Books and Resources to Start Strong
Building a resume writing business requires understanding both the mechanics of effective resumes and the business side of freelancing. These books will give you the foundation you need to position yourself as credible and help you attract clients who actually hire.
Resumes That Get Jobs by Louise Kursmark
Kursmark is a certified professional resume writer with decades of experience. This book covers modern resume formats, keyword optimization, and how to highlight achievements rather than just duties—critical knowledge when clients expect results. You’ll learn how to adapt resumes for different industries and how recruiters actually screen documents.
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The Freelancer’s Bible by Sara Horowitz
Running a resume writing business means managing your own business operations, pricing, taxes, and client relationships. This book walks you through the practical side of freelancing, including contract basics, setting rates, and building sustainable income. It’s particularly useful for understanding how to charge for your time without undervaluing your expertise.
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Knock ‘Em Dead Cover Letters by Martin Yate
Many of your clients will need cover letters alongside resumes. This resource shows you how to write compelling cover letters that complement a strong resume and explain career transitions effectively. Understanding both documents together makes you more valuable to clients and increases their chances of landing interviews.
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How to Start and Run a Successful Consulting Business by Robert Sher
A resume writing practice is a service business, and this book treats it as such. You’ll learn about positioning yourself as an expert, pricing based on value rather than hourly rates, and building repeat business through client satisfaction. The principles apply directly to building a profitable resume writing operation.
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Equipment You Need
A resume writing business has minimal physical equipment requirements compared to most startups. Your main investment is in software, tools for client communication, and basic office setup. You don’t need a fancy office—most successful resume writers work from home or a co-working space.
Computer Hardware
- Laptop or desktop computer: Any modern computer with 8GB RAM and a solid-state drive works. You’ll spend most of your time in word processing, spreadsheets, and email, which don’t require high processing power.
- Secondary monitor (optional): A second screen helps when comparing templates, managing client files, and switching between applications. Increases efficiency without significant cost.
- Keyboard and mouse: A quality keyboard reduces strain during long writing sessions. An ergonomic setup prevents repetitive strain injuries when you’re writing resumes eight hours a day.
- Webcam and microphone: Essential for video calls with clients and conducting interviews to understand their background and goals.
Software and Subscriptions
- Microsoft Word or Google Workspace: Word is the industry standard for resumes. Most clients expect final documents in .docx format. Google Workspace offers cheaper alternatives with decent compatibility.
- Project management tool: Asana, Monday.com, or Notion help track client projects, deadlines, and revision rounds. Prevents missed deadlines and keeps organized as your client load grows.
- Accounting software: QuickBooks Self-Employed or FreshBooks simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation. Essential when managing multiple client payments and deductions.
- Email platform: Gmail works fine initially, but many writers upgrade to professional email (firstname@yourname.com) through services like Bluehost or Namecheap for credibility.
- Video conferencing: Zoom or Google Meet for client consultations. Both offer free tiers sufficient for a starting business.
- Grammarly Premium: Catches typos and grammatical errors before client delivery. Non-negotiable when your reputation depends on error-free documents.
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Client Communication and File Management
- Cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive securely stores client files, backup resumes, and templates. Critical for protecting confidential client information.
- Document collaboration: Google Docs allows clients to view and comment on drafts in real-time, reducing back-and-forth emails.
- Scheduling tool: Calendly integrates with your email and allows clients to book consultations without endless email exchanges.
Office Setup
- Desk and chair: A proper desk and ergonomic chair prevent back pain during 8-hour work days. Invest here—joint and muscle pain directly impacts productivity and income.
- Lighting: Good desk lamp with natural color temperature reduces eye strain during detailed editing work.
- Printer (optional): You’ll rarely need to print, but some clients prefer physical copies for interviews. A basic inkjet or laser printer is sufficient if needed.
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What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean and add equipment as your business grows and generates revenue.
- First (Month 1): Laptop (if you don’t have one), Microsoft Word subscription, Grammarly Premium, cloud storage (Google Drive free tier works initially), email address, and Zoom. Total investment: $150–300 if buying a used laptop, or $0 if you already have a computer.
- Month 2–3: Project management tool (Asana free tier or $10/month), accounting software ($10/month), and scheduling tool like Calendly ($10/month).
- After 6 months: Secondary monitor if you’re consistently managing multiple clients. Invest in a better chair or desk only if your current setup causes discomfort.
- Later (Year 2+): Website hosting and domain registration ($100–200 annually), paid advertising tools, and professional branding. Only spend on these once you’ve validated demand and have consistent income.
New vs Used Equipment
Most of your budget goes to software subscriptions rather than physical equipment, which simplifies the new-versus-used decision. For hardware, buy used only when it saves significant money and comes with a return window. A used laptop for $300 instead of $800 makes sense; a used keyboard or mouse saves almost nothing and isn’t worth the hassle.
Never compromise on software. Use free tiers when available (Google Drive, Zoom, Asana basic) instead of buying cheap alternatives. Paid subscriptions to Microsoft Word, Grammarly, and QuickBooks are non-negotiable—they directly affect the quality of your work and your business credibility. Buy refurbished office furniture from places like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace if budget is tight, but don’t cheap out on your desk chair if you’re working 8+ hours daily.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, desk lamps, and office furniture. Prime shipping speeds up delivery.
- Best Buy: Computers and peripherals with easy return policies and in-store pickup options.
- B&H Photo Video: Cameras and webcams if you plan to create instructional content later.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used office furniture and computers. Always meet in person, inspect items, and test electronics before purchasing.
- Office Depot/OfficeMax: Desk, chair, and lighting supplies. Check for small-business discounts.
- Direct from software providers: Microsoft, Adobe, and Grammarly sell subscriptions directly. Occasionally offer bundled discounts or annual payment options that save 15–25%.
- Domain and hosting providers: Namecheap, Bluehost, and GoDaddy for website setup when you’re ready. Watch for introductory pricing—renewal rates are often double.