Should I pay someone to write my CV?
In a webinar I held recently for ACCA members and students on how to write a compelling CV, one of the audience said, “I would never get anyone else to write my CV as it would sound generic and therefore not give a good impression”. Whilst some people can write their own CV – and do it very well – there are many people who struggle to write an effective CV for a number of reasons.
The challenges in writing your own CV
A CV is about connecting your career history to your next employer. You therefore need to write a CV from an external perspective and align it to what employers are looking for. This can be difficult to do when writing about yourself. If English isn’t your first language or you simply struggle with words, then a CV writer can articulate your achievements in a convincing fashion. It can also be confusing in structuring a CV in a way that is right for you.
Being objective
A professional CV writer can help cut out unnecessary details and identify strengths that help you to stand out. By being objective and asking probing questions, a CV writer can draw out your achievements and help express ways to quantify. This gives a sense of concreteness to the CV and is why including an in-depth consultation is so important. 50% of the skill in a CV writer is in asking the right questions.
You get out what you put in
It is important to invest your own time when using a CV writing service. Preparing for a consultation is vital to make sure the CV writer gets the best information they can. Think carefully about the types of roles you will be applying for. The clearer focus you can give the CV writer, the better targeted the CV will be. Be involved in the process and make sure you are happy with the choice of words and how the CV is written so it sounds authentic.
What should I look out for when choosing a CV writer?
If you are going to invest in someone to write your CV, you need to know they will provide a quality service so do some research and look around. Make sure the pricing is clear and that you know exactly what you are paying for. Get an idea of the timescales involved. A service that offers a ‘quick’ turnaround may not necessarily be a good indicator of quality. It is better not to rush writing a CV and take the time to get it right.
This article is written by Neville Rose, Director of CV Writers.
CV Writers are the official CV partner to ACCA Careers. In addition to a CV writing service they can help with LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and interview coaching. You can get things started with a Free CV Review.