Recruiters reveal if a professional resume writing service will make a CV stand out to employers

Many jobseekers pay a professional resume writer to make their CV stand out to employers. Recruiters reveal if it actually makes a difference.

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Is it worth me going to a professional resume service to get my CV done?

Justin Hinora

Executive consultant,

Hender Consulting

A professional looking CV is important but is not the sole determinant whether somebody is short-listed or not. I have seen some terrible resumes that candidates have paid a lot of money for, only to have been prepared by people unqualified to give the advice or with limited recruitment experience. Most professional recruiters I know are very happy to provide some broad feedback to candidates about their CV upon request without sending them an invoice. If you are seeking more than that, then these services may provide benefit. Seek recommendations from recruiters or other professional and reputable career services organisations. While it’s important to have an appropriate looking CV, unfortunately some jobseekers are led to believe that they need to pay a lot of money to get a new CV and if they do, they will get a job.

Hender Consulting executive consultant Justin Hinora. Picture: Mike Burton

Andrew Sullivan

Managing director,

Sullivan Consulting

A succinct, polished and personalised resume is essential for securing a role and there are many ways you can achieve this. Using a professional resume writer can be a good choice if you feel you need extra help or simply don’t have the time or resources to do it well yourself. However, you can also get great advice and templates online or ask someone who often recruits for some feedback on your resume. Whether you prepare it yourself or use a professional resume writer, the important thing is that it conveys your skills and experience in a persuasive way. You also want some personalisation that showcases your personal brand and helps you stand out.

Sullivan Consulting managing director Andrew Sullivan. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Alexandra Rosser

Head of Organisational

Psychology Consulting,

Stillwell Management

Consultants

Professional resume writing provided by experienced recruiters offers significant benefits, the most pertinent of which is that they have the most up-to-date insight and knowledge about what the wide variety of employers and recruiters are seeking both from content and design of a CV and cover letter. Other benefits include that they offer an objective review of your employment history, save you time to spend on job-searching, can advise on how to address selection criteria in a brief but compelling manner – including how to explain the relevance of transferable skills if you do not meet all criteria, and there is also the advantage that having developed a relationship with them, they will have you in mind if any relevant opportunities arise with their client organisations.

Stillwell Management Consultants organisational psychology consulting head Alexandra Rosser. Picture: Mike Burton

Lisa Morris

Director,

Hays

This is a difficult question to answer as there are many resume writing services available and the quality of the writers employed by these services can vary greatly. In general, there is a set format that resumes should follow and provided you understand and follow this format most people find that they can make their CV stand out without requiring the services of a resume writer. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you want to craft your CV yourself or call on the expertise of a resume writer. If you decide on the former, our advice is to follow the appropriate, standard format and ensure your CV demonstrates that you possess most or all the criteria required in the job. Tailor your CV for each position you apply for by expanding on your experience relevant to the job and cutting back the less relevant details. In short, your CV should include a professional summary after your contact details that focuses on what you can offer an employer, as opposed to what you’d like from your next job, followed by a list of skills most relevant to the job you are applying for and a list of key career achievements supported by facts, statistics or links. List your work experience in reverse order, remembering to quantify your accomplishments. Concisely list your qualifications and include details of two references. If you’re still unsure, you can download our free CV template from our website.

Hays director Lisa Morris. Picture: Matt Loxton

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News Corp has partnered with HR technology company Shortlyster to develop the Australian National Talent Registry, an initiative to help get Australians back to work, as COVID-19 has left hundreds of thousands of people either jobless or with reduced working hours.

The registry aims to connect jobseekers, whose employment does not have to have been directly affected by the coronavirus pandemic to participate, with employers on cultural-fit and psychological level, not just qualifications and experience.

It is free for jobseekers to sign up. To sign up, visit adelaidenow.com.au/careers

Originally published as Recruiters reveal if a professional resume writing service will make a CV stand out to employers