A “resume writing factory” is easy to spot—just look at the price. If a service costs under $200, chances are you’re working with someone with limited experience who lacks the ability to translate military experience into a compelling civilian-friendly resume.
What About Free Military Resume Services Like TAP & SERCO?
If you’re transitioning out of the military, you’ve likely gone through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and may have been offered free resume services through SERCO or similar government-funded contractors. While these programs provide a helpful foundation, they are not customized to high-level roles or tailored for six-figure positions.
- TAP resumes are often one-size-fits-all and may not effectively translate your leadership, strategy, and program management experience into private-sector language.
- SERCO resume services are basic and generic—they might work for entry-level roles but won’t position you as well for an executive leader or highly competitive candidate for government contractor roles.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of top 5 military resume writing services that provide high-touch, customized solutions to help veterans land six-figure roles.
The 5 Best Military-to-Civilian Resume Writing Services
1. Career Confidence Resumes
💼 What They Do: Career Confidence is an award-winning military transition resume service that works exclusively with senior enlisted and officers targeting $100K–$300K roles. They offer a comprehensive package that includes a master resume, tailored resume, LinkedIn optimization, and top-rated resume tailoring software included.
⭐ Why They Stand Out:
- Specializes in translating high-level military leadership experience into civilian terms.
- Customizes resumes for private sector & government contractor roles.
Extra Touch: Clients get a one-on-one strategy session with a certified resume writer who understands the military-to-civilian transition. Every resume balances strong visual appeal with ATS optimization.
Cost: $800–$2,000 (Sliding Scale)
Turnaround Time: 14 calendar days for the first draft, 5 business days for revisions
Contact: Get Started Here
2. Get Results Career Services
💼 What They Do: Led by Lori Norris, a resume writer with a background in corporate hiring, Get Results Career Services specializes in translating complex military experience into resumes that resonate with civilian employers. If you haven’t checked out Lori’s podcast, Lessons Learned From Vets, you’re missing out on incredible transition advice!
⭐ Why They Stand Out:
- Lori is fluent in both military and civilian “languages” and can bridge the gap between them.
- Works with enlisted leaders and junior officers looking to pivot into the private sector.
Extra Touch: Clients receive a 60–90-minute personalized strategy session to ensure their resume accurately reflects their leadership skills and career goals.
Cost: $475–$1,025
Turnaround Time: 7–10 days
Contact: (623) 935-1525
3. JobStars
💼 What They Do: JobStars USA specializes in crafting resumes that are both ATS-friendly and visually compelling. They help veterans translate their military jargon into civilian-friendly resumes that highlight leadership, strategy, and operations experience.
⭐ Why They Stand Out:
- Owned & operated by resume expert Doug Levin—no outsourcing to low-cost writers.
- BBB A+ rated with multiple Complaint-Free Awards since 2017.
- Provides federal resume expertise, including ECQs for senior government roles.
Extra Touch: Offers career coaching, job seeker services, and LinkedIn optimization in addition to resume writing.
Cost: $295–$1,750
Turnaround Time: 5–7 business days
Contact: https://jobstars.com/contact-us/
4. Secret Squirrel Consulting
https://calendly.com/secretsquirrelconsultingllc
💼 What They Do: Owned by Marisol Maloney, Secret Squirrel Consulting is designed for veterans with Secret/Top Secret clearances struggling to land interviews in defense contracting & cleared positions.
⭐ Why They Stand Out:
- Specializes in civilianizing classified experience for cleared roles.
- Beyond resume writing—offers job search strategies, salary negotiation, and transition coaching.
Extra Touch: Clients receive resume rewrites, LinkedIn optimization, and career coaching tailored for cleared professionals.
Cost:
- $99 for 45-minute consultation
- $399 for resume review with detailed feedback
- $799 for resume rewrite + LinkedIn optimization
- $1,299 for full career coaching package ⏳ Turnaround Time: Based on consultation
Contact: Book a session
5. Empire Resume
💼 What They Do: Empire Resume delivers the most budget-friendly resume services with a fast turnaround, and you are still working one-on-one. About 50% of their clients are military servicemembers transitioning to civilian roles.
⭐ Why They Stand Out:
- Direct involvement of founder Dr. Phillip Steven Gold in writing each resume.
- Affordable pricing for those who need a solid resume without breaking the bank.
Extra Touch: Offers LinkedIn optimization, cover letters, and follow-up letters as add-ons.
Cost: $299–$349
Turnaround Time: 3 business days
Contact: (801) 690-4085 | info@empireresume.com
Why You Should Avoid Cheap Resume Services
If you’re a transitioning servicemember, your resume is your ticket to a six-figure career. Unfortunately, cheap resume mills focus on quantity over quality, often outsourcing work overseas or using inexperienced writers who don’t understand how to translate military experience into civilian leadership roles.
Investing in a high-quality, military-to-civilian resume can mean the difference between struggling to land interviews and stepping confidently into a high-paying, fulfilling career.
✅ If you already have a resume, consider getting a $100 in-depth resume review with a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)—a screen-recorded analysis with actionable insights.
🔹 Ready for a professional resume? Get in touch with us today!
📢 Know someone transitioning from the military? Share this article with them!