Pay for CV writing

wuzzypoo

Hi All,

just want yo ask your advice/thoughts on getting a company to write my CV for me.
i lost my job through COVID back in June and things have been slow since then. I’m in an awkward situation as I am part qualified but QBE Accountant but employers see me as over qualified for any assistant Accountant roles, but recruitment agencies see me as under qualified so won’t put me forward for jobs I could do.

i do suffer with depression and anxiety and being out of work and being very isolated due to COVID restrictions is making me very anxious and my mind races so when I try to rehash my CV I can’t concentrate on anything. 

I think my CV could be better and looking at examples online I’m sure I could sell myself a lot more and as I can’t focus and concentrate this is why I’ve thought of getting a proper CV written.

im not willing or able to pay an extortionate amount, but if it’s done well and gets me s better job and quicker it would be worth it.

if you could let me know what you think and if it’s a good idea and if so if anyone has any good ones to use and even better which ones to avoid.

thanks

General_Grant

You know yourself better than a CV writer who may never meet you.  And they can't produce a CV without your help;  It is you who can produce a "proper CV".

To get a CV which sells you is to get one which shows what you are.  This takes time but it doesn't all have to be at one sitting: it's like eating the elephant.

Instead of rehashing your CV, start afresh.  Though you'll eventually want one which is a couple of pages in length, start by putting down all your jobs and the tasks and accomplishments in each one, even if it repeats things.  This isn't to give to anyone else but will help write your eventual CV and also complete application forms.

Are you receiving any help with your anxiety/depression?

wuzzypoo

Hi General Grant,

thank you for for such a nice and quick reply.
i am on anti depressants and have been for a few years and on quite high dose and just told that going for a walk will help by my gp when told about losing my job and not slept for months. 
I just get quite overwhelmed or defeatist when trying to rewrite my cv due to poor treatment my agencies. I know things are quiet and lots of people in same boat but I do tend to turn it onwards and think I’m the problem when they don’t ring back etc. 

I just want a good cv I can email out to companies and for them to clearly see what I’ve done and what I can do as I don’t think I explain it very well myself and it takes more than the 2 pages which is what’s usually the max you’re meant to write. 

Thanks 

General_Grant

Yes - two pages for the version you send to anyone else but you want more in order to be able to tailor it to a specific application.

It takes a bit of introspection perhaps but do look at what you have achieved, what you have enjoyed doing.  Even think about what you did when you were school age - what grabbed your attention to pursue beyond the classroom.  You may find a talent there which you have used in your working life.

It may help to start by writing things down chronologically even though your eventual CV will be in reverse.

Sandtree

My issue is that CVs are like marmite, what one person loves another may hate. Therefore my issue with using a CV writing service is that there is no correct answer so they may produce something that many hate.

There are really three aspects to the CV, its presentation/how its all laid out, spelling/grammar/style (eg what tense you use) and then the actual content.

The first one you can pick up enough ideas from the internet. The final one only you can really do but others can help a bit such as reminding you to include achievements/outcomes not just tasks. The middle one is where some may need help but that can be any person thats reasonable at writing and doesnt have to be a specialist.

AskAsk

if you apply for jobs through a recruitment agency, they will be happy to help you redraft your CV.  they offer me this service but i am too stubborn to accept other people's criticism!  i know they change my CV before they send it on to employers anyway.

tacpot12

You might try this free service: CV Assistant
This tool will help you create and layout your CV. It can also be used to create new CVs based on previous ones, and keep track of which ones have been submitted to which employers. 
In the interests of full disclosure, I will mention that an organisation I volunteer for uses this tool with its clients.