The different types of CV service

As many people will be kicking their new years’ resolutions into gear this week and taking the initial steps towards landing a new job, now is the ideal time to think about what CV services are out there to help.

Depending on your budget and how much support is needed, there are various options available to make sure the CV you’re presenting is as strong as it can possibly be. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each service.

CV advice

There are many people and blogs out there that provide advice on CVs. This is the cheapest option, as you’ll be doing all the research and writing yourself, but you may have to wade through a lot of conflicting information and assess what’s worth listening to and what isn’t.

Pros:
Free

Cons:
Need to do all the work yourself

CV template

A CV template is a cheap or free option and a good choice if you’re having trouble getting started. You’ll have the section headings and
layout provided for you, but you’ll still need to develop the wording yourself.  

There are numerous CV templates available online, but the main drawback is that many of them emphasise graphics and over-formatted layouts over content and function. This type of presentation can be detrimental to your application, as recruiters and hiring managers (as a rule) prefer straightforward, text-only CVs. They can find the information they’re looking for immediately and aren’t distracted by graphics, logos or columns.

Pros: Free, useful starting point

Cons: Formats often not recommended, hard to customise

CV review

For those that are happy to write their own CV, a CV review can help to iron out the creases, make sure the document is in line with best practice and ensure you’re really presenting the very best version of you.

There are two types of CV review – paid and unpaid. Whilst a free review may sound like the better option, they’re often offered with the intention of deliberately finding fault with the CV in order to upsell to a more expensive paid service – which may not be needed. While there is a small cost associated with a paid review, you’re more likely to receive unbiased, constructive, actionable and personalised feedback.

Pros:
Useful to polish a CV you’ve written yourself

Cons:
Free services may not be all they seem

CV builder

Similar to a CV template, a CV builder provides more help with structuring the CV and some even suggest wording. However, the onus is still on you to ensure you’re including the relevant information and wording it appropriately. You’ll be asked to enter your details online, which will be used to generate your CV.

Pros:
Takes out some of the guesswork, provides tips and suggestions

Cons:
Still need to do most of the work yourself, options to customise are limited

 

CV writing from scratch

This is the ultimate CV service – a full CV, written for you from scratch. While the cost involved with this is higher than for any other CV service, you’ll collaborate with a professional CV writer who knows exactly what’s needed in terms of wording and layout to make an impact.

If you’re considering this option, it’s important to do your due diligence so that you get value for money. Ensure you choose a writer certified by the
British Association of CV Writers and check out this blog on
how to choose a CV writer.

Pros:
CV written for you, saves time, meets best practice, builds confidence, gives a new perspective, shows off your value to a prospective employer, ensures you stand out in the crowd

Cons:
Cost

CV Shed’s CV services

Remember that the strongest CVs are ones that are tailored to you and your career aspirations. Even someone doing the same job as you shouldn’t have the same wording on their CV. Rather than sending out generic CVs that don’t have the impact you need, you should be aiming for a unique, attention-grabbing document that shows how your skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of the role.

CV Shed is committed to providing value for money and a personalised service.
Click here to find out more about our CV review and full CV writing services or read
more from the blog here.