9 Ways to Make Money as a Freelance Resume Writer: Side Hustle Tips for Extra Cash

Are you looking for a way to earn extra cash? Freelance resume writing might be the perfect fit.

This side gig lets you use your writing skills to help job seekers stand out in the job market.

With the job market always changing, people need strong resumes to get noticed. You can make money by creating resumes that showcase job seekers’ best qualities and help them land interviews. It’s a flexible job you can do from home, and you don’t need special degrees to get started.

1) Create Custom Resumes for Niche Industries

Want to stand out as a freelance resume writer? Try focusing on specific industries.

You can become the go-to expert for job seekers in fields like tech, healthcare, or finance.

By specializing, you’ll learn the lingo and key skills employers look for.

This makes your resumes more effective and valuable to clients.

Start by picking an industry you know well or find interesting.

Research the latest trends and job requirements.

Talk to people working in that field to get insider tips.

Create sample resumes for common jobs in your chosen niche.

Show these off on your website or social media to attract clients.

You can charge more for your specialized knowledge.

Clients will pay extra for a resume that really speaks to their industry.

This approach works great as a side hustle.

You can focus on one or two industries while keeping your day job.

As you build a reputation, you might even turn it into a full-time gig.

Remember to stay up-to-date with industry changes.

Attend conferences, read trade publications, and network with professionals.

This keeps your skills sharp and your resumes fresh.

Creative content writers can use their skills to craft compelling resumes that stand out.

Your way with words can help job seekers land their dream roles.

2) Offer LinkedIn Profile Optimization Services

As a freelance resume writer, you can expand your services to include LinkedIn profile optimization.

This side hustle can be a great way to boost your income and help job seekers stand out online.

LinkedIn is crucial for professionals looking to network and find job opportunities.

Many people struggle to create an effective profile that catches recruiters’ attention.

You can step in and offer your expertise to make their profiles shine.

Start by learning the ins and outs of LinkedIn’s features and best practices for profile optimization.

Focus on crafting compelling headlines, writing engaging summaries, and highlighting key skills and achievements.

You can also help clients choose the right profile picture and background image to make a strong first impression.

Optimizing custom URLs is another valuable service you can provide.

Help your clients create a personalized URL that’s easy to remember and share.

Consider offering different packages, from basic profile reviews to complete overhauls.

You might even include ongoing maintenance services to keep profiles up-to-date.

To attract clients, showcase your own optimized LinkedIn profile as an example of your work.

You can also create before-and-after samples to demonstrate the impact of your services.

Don’t forget to network on LinkedIn itself. Engage with others in your industry, share valuable content, and join relevant groups to increase your visibility and find potential clients.

3) Write Cover Letters Tailored to Job Descriptions

Want to boost your income as a freelance resume writer? Try offering custom cover letters.

Many job seekers struggle with this part of the application process.

You can help them stand out by creating personalized cover letters for specific job postings.

This service can be a great add-on to your resume writing packages.

To get started, ask your clients for the job descriptions they’re applying to.

Read them carefully and pick out key skills and requirements.

Then, craft cover letters that highlight how your client’s experience matches what the employer wants.

Use specific examples from their background to show they’re a perfect fit.

Remember to address the hiring manager by name if possible.

This personal touch can make a big difference.

Keep the tone professional but friendly.

Aim for about 250-400 words per cover letter.

You can charge extra for rush orders or multiple versions.

To save time, create a template for each industry you work with.

Then customize it for each client and job.

This side gig can be a steady source of income.

Many job seekers apply to multiple positions and need several cover letters.

4) Provide Career Counseling and Interview Prep

As a resume writer, you can expand your services to include career counseling and interview prep.

This can be a great way to boost your income and help job seekers even more.

Career counseling involves guiding clients on their professional path.

You can help them identify their strengths, explore career options, and set goals.

Your resume writing skills give you insight into what employers want, making you well-suited for this role.

Interview prep is another valuable service you can offer.

You can teach clients how to answer common questions, practice mock interviews, and give feedback on their performance.

This helps job seekers feel more confident and prepared.

Career coaches often charge higher rates than resume writers.

By adding these services, you can increase your earning potential.

It’s a great side hustle that complements your existing skills.

To get started, consider getting certified in career counseling.

You can also create packages that combine resume writing, counseling, and interview prep.

This gives clients a complete job search solution and increases your value.

Remember to market these new services to your existing clients.

