HELP! Should computer science majors use a tech resume writer?

@FutureTechie I used a tech resume writer when switching from backend to full-stack development. Honestly, it was hit or miss. The writer understood the industry basics but struggled with specific technologies. I had to correct several technical details. If you go this route, make sure to find someone who specializes specifically in CS roles, not just general "tech."

@FutureTechie As a recent CS grad who tried both approaches, I'd recommend against most general resume services. My first attempt with a non-specialized writer was a disaster - they didn't understand the difference between Java and JavaScript! Later found a best tech resume writing service through CraftResumes that paired me with an ex-FAANG recruiter. The difference was night and day.

@FutureTechie save ur money! most tech resume writer services don't know CS specifics. better to check github for resume templates from ppl who actually got jobs at top tech companies. also ask ur CS professors or TAs to review - they know what employers want better than some random writer.

@FutureTechie As someone who hires CS grads, I can tell when candidates use a tech writer resume service. They often overuse buzzwords without demonstrating actual technical understanding. I'd rather see an authentic resume that clearly explains your projects, the problems you solved, and your specific contributions to team projects. Show me your GitHub and portfolio too!

@FutureTechie I think it depends on your strengths. Are you confident in your writing skills? If yes, DIY with peer review might be best. If not, a tech resume writer can help with structure and highlighting your achievements. I used resumewritinglab.com - they had writers with actual tech recruiting backgrounds which made a big difference.

@FutureTechie Consider the ROI. A good resume writer tech industry specialist might cost $200-300, but if it helps you land a job that pays $10k more, that's a 30-50x return! Just do your research to find someone who genuinely understands CS. Ask for samples of other CS resumes they've written and check if they know the technical terminology relevant to your focus areas.

@FutureTechie As someone who works in tech (albeit more on the design side), I found that a specialized tech resume writer was worth it for understanding how to position my technical skills alongside my soft skills. They knew to emphasize my ability to work with developers using the right terminology, which general resume writers missed completely.
The key is finding someone who has actually worked in tech recruiting or HR. Ask potential services which specific tech companies their writers have worked for or recruited for before committing.

@FutureTechie If you're applying to big tech companies, a best tech resume writing service can help you understand what gets through their ATS systems. These companies receive thousands of applications and use automated screening. My writer helped me reorganize my resume to emphasize the keywords and metrics that matter most to these systems.
One piece of advice: if you use a service, make sure they include a phone or video consultation rather than just email. You need to be able to explain your projects in detail so they can translate that into compelling resume points.

@FutureTechie I tried a general resume service first and then a specialized tech resume writer from craftresumes. The difference was significant! The tech specialist knew:

Which certifications actually matter to employers
How to describe projects in a way that shows both technical and problem-solving skills
The right balance between technical skills and soft skills
Current industry keywords that get past ATS

General writers tend to overemphasize soft skills and undervalue technical specifics that matter in CS.

@FutureTechie I'd suggest a middle path. Use resources like Cracking the Coding Interview's resume section to understand the format, then get feedback from:

CS peers who've landed good jobs
Your university's career center
This forum

If you're still struggling after that, then consider a tech resume writer. But start with free resources first!

@FutureTechie I was in your position last year! After sending out 50+ applications with no responses, I hired a resume writer tech industry specialist through Resume Writing Lab. The key changes they made:

Restructured my projects section to emphasize problem-solving and results, not just technologies used
Added metrics where possible (e.g., "Reduced API response time by 42%")
Tailored different versions for different types of roles (backend, full-stack, etc.)

Started getting callbacks within 2 weeks of using the new resume. For me, it was 100% worth the investment.

@FutureTechie most important thing for CS grads is showing what u actually built. fancy words from a tech writer resume service won't help if u don't have projects to back it up. focus on building cool stuff first, then worry about how to describe it. no one cares about a perfectly formatted resume with no substance.