Review of Résumé Writing from Monster.com

Views and Opinions
by David Alan Carter

Monster – a familiar name in the job search world, to be sure. But can their resume writing service cut it? In a word: maybe.  

In years past, that would have been a definitive yes. Back then, Monster was partnering with the online division of Career Services Group, Inc., the company that pioneered online career services in 1996, and had 30+ years experience in the industry.

All that changed in January 2015 when Career Services Group was bought out by Talent, Inc. Monster's resume service is now being farmed out to a Talent, Inc. division called TopResume. Sadly, TopResume has a sketchy history with the Better Business Bureau, and complaints are mounting.

How It Works:

Navigate to the resume writing section. Locate the category that best fits your work history: Professional Growth (a resume for students or recent graduates), Career Evolution (a resume package for those with previous work experience), or Executive Priority (a resume package for those in management).

Place your order online. You'll then be prompted to upload your existing resume or related materials (if you have any), and complete their questionnaire to draw out additional accomplishments and strengths. You'll then be assigned a writer who most closely matches the expertise needed for your profession or discipline.

They promise your writer will "reach out to you" with any additional questions. Assume that will take the form of an email correspondence.

A draft of your resume will be ready within 4-7 business days. You'll have the opportunity to request any changes or corrections before the final draft. Receive your finalized resume in Microsoft Word.

They guarantee you'll receive job interviews within 60 days, or they will rewrite your resume free of charge.

Here's What We Liked:

• They claim to have over 300 writers available. And those writers represent more than 65 industry specializations. If so, that means they are likely able to pair you with a writer who knows your industry -- and presumably can craft a better resume with that knowledge.
• The resume samples are surprisingly well crafted.
• Interviews are guaranteed. Or they will rewrite your resume at no additional charge.
• Rush option is available.

Here's What We Didn't Like:

• If a telephone interview is important to you (and it's important to us), you're out of luck here
• Talent, Inc. under the moniker TopResume, the contract provider actually writing Monster's resumes, has a ratings history with the Better Business Bureau ranging from F to A-.
• Speaking of the BBB, complaints for this contract provider has doubled in less than a year: currently it clocks in at 47 complaints as of September 2016. Most are "Problems with Product/Service" with "Delivery Issues" running a close second.
• View the company's current BBB Rating.

Monster Review - The Wrap Up:

In summary, we have no problem with the idea of Monster contracting out the writing of their resumes. What concerns us is the provider they've chosen. Yes, the samples on the website look well written. And pricing is reasonable. But since the takeover of the business by Talent, Inc. in January 2015, customer complaints are moving up, not down.

Because of these concerns, we are hesitant to provide a recommendation at this time. We'll continue to monitor. As with all of our reviews, this is our opinion--we always advise readers to do their own due diligence.

As a sidebar, signing up for a free Monster account not only affords access to their many additional services, but allows you to search their massive database of available jobs. This is something you're going to want to do--sooner or later. Make it sooner.

Go to Résumé Writing from Monster

NOTE: This website is monetized through the use of Affiliate Programs with the online resume service providers we review. Read our Disclosure Statement for more information on our reviewer, and our Affiliate Relationships.

 Back To Top

Go back to "Reviews of Resume Writers"