Why you should reconsider professional CV writing services

The job search process can be hard work both for young people new to the professional world and for those facing redundancy who may be trying to navigate the job market for the first time in years. Searching for vacancies, filling in application forms, collating references and qualifications can feel overwhelming and some job seekers look to make the process easier by paying a company or individual to do certain tasks for them, such as writing their CV. But are these services really what they are cracked up to be? Here’s why you may not be getting what you paid for and why you should think twice about professional CV writing services.

The dangers of a ‘generic’ CV

It important that your CV stands out from all the others being submitted for each vacancy in today’s job market.  Professional CV writing services tend to produce CVs to a template or structured formula, meaning that the information you provide will be formatted and expressed in a generic way. You should tailor your CV to match the requirements of the job specification. So whilst you may be left with a professional looking document, you will still be required to tailor and create a new CV for each position you apply for.

Just how ‘professional’ is this service?

The word ‘professional’ as applied to CV writing services is a subjective term. There really is no guarantee that the individual tasked with constructing your CV is any better suited to the task than you are and there is little chance that they’ll be able to articulate your insights and experience in the same way you can. Does this person truly understand your industry, your role or your specialism? It also needs to reflect you, therefore the tone and language used may be different if it’s written by someone else.

Who can sell you better than you?

Your CV is a sales document, designed to help advertise to sell you and your abilities. You need to understand your strengths, weaknesses and attributes and be able to  present them in such a way that potential employers will be able see the value you can bring to a role. A professional CV writing service is unlikely to be able to sell you as effectively as you could sell yourself.

Basic mistakes and errors

A good CV should be proof read, checked and double checked before it goes off to potential employers, recruitment agencies and job boards. Doing so will help you to catch any simple mistakes such as spelling or grammar errors, incorrect details or formatting blunders.

Professional CV writing services may not be as effective as they suggest, but that doesn’t means that you shouldn’t approach the job search process without help. At Renovo our professional Career Coaches can provide advice and assistance to help you produce the perfect CV and online profilesas well as assist with job search strategies and preparation for interviews. Instead of outsourcing your work to someone else, consider improving your chances with the help of our career coaching and support services.

Renovo is one of the UK’s leading providers of outplacement and career transition support. We work with both organisations and individuals to support all their career transition requirements. If you would like to understand how Renovo can help you please call 0800 612 2011 or email info@renovo.co.uk