They already trust you with their resumes, so they might be interested in additional help.

You can also attract new clients who are looking for more comprehensive career support.

5) Build a Personal Website to Showcase Work

Want to boost your resume writing side hustle? A personal website can be a game-changer.

It’s your online home base where you can show off your best work and attract new clients.

Creating a freelance writer website doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start by picking a platform that’s easy to use, like WordPress or Squarespace.

These offer simple tools to build your site without needing tech skills.

Your website should have a few key pages.

Include a homepage that grabs attention and tells visitors what you do.

An about page lets you share your story and experience.

Don’t forget a services page.

This is where you spell out what you offer and how much you charge.

It’s also smart to add a portfolio page to showcase your best resume samples.

Make it easy for potential clients to reach you.

Add a contact form or page with your email and social media links.

This way, they can quickly get in touch when they need your services.

Remember to keep your site clean and professional.

Use a simple design that’s easy to navigate.

Make sure it looks good on both computers and phones.

Regularly update your website with new work samples and client testimonials.

This keeps your site fresh and shows you’re active in the field.

A well-crafted website can help you make money as a freelance writer by attracting more clients to your resume writing business.

It’s an investment that can pay off big time for your side hustle.

6) Offer Express or Rush Services for Urgent Needs

As a freelance resume writer, you can boost your income by offering express or rush services.

Some job seekers need their resumes done quickly, and they’re willing to pay extra for fast turnaround.

You could set up different tiers of service.

For example, offer a 24-hour turnaround for a higher fee than your standard service.

This appeals to clients who are in a hurry to apply for a job or have an unexpected interview opportunity.

Consider creating a 48-hour option too.

It’s not as rushed as the 24-hour service but still faster than your regular timeframe.

Price it somewhere between your standard and rush rates.

Make sure you can actually deliver on these tight deadlines.

It might mean working late or shuffling your schedule, but the extra pay can make it worthwhile.

Advertise your rush services clearly on your website or freelance profile.

Highlight the quick turnaround times and explain the benefits of choosing this option.

Remember to charge more for urgent cash needs.

Rush jobs require you to drop everything and focus solely on that client’s resume.

The higher fee compensates for your extra effort and time.

This approach can be a great way to earn more money on the side.

It allows you to take on rush jobs when you have the time and energy, without committing to always working at that pace.

7) Network on Freelance Platforms like Upwork

Upwork is a great place to start your resume writing side hustle.

It’s one of the biggest freelance platforms out there, with tons of clients looking for resume help.

To get started, create a profile that showcases your resume writing skills.

Include samples of your work and highlight any relevant experience or certifications.

Once your profile is set up, start bidding on resume writing jobs.

Look for gigs that match your skills and experience level.

Don’t be afraid to start small – even low-paying jobs can lead to good reviews and more work.

As you complete jobs, ask clients for feedback.

Positive reviews will boost your profile and help you land more gigs.

Try to go above and beyond on every project to impress clients.

Network with other freelancers on the platform too.

Join Upwork forums and groups to share tips and maybe even find collaboration opportunities.

Don’t limit yourself to just Upwork though.

There are lots of other sites like Upwork where you can find resume writing gigs.

Fiverr, Freelancer.com, and PeoplePerHour are all worth checking out.

The key is to be active and consistent.

With some effort, you can build a steady stream of resume writing work through these platforms.

8) Host Resume Writing Workshops or Webinars

Want to boost your income as a freelance resume writer? Try hosting workshops or webinars! It’s a cool way to share your skills and make some extra cash.

You can set up online sessions or in-person events.

Pick topics like “Crafting a Killer Resume” or “Standing Out in the Job Market.” People are always looking to improve their resumes, so there’s a big audience for this.

Charge a fee for each participant.

You might start small, but as you build a reputation, you can raise your prices.

It’s a great way to make money as a freelance writer.

Don’t forget to promote your workshops on social media and job-seeking forums.

You can also team up with local libraries or community centers to reach more people.

During your sessions, share your best tips and tricks.

Give examples of strong resumes and explain why they work.

Offer personalized advice if you can – people love that personal touch.

Consider recording your webinars.

You can sell these recordings later as a separate product.

It’s like getting paid twice for the same work!

Remember, hosting workshops isn’t just about making money.

It’s also a chance to network and maybe find new clients for your resume writing services.

