CV writers and CV writing services
Friday, April 9th, 2010I was recently interviewed for an article on CV writers and CV writing services. I was asked half a dozen questions. Here are those questions along with my answers:
- Why would someone choose to use a CV writing service?
A variety of people decide to come to professionals like us, and for a number of different reasons, from newly-qualified individuals looking to start promising careers to those wanting a change of career and individuals taking a step up in their careers. There is no ‘typical’ client – but The CV Centre’s clients do all have one thing in common – a desire to progress, to advance and to gain a competitive edge when managing their career prospects.
- How / where does a CV writer add value?
CV writing is a specialist task. It requires certain specific skills and a good deal of experience to write a really powerful CV. A professional whose job it is to design and write CVs every day is clearly going to be able to produce a much more effective end product than someone would be able to achieve by writing their own CV.
- When you see CVs come in, what tend to be the biggest problems with the original versions?
We see a huge range of different problems with our clients’ original CVs; the range of problems is as diverse as the range of individuals we deal with. Top of the list are of course weak and unconvincing use of English and poor, cluttered and confusing presentation and layout. Besides this, most CVs make at least one easily avoided error, for example including numerous superfluous personal details.
- What makes a CV writer good at their job?
There are a number of different factors which make a good CV writer. The two most important are (a) the ability to write good, strong, compelling copy and (b) a clear understanding of what it is that recruiters are looking for when vetting a CV – which is obviously the result of recruitment and HR experience. Beyond this, it is also very important to have a strong sense of aesthetics so that the final design is attractive, eye-catching and maximises readability.
- What makes you stand out as a CV writer?
Besides the above essential requirements, my key talent is knowing exactly how to help people to sell their skills and experience to a prospective employer. Most people sell themselves short. My job is to make sure that they don’t.
- What are your fees? And what does a client get for this?
The CV Centre’s fees for CV writing currently start at £32.50 and go up to £54.50, depending on the client’s level of experience. Our fee covers complete re-writing and re-design of a client’s existing CV (or, if they don’t have an existing CV, then we ask them to complete an online questionnaire to provide us with the information we need). Once we receive an order, it will be assigned to a professional CV writer, experienced within the relevant industry, sector or discipline. They will then prepare a draft version of the new CV before contacting the client if necessary (by phone or by email) to clarify any minor points or to build up on any weaker areas – just to get it absolutely right before we send the draft out for approval.
We operate a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee so that if a client is not 100% happy with the first draft we prepare, we will revise it until they are. Simple as that. Customer service is our top priority – always has been and always will be. We also operate a 100% Money-Back Guarantee. If, at any time, for any reason whatsoever, a client feels that they deserve their money back, then we will immediately refund their money in full. No questions asked.
Managing Director, The CV Centre
Author: The CV Book, The Interview Book & Brilliant Cover Letters