Resume Writing & Career Coaching contract template
A written services agreement sets deliverables, revision limits, and payment terms up front — it prevents the single most common independent resume-writer dispute: a client expecting unlimited revisions or scope creep into ongoing coaching that was never priced in.
Scope of deliverables
List exactly what's included (e.g. one resume, one cover letter, number of revision rounds) and price anything beyond that as an add-on — LinkedIn optimization, additional interview-prep sessions, or extra revision rounds should each be a named, priced line item.
Revision policy
Cap the number of included revision rounds (2 is standard) and the window to request them (e.g. 14 days after delivery), with additional revisions billed hourly or per-round after that.
Client information and turnaround
State what the client must provide (current resume, job descriptions they're targeting, career history details) and that the quoted turnaround time starts only once that information is received — a common cause of missed deadlines is a client-side delay.
Fee structure and payment terms
Specify whether pricing is a flat package fee or hourly coaching rate, the deposit required before work begins (50% upfront is standard for one-off deliverables), and the due date for the balance.
Confidentiality
Include a confidentiality clause covering the client's employment history, compensation details, and job-search status, since disclosure to a current employer could cause real harm to the client.
No guarantee of outcome
State plainly that you're providing writing/coaching services, not guaranteeing interviews or job offers, since hiring outcomes depend on factors outside your control (market conditions, employer decisions, client's own interview performance).
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Consider having a local attorney review your final agreement.