Should You Hire a CV Writer? Weighing The Pros and Cons

Putting Your Career in Another’s Hands

The decision to look for a new job is often a momentous step, and a crucial element of this process is your curriculum vitae (CV).

Think of this document as your first impression, a snapshot of your skills and experience, and a key to unlocking the next stage of your career. However, crafting a compelling CV can be a daunting task.

This is where the option of hiring a CV writer comes in. But you have to ask yourself: is it the right choice for you?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of hiring a professional CV writer!

The Pros

Here are the benefits of handing over your CV to a professional to rewrite it:

1. Expert Knowledge and Industry Insights

Professional CV writers possess a deep understanding of current recruitment trends and what employers are looking for. They are adept at tailoring CVs to specific industries and job roles, ensuring your application resonates with the targeted audience.

They also know the keywords, formatting preferences and nuances that can make your CV stand out.

2. Professional Formatting and Presentation

A well-formatted CV is crucial for readability and making a positive first impression. As such, CV writers are skilled in creating visually appealing and easy-to-navigate documents. They understand the importance of using appropriate fonts, lay-outs and whitespace to ensure your key information is highlighted effectively.

3. Highlighting Your Achievements

Many individuals struggle to effectively articulate their accomplishments. Fortunately, CV writers excel at extracting your relevant skills and experience, and framing them in a way that showcases your value to potential employers.

They can transform your responsibilities into quantifiable achievements, demonstrating your impact and potential.

4. Time-Saving and Reduced Stress

Writing a CV can be a time-consuming and stressful process, particularly when you’re juggling other commitments, such as working or job-searching. Hiring a CV writer frees up your time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your job search, like networking and interview preparation.

5. Objective Perspective and Feedback

A CV writer provides an objective perspective on your career history and strengths. They can identify gaps or weaknesses in your application and offer constructive feedback. They can also help you refine your skills in selling yourself more clearly on paper.

The Cons

Now that you have an idea of the upsides, here are some of the downsides:

1. Cost Considerations

Hiring a professional CV writer can often be costly. Prices vary depending on the writer’s experience, the complexity of your CV and the services offered. While the investment can be worthwhile, it is crucial to factor this cost into your job-seeking budget.

2. Potential for Generic or Inaccurate Content

Not all CV writers are created equal. Some may rely on generic templates, or fail to accurately represent your skills and experience.

It is essential to research and choose a reputable writer who understands your industry, and can tailor your CV to your specific career goals.

3. Loss of Personal Touch

While a professional CV writer can enhance your application, some argue that it can lead to a loss of personal touch. Your CV might sound less authentically “you” if it is written by someone else.

It’s very important to collaborate closely with the writer – namely by looking over draft versions of your CV – to ensure your personality and voice are reflected.

4. Reliance on External Expertise

Over-reliance on a CV writer could hinder your own development of crucial self-marketing skills. For example, you might struggle to confidently discuss your skills and experience during interviews if you haven’t been actively involved in crafting your CV.

5. Finding the Right Writer

The process of finding a skilled, reliable and certified CV writer can be time-consuming. You need to carefully research their credentials, read reviews and ensure their style aligns with your needs.

Making the Right Decision

Ultimately, the decision of whether to hire a CV writer or not depends on your individual circumstances, career goals and budget. If you’re struggling to create a compelling CV, lack time or want to ensure your application truly shines, then the investment in a professional writer can be highly beneficial. Good luck!