C.V advice

badgerbread

I am currently looking for another job I know the market is not exactly fantastic but I am finding it really hard to even get to the interview stage. I realise that the problem may well be my C.V especially my grammar I have asked others to look over it and they seem to think it is O.K but I was wondering if it is worth paying for a proffesional C.V service or not I have looked at a couple and didn't realise how expensive they are but if it will get me another job that pays more it may be worth doing. what does everyone else think?

tosyn

badgerbread wrote: »

I am currently looking for another job I know the market is not exactly fantastic but I am finding it really hard to even get to the interview stage. I realise that the problem may well be my C.V especially my grammar I have asked others to look over it and they seem to think it is O.K but I was wondering if it is worth paying for a proffesional C.V service or not I have looked at a couple and didn't realise how expensive they are but if it will get me another job that pays more it may be worth doing. what does everyone else think?

Personally, I do not believe in a CV writing service. That is one business area that has recently poped up by target marketing and they benefit from the mass unemployment rates and recession. But, are they doing a good job - I do not think so !
Of course they can review and make 'professional' comments and point out the obvious grammar/spellings and english phrasing mistakes - I really do not think any they will ever be able to say why you are not getting a job interview despite you making all their suggested changes. So why bother ?

kingfisherblue

In my area, there are a couple of places that help people get into work. They don't charge for their services, and will help with CVs, application letters, interview techniques, etc. You could check to see if there is anything like this in your area - ask at community centres, libraries and the Job Centre.

Ashles

badgerbread wrote: »

I am currently looking for another job I know the market is not exactly fantastic but I am finding it really hard to even get to the interview stage. I realise that the problem may well be my C.V especially my grammar I have asked others to look over it and they seem to think it is O.K but I was wondering if it is worth paying for a proffesional C.V service or not I have looked at a couple and didn't realise how expensive they are but if it will get me another job that pays more it may be worth doing. what does everyone else think?

Concentrate on conveying as much relevant experience, tailored to the specific job you are applying for as you can. Ideally you should rewrite your CV slightly each time for each job applied for to play to your specifc strengths for that job.

Previous jobs can often be described differently depending on the role you are applying for.

Think like an employer reading the CV and see which parts would stand out to you.

And reread the advertised job description over and over and see how many of the requirements detailed you can tailor your CV to match. (And always ensure you will be able to describe such examples if you get an interview).

And you are right to ensure all spelling and grammar is as thoroughly checked as possible. Errors in a CV will likely get it ignored instantly.
As advised above try community resources like libraries to advise.
CV writing services strike me as a complete waste of time as they are likely to output a generic and bland description of you and most eople can do better themselves.

I run a large international team and have seen a lot of CVs and candidates. The most suitable CVs will always be the ones which show experience most relevant to the role we have advertised for - a role specific, tailored CV, as opposed to a generic unfocussed CV. A short, relevant introductory paragraph is often useful.
And no spelling errors.