Online resume and cover letter writer

Write and polish resumes and cover letters for job seekers, working with clients by email and video call.

A job seeker's CV and laptop on a desk during a writing session.
Startup cost$100 to $800
Monthly revenue$300 to $2.5k
Time needed5+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • $100-800
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

What it is

A freelance service where you rewrite or edit resumes and write cover letters, often with a LinkedIn profile update as an add-on. You work remotely from a short intake form and a call.

Your first three steps

  1. Write 3 to 5 sample resumes (with made-up or permission-based details) and set up a simple one-page website or listing
  2. Set your package prices after checking what local and online resume writers charge
  3. Offer a discounted first project to friends, local job seekers or college career groups in exchange for honest reviews
Who pays

Job seekers, recent graduates, career changers and professionals who want help standing out. Some come from local colleges, community groups or online searches.

How it makes money

Fixed price packages, such as resume only, resume plus cover letter, or a full bundle with LinkedIn. Extra fees for rush jobs or revisions.

Skills that help
  • Clear, concise writing
  • Asking good questions to draw out achievements
  • Basic knowledge of how applicant tracking systems read resumes
Watch out for
  • Check whether your city or county requires a general business license, and register as a sole proprietor or LLC with your state
  • Check whether your state charges sales tax on this kind of service
  • Never promise a job or interview, and avoid claiming credentials you do not hold
  • Keep clients' personal details private and store files securely
  • Consider professional liability insurance, and check HOA or lease rules if you work from home

Deep research report Β· US

Everything you need to start: online resume and cover letter writer

Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes Β· one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start an online resume writing business?

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $100 to $800, depending on your software, website and any insurance you choose. Ongoing costs are usually modest because you work remotely from a short intake form and a call.

How much can an online resume writer earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on how many clients you take, your pricing and add-ons like LinkedIn updates. You can start with as little as about 5 hours a week.

What should I check before starting a resume writing business in the US?

Check whether your city or county requires a general business license, and register as a sole proprietor or LLC with your state. Also check whether your state charges sales tax on this service, and consider professional liability insurance.

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Photo: resumaic on Pixabay

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