CV writing services - anyone used one?

[nonuts]

Hi All,

I'm getting very, very frustrated with my current work situation and it's about time I took getting out of there a bit more seriously.

I have taken a go at writing my CV and also had some trusted friends give me some feedback on it but I still don't feel what I've ended up with gets the key points across well enough and it's ended up being 3 pages. I want it to be the best it can and I don't think I'm being objective when making changes myself.

I've seen some CV writing services and there is one in particular that's local that I'm very tempted to use, but has anyone used one of these services and come away with either good or bad experiences?

Cheers,
Ben

[AlasdairMc]

I haven't myself, but a colleague used one and it was laughably bad. I felt really sorry for him for paying £250 for what was garbage.

There's nothing wrong with a 3 page CV depending on what you are applying for and your background. I presume your CV is broken up into role, responsibilities, achievements and bullet pointed already?

[Some Gump]

Op, do you lnow anyone who works as a salesman and is good?

They're the guys that can help. Only someone that knows you can get the best CV for you, and salespeople make st stuff sound good. If you have anything to offer to an employer, a good salesman will help you present it.

[nonuts]

Some Gump said:

Op, do you lnow anyone who works as a salesman and is good?

Yep, the two people that reviewed and provided feedback are both in sales roles and both very good.

It's the trying to decide what is relevant and what is not that is the issue and I actually think talking it through with someone that doesn't know me (and that's used to writing / reviewing CVs) would really help.

I may give them a call later as the price isn't anywhere near £250 and if it helps it'd be well worth it.

[m3coupe]

I'm changing roles dramatically and although my cv looks ok, I don't think it will appeal to someone from the new field so I'm planning on spending the £60 to have my cv tailored to my new role.

[10 Pence Short]

nonuts said:

Yep, the two people that reviewed and provided feedback are both in sales roles and both very good.

It's the trying to decide what is relevant and what is not that is the issue and I actually think talking it through with someone that doesn't know me (and that's used to writing / reviewing CVs) would really help.

I may give them a call later as the price isn't anywhere near £250 and if it helps it'd be well worth it.

The reality is that your CV might need to change for each role you're applying for, as what's relevant to one role might be less so for another and vice versa.

I of course say this as a st hot sales person who's just got a new job due to his st hot CV...

[nonuts]

I'm aware it may need tailoring for a specific role, however that is easy enough once the format and content is good to start with, and I'm not happy with how mine is currently.

Anyway, I've decided to speak to one of the local companies that do this and see what happens. I'll update on here with how I get on.

[10 Pence Short]

Keep it plain and easy to read in Word format. Use Arial and no more than Main heading, heading and body text sizing. Keep the stuff you'd be looking for as the person hiring, towards the top and keep it short and relevant. Main points only, you can elaborate at the interview.

Concentrate on achievements/results rather than just stuff you did day to day.

[rog007]

Happy to provide some feedback if you pass it across; just mention what your current salary is and what you aspire to and in what role and sector. Good luck!

[mr_spock]

I was made redundant a few years ago, and having been promoted from middle management to a C-level position my CV was completely wrong to get another position at the same level. I paid a CV service for a CV and cover letter. We went through a few revisions, and they were happy to help me tailor it for a couple of job specs to get the hang of the way to use his layout. It seems obvious now, but I went from almost no callbacks to maybe 50% or more on online job applications. I also got feedback from any recruiter I could to refine it further.

It was something like £400, with one update included (so after I was 6 months in my new role I got it updated) and it's served me well since.

Well worth it IF you get someone who understands your industry (I'm in IT/Tech) and your level of responsibility.