Clayton Cerny

Resume writer · Chicago, IL · in person and virtual

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"Clay’s clients have ranged from executives to entry level." (in their words, on their website)

Services

ServiceWhat is includedPrice
New graduate/early career resume
New graduates and early-career professionals		 3-day turnaround · In-depth interview · Resume writing $250 to $300
Experienced professionals to senior managers resume
Experienced professionals to senior managers		 3-day turnaround · In-depth interview · Resume writing $300 to $375
Executive resumes
Executives		 3-day turnaround · In-depth interview · Resume writing $375 to $500
Multi-use cover letter Multi-use cover letter $90
Multi-use cover letter Multi-use cover letter $125
Customized cover letters Customized cover letter on request
LinkedIn profiles LinkedIn profile optimization $90
Interview preparation 1 session · Interview preparation · Practice interview $150
Career coaching, interview preparation, and editing Career coaching · Interview preparation · Editing $120
Career coaching
Professionals		 Identify career paths · Address difficult-boss situations · Handle salary negotiation $120

As published on their website, read Oct 28, 2026.

How they compare

Computed by Callings from the prices and experience coaches publish. Not a rating.

Where they fit

StudentsEarlyMidManagerDirectorVP / C-suite
Resume and LinkedInyesyesyesyesyesyes
Interviews and offersyesyesyesyesyesyes
Job search strategynononononono
Career direction and changeyesyesyesyesyesyes
Leadershipnononononono
Personal brandnononononono

How they work

Process
Start with a free consultation to understand the client's needs and determine the fee · Listen and ask questions · Conduct an in-depth interview to learn about experience, strengths, and achievements · Review job postings for employer needs and keywords · Write and edit the resume or other career document
Before coaching
Writing teacher, Education; Manager at a phone center, Human resources, recruiting, and hiring

Do it yourself, or hire a coach?

Doing it yourselfUsually enough whenA coach earns the fee when
Resume4 to 8 hours for a strong base, then about 30 minutes per posting. Callings can tailor it to each job.You are staying in the same field and level and have recent results to cite.You are changing field or level, coming back after a long break, or many applications brought no interviews.
Interviews3 to 6 hours of practice out loud per interview process. Callings can prepare you for each job you track.Early rounds in a format you know.Final rounds, panels, a new kind of role, or you tend to freeze.
Career directionWeeks of reading and conversations about roles that fit. Callings can show your strengths and the pay for each role.You already have two or three target roles.You do not know what comes next, or you want structure and a formal assessment.

Times are our estimates. Try Callings.

Questions to ask before hiring

  1. Do you write it yourself, how many revision rounds are included, and do I keep editable files? (done-for-you writing)
  2. What are your cancellation and refund terms? (no refund terms on their site)
  3. Who do you usually work with, and how long does a typical engagement last? (always worth asking)

What they publish

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