Start Your Own Resume Writing Business: Turn Your Talent into a Livelihood

A resume that truly stands out can help someone get a better job or even get promoted at their current one.

For such an important piece of paper, it's odd that so many people have so much trouble writing their own resumes, and yet resume-writing really is a skill. So if you have (or think you can develop) a knack for writing them, you could make a decent living by opening up your own part-time business writing resumes. I have been lucky enough to have had some success in this niche writing business. If you're interested in pursuing a similar avenue, here is some of what worked for me.

To start a resume-writing business, your basic tools will include a computer with Internet access and word processing capability. Duh, since you probably already have both! But you will also need a good printer and quality paper, which may require some investment on your part.

You might also want to get business cards as well as an easily distributable presentation folder with some sample resumes. But these tools are not at all essential in the beginning so don't waste money on it just yet. You do however want to have some sample resumes to show to your first clients. You can develop a portfolio of these samples by reaching out to your family and friends. Ask them sweetly if they need help with their resumes-who would turn that down?-and share your new business venture. You will almost certainly find a few who won't mind being in your portfolio.

Beyond these basic tools you do, of course, need certain skills. The first and most essential is, obviously, excellent writing skills and flawless grammar. Giving your client a resume that has misspelled words or typos or incorrect grammar would not be acceptable to anyone who paid money for such a service. You should try buying an inexpensive grammar book-which you can find for a few dollars at any used book stores-and take the time to brush up these basic skills to ensure you are in tip-top shape to really do an excellent job.

You also need to be personable, adept at interviewing your clients and helping them to determine what their objectives and relevant skills might be. This will really take some effort on your part; it involves more than typing it up and making sure to spell-check. You really have to help them to define precisely what type of job they want and what their qualifications for this job might be.

You will also need to learn the various types of resume formats, and when it's appropriate to use each one. When you're at your local used book store picking up a grammar manual, also pick up a resume reference book of which there are many to help guide you. You could also go to a place like Monster.com or Craigslist.com and read the resumes of others to learn the different resume formats.

Once you have a portfolio of sample resumes, the right resume format guides, and have spent some time brushing up your grammar, you will be ready begin your business and get some clients. Since you have already done some freebies for your friends and family, you should start there. Ask them if they are happy with their revised resumes and encourage them to share about your new business with anyone who might need the service. You are bound to get at least a few referrals this way, especially since your family and friends know you do good work! You should also try all the local colleges. Most of them will have job placement offices, and posting your business information on the bulletin board is sure to bring your business directly to the attention of a group that really needs your services: college senior looking to create a resume for job hunting. Similarly, you should put your business cards and flyers at the local unemployment services office. You must also head to the internet and places like Craigslist.com or Elance.com where requests for resume writers are plentiful.

Little by little, by doing good work, your business will grow. Your clients will refer their friends to you and their friends will refer their friends. And maybe in a year or two, some of your clients will be looking for work again and you will be their first stop. People are always looking to advance their careers or to upgrade their positions. Your talent at communicating their skills is a valuable one and as long as you nurture your business, there will always be people who want to pay you for it.

Writing resumes part-time is a great business because it's the kind of service that is absolutely always in demand. If you are really interested in being a part of it, don't wait! Start today by reaching out to your network of friends to begin your portfolio. Within no time you may find yourself (as I do) with more resume-writing work than you even know what to do with!