TopResume is better suited for users seeking personalized, expert-written resumes with additional career services and a focus on industry-specific content. NovoResume is a strong choice for users who prefer a DIY approach with user-friendly templates, AI assistance, and a focus on visually appealing design. The best choice depends on the user's budget, desired level of involvement, and specific career goals.
| Attribute | TopResume | NovoResume |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing and packages | Packages range from $149 to $699, with tiers like Starter, Premium, Ultimate, and Executive Elite. More affordable packages range from $99 to $729. Specific packages include Professional Growth ($99 - resume only), Career Evolution ($219 - resume and cover letter), Career Confidence ($349 - resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile), and Executive Priority ($699 - resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and coaching sessions). | Offers both free and premium features. Free plan: single one-page resume, predefined layouts, limited design options, 3 fonts, 30 color themes. Premium plans: Monthly $19.99, Quarterly $39.99, Annually $99.99. Premium unlocks multiple resume versions (up to 18 in 3 languages), longer documents (up to 10 pages), custom layouts, matching cover letter builder, 12 fonts, 74 color themes, creative backgrounds, specialized sections. 14-day money-back guarantee for first Premium upgrade. Not subscription-based. |
| Resume writing quality | Resumes are written by experts in the client's chosen industry, focusing on modern resumes that highlight the client's career story and potential. Some reviewers felt their own resume was better than the one provided. | Visually appealing, professionally designed templates for various industries/levels. AI content analyzer to optimize content. Focus on content over structure/design. |
| Turnaround time | Standard turnaround is around 7 business days for the first draft. A 48-hour rush service is available for an additional fee. Some packages promise a 2-day turnaround. | Quick resume creation (start in under 5 minutes). Customer support response: 24 hours to 3 days. |
| Customer support responsiveness | Customer service experiences vary; some report fast, helpful responses, while others find support slow. Phone support is available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. Email and online contact form responses typically take 1 to 3 business days. No live chat support is offered. | Via email/social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram). Help Center with FAQs. Response times vary. |
| ATS compatibility | Resumes are optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Uses keyword scanning software to ensure the resume includes relevant keywords. | ATS-friendly templates with simple formatting and clean design. |
| Industry expertise of writers | Network of over 1,200 writers with specialized experience in over 65 industries. Writers include certified career coaches, former and current hiring managers, HR professionals, and recruiters. | Templates/examples for wide range of industries. Industry-specific bullet points and phrases. |
| Guarantees and revisions | Offers a 60-day interview guarantee with mid to top-tier packages; if the client doesn't get twice the job interviews within 60 days, they will rewrite the resume one time for free. Typically includes up to two revisions, which must be requested within 7 days of receiving the first draft. No refunds are provided. | 14-day money-back guarantee for first Premium upgrade. Real-time feedback/guidance during writing. |
| Additional services | Offers cover letter writing and LinkedIn profile optimization. Additional services like thank-you letter templates, interview coaching, and resume distribution are available for extra fees. | Cover letter builder with matching templates (premium). Resume examples and career blog. |
| Ease of use of platform | The website is generally easy to use, with a smooth purchase and sign-up process. | User-friendly interface and intuitive navigation. Drag-and-drop interface. Clear instructions and tips. |
| Resume design and formatting options | Provides access to a resume editor with up to 27 templates. Formats resumes to catch the attention of employers. | Variety of templates with modern design. Customizable layouts, fonts, color schemes, backgrounds. Options for different experience levels. |
| Client success stories/testimonials | Many positive reviews highlight satisfaction with the resume quality and the writer's responsiveness. Some clients report getting hired shortly after using TopResume's services. | Users report more callbacks. Praised for ease of use and professional-looking templates. |
| Writer qualifications and experience | Writers are recruited and vetted based on the value they bring to clients. The team includes certified career coaches, HR professionals, recruiters, and professionals with specialized industry experience. | Provides tools/templates for users to create own resumes. AI-powered assistance and expert tips. |