Should I use a professional CV revamp service?

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As some of you might already know, I offer a CV revamping/writing service. I try to limit the number of CVs that I will revamp in a month as this is more of a private service that I offer which can be quite time-consuming. Of course, I am not the only person offering this service, in fact, there are quite a number of professional CV writing services available. I have listed a few in my article on how to design a great looking CV. But are these services (including mine) really worth it? Or maybe a better question is, will any of them help you to get short-listed for a job? Should you even bother making use of a professional CV revamping service?

This is actually a question I received via the contact form on my CV revamp website page. When I first read the question I was tempted to give the obvious answer from someone trying to sell a service, “Yes, this service will definitely help you get short-listed.” But the truth was I actually did not know that for sure, so instead, I gave the answer below.

Should I use a professional CV revamp service to get my CV done?

There are numerous determining factors when it comes to being short-listed for a job vacancy. The hiring manager is looking for skills and experience on your CV that matches the requirements of the job. Of course, if your CV is structured correctly it makes it easier for the hiring manager to find the information quickly. This definitely could improve your chances of getting called for an interview.

If I’m being honest I think that if you are confident using Microsoft word and you read my article on CV writing tips (I put the link in here for the person) and use one of my free CV templates you would probably be able to compose a pretty decent CV yourself without any help. Just remember to tailor your CV to the actual position you are applying for and include a well-written cover letter with your application.

I did not hear back from the person so I assume that they decided to write their own CV which is great. However, the question did linger with me for a day or two, and eventually, out of curiosity, I decided to search the internet for anyone else’s answer to this question. I came across a great article answering exactly this and would like to share with you what was written in that article as well. I will give the link to the original article at the bottom of this post.

Should I get my CV revamped? Answers from other recruiters around the world.

Answer number 1

A professional looking CV is important but is not the sole determinant whether somebody is short-listed or not. I have seen some terrible resumes that candidates have paid a lot of money for, only to have been prepared by people unqualified to give the advice or with limited recruitment experience. Most professional recruiters I know are very happy to provide some broad feedback to candidates about their CV upon request without sending them an invoice. (This is a great piece of advice. I am sure any of the recruiters in my article about job search tips would be glad to assist you) If you are seeking more than that, then these services may provide benefit. Seek recommendations from recruiters or other professional and reputable career services organisations. While it’s important to have an appropriate looking CV, unfortunately some jobseekers are led to believe that they need to pay a lot of money to get a new CV and if they do, they will get a job.

 

~ Justin Hinora (Hender Consulting)

Answer number 2

A succinct, polished and personalised resume is essential for securing a role and there are many ways you can achieve this. Using a professional resume writer can be a good choice if you feel you need extra help or simply don’t have the time or resources to do it well yourself. However, you can also get great advice and templates online or ask someone who often recruits for some feedback on your resume. Whether you prepare it yourself or use a professional resume writer, the important thing is that it conveys your skills and experience in a persuasive way. You also want some personalisation that showcases your personal brand and helps you stand out.

 

~ Andrew Sullivan (Sullivan Consulting)

Answer number 3

Professional resume writing provided by experienced recruiters offers significant benefits, the most pertinent of which is that they have the most up-to-date insight and knowledge about what the wide variety of employers and recruiters are seeking both from content and design of a CV and cover letter. Other benefits include that they offer an objective review of your employment history, save you time to spend on job-searching, can advise on how to address selection criteria in a brief but compelling manner – including how to explain the relevance of transferable skills if you do not meet all criteria, and there is also the advantage that having developed a relationship with them, they will have you in mind if any relevant opportunities arise with their client organisations.

 

~ Alexandra Rosser (Stillwell Management Consultants)

Answer number 4

This is a difficult question to answer as there are many resume writing services available and the quality of the writers employed by these services can vary greatly. In general, there is a set format that resumes should follow and provided you understand and follow this format most people find that they can make their CV stand out without requiring the services of a resume writer. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you want to craft your CV yourself or call on the expertise of a resume writer. If you decide on the former, our advice is to follow the appropriate, standard format and ensure your CV demonstrates that you possess most or all the criteria required in the job. Tailor your CV for each position you apply for by expanding on your experience relevant to the job and cutting back the less relevant details. In short, your CV should include a professional summary after your contact details that focuses on what you can offer an employer, as opposed to what you’d like from your next job, followed by a list of skills most relevant to the job you are applying for and a list of key career achievements supported by facts, statistics or links. List your work experience in reverse order, remembering to quantify your accomplishments. Concisely list your qualifications and include details of two references. If you’re still unsure, you can download our free CV template from our website.

 

~ Lisa Morris (Hays)

Conclusion

A professional CV revamping service will definitely assist you with a professional, well-structured CV that highlights your skills and experience in the best possible format. However, this may not be enough to get you short-listed for a job. Especially if the position you are applying for is not a good fit for you.

At the end of the day, if you are willing to take the time and put in the effort there is no reason you can not put together a great looking CV yourself. And the best part about doing it yourself is being able to tailor your CV for each application by making sure you focus on the skills and experience mentioned in the job advert or description. And if I am being honest, this is far more important then a “pretty” CV. However, if you do decide that you would like a little bit of help please check out my CV Revamp Service, and I will be more than happy to give you a hand