9) Collaborate with Recruiters and Headhunters

Teaming up with recruiters and headhunters can be a great way to boost your freelance resume writing business.

These pros are always on the lookout for top-notch talent, and they need standout resumes to present to their clients.

By partnering with recruiters, you can tap into a steady stream of work.

They might send job seekers your way who need help polishing their resumes.

This can be a win-win situation for everyone involved.

You could offer special rates or packages for clients referred by recruiters.

This can help you build strong relationships with these valuable partners.

It’s also a smart way to get more clients without spending a ton on marketing.

Don’t forget to network with recruiters in your area or industry.

Attend local business events or join online groups where recruiters hang out.

The more connections you make, the more opportunities you’ll have to grow your freelance business.

Consider offering a commission to recruiters who send clients your way.

This can motivate them to keep you in mind when they come across job seekers who need resume help.

Just make sure to factor this cost into your pricing.

Remember, recruiters and headhunters are often swamped with work.

By offering your services, you’re helping them out while also growing your own side hustle.

It’s a smart way to make extra cash and build your reputation as a resume writing pro.

Building Your Portfolio

A strong portfolio is key to landing resume writing gigs.

It shows off your skills and helps clients trust you with their job search materials.

Showcasing Your Work

Start by creating a dedicated page on your website for your resume samples.

Pick 3-5 of your best resumes that highlight different industries or job levels.

Make sure to remove any personal info from these samples.

You can also include before-and-after examples.

This shows how you improved a client’s original resume.

It’s a great way to prove your value.

Don’t have real client work yet? No problem! Create sample resumes for fictional job seekers or offer free resume makeovers to friends and family.

Gathering Client Testimonials

Happy clients are your best advertisers.

After finishing a project, ask if they’d be willing to share a quick review of your work.

Keep testimonials short and sweet – a sentence or two is perfect.

Include the client’s name, job title, and industry if possible.

This adds credibility.

Display these testimonials prominently on your website and portfolio.

You can create a separate page for them or sprinkle them throughout your site.

Consider adding a short case study for standout projects.

Describe the client’s challenge, your solution, and the results they achieved with their new resume.

Understanding Market Demand

Knowing where to find clients and what they need is key to success as a freelance resume writer.

You’ll want to focus on areas with the most opportunity and tailor your services to in-demand skills.

Researching Niche Industries

Look into job markets that are growing fast.

Tech, healthcare, and remote work are hot right now.

Check job boards and LinkedIn to see which fields are hiring a lot.

This helps you target your resume writing services.

Talk to recruiters and HR pros.

They know what companies want.

Ask them about trends in hiring and resumes.

Join professional groups online to stay in the loop.

Don’t forget about local businesses.

They might need help too, especially if you live in a city with a specific industry focus.

Identifying High-Demand Skills

Pay attention to skills that keep popping up in job ads.

These are what employers want. Soft skills like communication and teamwork are always in demand.

But also watch for specific technical skills in your niche.

Learn about applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Many companies use these to scan resumes.

You can offer to make ATS-friendly resumes as a special service.

Keep an eye on new tech and tools in different industries.

If you can help job seekers show off these skills, you’ll be in high demand.

Remember, the job market changes fast.

Stay flexible and ready to learn new things to keep up.

Networking Strategies

Building connections is key to finding resume writing gigs.

These strategies can help you meet potential clients and grow your side hustle.

Connecting with HR Professionals

HR folks are gold mines for resume writers.

They know who’s hiring and what companies want.

Try these tips:

• Join local HR groups on LinkedIn and Facebook
• Attend job fairs and chat with recruiters
• Offer free resume reviews at career events

Be helpful, not pushy.

Share resume tips freely.

When you show your skills, they’ll think of you when jobs pop up.

Don’t forget to follow up.

Send a quick “nice to meet you” message after events.

Ask if you can add them on LinkedIn.

Build real relationships, not just business ones.

Using Social Media to Your Advantage

Social media is your resume writing megaphone.

Use it wisely:

• Share before-and-after resume makeovers on Instagram
• Post job search tips on Twitter
• Join Facebook groups for job seekers and offer advice

Pick 1-2 platforms and post regularly.

Quality beats quantity.

Engage with others’ posts too.

Try going live on Facebook or Instagram.

Show how you’d improve a real resume in real-time.

It’s a great way to show off your skills.

Remember, it’s not all about selling.

Be helpful and friendly.

The gigs will follow naturally.