So, you’re looking for a way to make an extra $1,500 a month? Well, you’re in luck because freelance resume writing is one of the best ways to turn your writing skills into cold, hard cash.
People are desperate for resumes that stand out, and they’re willing to pay top dollar for them.
If you can craft a compelling resume that helps someone land an interview, you’ve got a business on your hands.
And here’s the best part—you don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to get started.
With the right strategy, you can start making money fast.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to hit that $1,500-a-month goal, from sharpening your skills to landing clients. Let’s dive in!
1. Sharpen Your Resume Writing Skills
First things first—if you want people to pay you for resume writing, you need to know how to do it well.
A hiring manager spends an average of six to seven seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to toss it or take a closer look.
That means your resumes need to be clear, concise, and packed with impact.
Start by studying what makes a resume successful.
Look at examples of high-quality resumes online, analyze job descriptions, and familiarize yourself with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Employers use these systems to filter resumes, and if yours aren’t optimized, they’ll never make it to human eyes.
Consider taking an online course or watching YouTube tutorials to master modern resume formats.
The more you understand what recruiters want, the better your work will be.
And when you consistently deliver results? Word will spread, and clients will start coming to you.
2. Get Certified and Boost Your Credibility
Sure, anyone can call themselves a resume writer, but if you want to stand out and charge premium rates, a certification can help.
Organizations like the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARW/CC) and the National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA) offer programs that will boost your credibility.
While a certification isn’t mandatory, it can make a huge difference when you’re just starting.
Clients trust certified professionals, and you can use it as a selling point in your marketing.
Plus, certified resume writers often charge 20-50% more than non-certified writers.
That’s extra money in your pocket for the same amount of work.
3. Build a Portfolio That Turns Heads
Nobody’s going to hire you if they don’t know what you can do.
A solid portfolio is your best sales tool.
If you don’t have client samples yet, create resumes for fictional people or rewrite your friends’ resumes.
Show a variety of industries and job levels to prove you can handle different clients.
Your portfolio should live on a professional website, but you can also share samples on LinkedIn or freelance platforms.
A well-organized portfolio builds trust and makes it easier for potential clients to say, “Yep, this is the person I want writing my resume.”
4. Set Competitive Rates Without Selling Yourself Short
Figuring out your rates can be tricky, but don’t make the rookie mistake of undercharging. A good rule of thumb:
- Entry-level resumes: $75 – $150
- Mid-career resumes: $150 – $250
- Executive resumes: $250 – $500
If you want to hit $1,500 a month, you’d need to complete around 10-15 resumes at standard pricing.
But don’t be afraid to raise your rates as you gain experience and build a strong reputation.
5. Market Yourself Like a Pro
Even the best resume writer won’t make money if nobody knows they exist.
You’ve got to put yourself out there.
Create a website, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and post content about job search tips.
You can even join Facebook groups and Reddit threads where people are asking for resume help—just don’t be spammy.
Networking is a goldmine. Attend local job fairs, connect with career coaches, and collaborate with recruiters.
The more people who know you, the more referrals you’ll get.
6. Leverage Freelance Platforms to Reel in Clients
If you want to make money fast, freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are your best bet.
Clients are already there looking for resume writers, so all you have to do is set up a killer profile.
Write a compelling bio, showcase your portfolio, and start bidding on jobs.
Yes, competition is fierce, but if you offer quality work and collect positive reviews, you’ll start landing higher-paying clients in no time.
7. Offer Additional Services to Boost Your Income
Why stop at resumes? People looking for resume help often need cover letters, LinkedIn profile optimization, and interview coaching too.
Offering these extra services can boost your income without doubling your workload.
For example, if you charge $100 for a resume, you can add:
- Cover letter writing for $50
- LinkedIn profile makeover for $100
- Mock interview coaching for $75
Suddenly, a single client can bring in $250 instead of $100.
Multiply that by a few clients a month, and you’re on track to make even more than $1,500!
8. Manage Your Time and Workload Like a Boss
Juggling multiple clients can get overwhelming fast.
Use tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of projects, deadlines, and client requests.
Set realistic goals—don’t take on more work than you can handle, or you’ll end up delivering rushed, low-quality resumes.
Time management is key to keeping clients happy and avoiding burnout.
Remember, quality over quantity will keep those five-star reviews rolling in.
9. Seek Feedback and Continuously Improve
The best resume writers are always learning.
Ask your clients for feedback after each project, and use that info to improve.
Stay up to date on industry trends, hiring practices, and the latest resume formats.
Join online forums or follow career experts to see what hiring managers are looking for.
The more you know, the better your work will be, and the more clients will trust you with their resumes.
10. Stay Compliant with Legal and Ethical Standards
A lot of people don’t think about the legal side of freelancing, but it’s important.
Make sure you’re following data protection laws and keeping client information confidential.
Never exaggerate or lie on a client’s resume—your reputation is everything, and one bad review can ruin your credibility.
Setting up a simple contract for each client can also protect you from payment disputes and unrealistic demands.
Freelance work is great, but only if you’re getting paid fairly and ethically.
Conclusion
Freelance resume writing isn’t just a side hustle—it’s a legit way to make consistent, reliable income while helping people land their dream jobs.
With the right skills, marketing strategy, and pricing, you can easily earn $1,500 (or even more) every month.
Now, it’s time to take action.
Start practicing, build your portfolio, and put yourself out there.
The demand for resume writers isn’t going anywhere, so why not cash in on it? Your future clients are waiting—go get ‘em!