for in a Resume Writer or Career Coach

If big firms aren’t the answer, what is? A real expert who takes a strategic, personalized approach to your career. Here’s how to find one:

✅ Someone who asks the right questions. A great resume writer will dig deep into your accomplishments, impact, and career goals. If they don’t ask detailed questions, they can’t create a compelling resume.

✅ A writer who understands your industry. Different industries require different resume strategies. Make sure your resume writer knows what keywords, skills, and achievements matter most for your target roles.

✅ A coach, not just a writer. Your career is more than a document—you need someone who can guide your job search, help with LinkedIn positioning, and prepare you for interviews.

✅ A firm that limits client volume. If a company is writing 50+ resumes a week, they’re not giving you the attention you need. Look for high-touch, boutique firms that prioritize quality over quantity.

💡 The Bottom Line: Invest in Strategy, Not Just a Resume

A professionally written resume is only as valuable as the strategy behind it. If your resume doesn’t showcase your unique strengths, leadership impact, and measurable results, it won’t stand out—no matter how “fancy” the formatting is.

Instead of wasting money on a generic resume factory, invest in:

✔ A customized, strategy-first resume.

✔ LinkedIn & networking guidance.

✔ Interview prep & career positioning.

🚀 Want a resume & career strategy that actually works? 

Let’s talk. Unlike big firms, I take the time to understand your story, optimize your positioning, and help you land the right opportunities—not just any job.

📩 Ready to get serious about your career move? Reach out today.