CVs are not like toothpicks. If you want to buy toothpicks you can shop around and compare products, like-for-like, and make a straightforward price-based decision. The same doesn’t really apply to CVs because CVs (and the firms who write them) vary from the appalling to the magnificent, and of course, this in turn impacts results, sometimes dramatically - and for better or for worse.
If CV firms, their CVs and results differ significantly, then it follows that subsequent comparisons can never be truly like-for-like. This is further compounded by malpractices in the CV writing sector. Please click for more details.
A quality CV is an investment that can quickly pay for itself. Most executives understand this. Of course, it really depends on who is writing it, and many executives still have trouble spotting the good from the bad, and sometimes even the atrocious from the sublime!
Well, most firms are better at sales than they are when it comes to writing CVs. This includes some self-styled ‘top’ companies.
This webpage provides information that you likely won’t find on other CV service sites. If you are serious about getting the best executive CV for you then you should find the following sections very helpful.
Many “professional” CV companies draw from the same pool of freelancers. Freelancers are not necessarily specialist CV writers, and clients aren’t always told what country the writer is from, let alone what qualifications and experience they have. Often, the resultant CV can look neat enough, but the end result can be out of sync with expectations – and especially when tested in competitive executive job markets.
When it comes to CVs, there is no such thing as deal in the ‘this toothpick is cheaper that that one’ sense. Cheap CVs are cheap for a reason. The very best CV writers not only spend more time on each CV, but you also usually benefit from more expertise, more writing talent and greater care and attention to detail. That said, price alone isn’t indicative, and some dearer firms don’t do everything they say on the tin either.
This is a very good, question, that people rarely consider.
Many people (including many intelligent executives) are under the impression that if they list achievements and experience neatly on their CV, then that is as good as it gets and all they need do at executive level. It’s untrue, but this doesn’t stop thousands of executives for applying competitive jobs with CVs that look okay on the surface, but are fundamentally flawed on numerous other key fronts.
In our 20+ years’ experience fixing professional CVs, it does appear evident that many executives don’t realise how lacking their current CV is. Many also don’t appreciate the gulf between what they have and just how good it could be in the right hands.
There are huge differences between typical professional CVs and genuine top-quality CVs. We fix such CVs on a daily basis, and have done so for many years. Enhancements are usually dramatic, and on numerous fronts including some or all of the following;
✓ enhancing the presentation
✓ helping it read and flow better
✓ improving the length
✓ reducing clutter
✓ enhancing legibility
✓ enhancing relevancy
✓ correcting (often numerous) grammatical errors
✓ improving the wording
✓ improving employer engagement
✓ enhancing first impressions
✓ enhancing sales messaging
✓ improving central messaging
✓ better addressing ATS
✓ optimising it properly
✓ enhancing vertical & horizontal words-to-space ratios
…and more besides!
Only you know how much landing your ideal job is worth to you (and not just in terms of money but also job satisfaction and happiness). From an observer’s perspective though, some people do seem to look at CV services in terms of costs or deals rather than in terms of investment value.
Ultimately, it’s down to you and your intuition when it comes to choosing the right company for you. All we can really do is highlight actualities, and assist those who put their faith in us.
If you would like to take advantage of our unique service then we would be happy to help you.