How These Women Built 6-Figure Careers Writing Resumes From Home
Why Resume Writing Is the Hidden Gem of Work-From-Home Careers
When you think of freelance writing gigs, your mind probably jumps to blogging, journalism, or travel writing. But there’s one lucrative niche that often flies under the radar: professional resume writing. It’s a field that offers flexibility, high demand, and the chance to make a real impact on people’s careers. To uncover the truth behind this overlooked profession, we sat down with two successful resume writers—Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish and Day Merrill—to discuss their journeys, strategies, and the realities of running a resume writing business from home.
Heather Rothbauer-Wanish: From Side Hustle to Full-Time Success
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
Heather’s entrepreneurial story began in 2008 when she launched Feather Communications while working full-time and completing her MBA. Writing had always been a passion, and she initially focused on articles for local and regional publications, treating it as a side hustle. But as she explored new writing opportunities, she noticed a gap: businesses and individuals alike needed high-quality content, but resume writing was an untapped market.
“Since high school, I’ve been the go-to person for friends and family who wanted a resume review,” Heather explains. This realization led her to dive deeper into the industry. She joined the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches and the National Resume Writers’ Association, eventually earning her certification as a Certified Professional Resume Writer. By 2013, she transitioned to running her business full-time, serving clients across the U.S. and internationally.
From Photography Studio to Resume Expert
Before launching her business, Heather worked as a General Manager at a commercial photography studio. During this time, she also taught business courses at a local university, which fueled her passion for education. She later earned her Ph.D. in Organization and Management with a focus on Leadership. While she cherished all her professional experiences, owning her business has been the most rewarding part of her career. Her strong educational background, entrepreneurial drive, and business acumen give her a unique edge in helping clients craft standout resumes.
Where Do New Clients Come From?
With nearly seven years in the business, Heather’s client base has grown significantly through referrals. Happy clients often recommend her services to friends and colleagues. To nurture these relationships, she sends personalized thank-you notes after each project and maintains contact through a monthly e-newsletter.
Her professional website also plays a key role in attracting new clients. A well-designed, SEO-optimized site helps her stand out in a competitive market. Additionally, her membership in professional resume associations means her name appears in their directories, where potential clients often search for qualified writers.
Growing a Resume Writing Business
Heather’s growth strategy is multifaceted. She’s an active member of several networking groups and her local chamber of commerce, which help build her brand’s visibility. She also hosts resume writing workshops, sharing her expertise to position herself as an industry leader. “When you give away some of your knowledge, people start to see you as an expert,” she says.
Her website features a regularly updated blog that drives traffic and establishes her authority in the field. She also maintains an active Facebook business page, posting daily tips, video advice, and job-search resources. For 2015, she planned to work with a marketing consultant to refine her approach and better target her ideal clients.
Earnings and Future Goals
Based in rural Colfax, Wisconsin, Heather conducts most of her business online and over the phone. Her annual income hovers around $45,000, but she’s determined to scale her business to the next level. “Like most entrepreneurs, I’m always looking for ways to grow,” she admits.
Advice for Aspiring Resume Writers
Heather’s top tip for women considering this career path? Patience is key. Building a client base takes time, so she recommends joining a professional resume writing organization to gain expertise and network with peers. Researching other resume writers can also provide insights into services, pricing, and timelines. Most importantly, make sure you genuinely enjoy writing resumes. “You’ll work with all kinds of clients, and delivering exceptional service is how you build a strong referral network,” she advises.
Day Merrill: A Career Built on Adaptability and Expertise
A Journey Through Employment and Entrepreneurship
Day Merrill’s career has been a dynamic blend of employment and self-employment. After transitioning from secondary school teaching and university administration to the career management field in 1981, she co-founded a career-coaching firm in New York City. When her partner retired and her daughter was born, she continued working as an associate with several career transition firms.
After moving to Canada, she joined a career transition firm and was eventually promoted to VP of Specialty Services. When the company was sold, she became one of three partners in an HR consultancy. This partnership ended when she accepted a full-time job she couldn’t refuse. In 2009, she founded 2BDetermined Inc. with her husband as her business partner. Today, their company offers career exploration, resume and job search coaching, entrepreneurial coaching, and executive coaching to individuals, as well as human capital management services to organizations.
From Teaching to Career Coaching
Day’s first career was as an English teacher—a background she describes as ideal for anyone in resume writing or business communications. Her transition to university administration sparked an interest in how MBA students chose their career paths, leading her to become a career counselor in 1981. Over time, she expanded her skills to include job search support, executive coaching, and organizational consulting.
Building a Business on Expertise and Relationships
While Day’s story is still unfolding, her journey highlights the versatility and resilience required to succeed in the resume writing and career coaching industry. Her ability to adapt to new roles and industries has been a cornerstone of her success.
Why Resume Writing Could Be Your Next Career Move
Resume writing is more than just a side gig—it’s a viable, rewarding career that allows you to work from home while making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re drawn to the flexibility, the creative challenge, or the opportunity to help others land their dream jobs, this field offers a unique blend of benefits.
As Heather and Day’s stories show, success in resume writing comes from a combination of expertise, networking, and a passion for helping others. If you’re considering a career change or looking for a way to monetize your writing skills, resume writing might just be the perfect fit.
For those ready to take the leap, the advice is clear: start small, build your network, and never stop learning. With dedication and the right approach, you could be the next success story in this thriving industry.
For more insights on starting a home-based business, check out the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide.
