Frequently Asked Questions about Compelling CVs' Professional CV Writing Services, LinkedIn Profiles and Interview Skills Coaching
I need help with my CV
Then you've come to the right place. We have extensive experience helping job seekers at all levels, from school leaver to Chief Executive. We're friendly and supportive and have a genuine interest in helping our clients secure suitable jobs.
Who will write my CV?
Your CV will be written by Compelling CVs. We don't outsource to third party companies or freelancers.
How much will my CV cost?
We have various prices depending on the level of CV you require. Visit our CV Writing page for full details of options and prices.
We've seen cheaper CV writing services online. Are your prices negotiable? Do you offer discounts?
No, we don't negotiate, we don't offer discounts and we don't offer "cheap" CVs.
In our experience, you get what you pay for... Our service is highly personal and unique to you and our prices are realistically based on the quality of our service and the amount of time we will dedicate to writing your CV, together with telephone interviews, meetings and communications.
However, we recognise that this represents a significant investment for you and you'll want to have confidence in your CV writer. That's why we like to talk with you before you proceed. We work in partnership with our clients and we have to be on the same wavelength in order to achieve a good outcome for you.
In our experience, you get what you pay for... Our service is highly personal and unique to you and our prices are realistically based on the quality of our service and the amount of time we will dedicate to writing your CV, together with telephone interviews, meetings and communications.
However, we recognise that this represents a significant investment for you and you'll want to have confidence in your CV writer. That's why we like to talk with you before you proceed. We work in partnership with our clients and we have to be on the same wavelength in order to achieve a good outcome for you.
Do you use CV templates?
No, we never use templates. Templates can be a useful guide as to section headings but, in our view, that is all. It is the CONTENT that matters. The best template in the world will not help you to create good content. That's why we create your CV from a blank canvas, building up a unique CV that perfectly reflects your skills, achievements, experience and personal attributes. We have written a short blog about why we don't use CV templates. Click here to read our blog about CV templates.
Will my CV writer meet with me?
Depending on your location and the CV writing package you choose, we may meet with you. But we've also worked very successfully with clients over a distance - as far away as Australia, Hong Kong, USA, The Netherlands and recently Brazil - communicating via telephone, Skype and email. They've all been extremely happy with the outcome.
How long will you take to write my CV?
We generally take between 5 and 10 working days but much depends on how long you take to complete our detailed questionnaire and how quickly you respond to our email or telephone queries. In reality, the process can be quicker if we communicate well and get the right momentum or we can slow it down to a pace that suits you.
I need my CV urgently as I've seen a job I wish to apply for. Do you offer an express CV writing service?
Yes, we do offer an express CV writing service. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
It's difficult for me to talk at work. Do you offer an "out of hours" service?
We can talk to you out of hours but only by prior appointment. Fill in our contact form below and we'll get in touch.
How is my CV formatted?
Your CV is formatted in MS Word and emailed to you in Word and/or pdf format.
For a small additional cost, we can provide paper copies and/or can save your CV onto a CD or USB drive.
For a small additional cost, we can provide paper copies and/or can save your CV onto a CD or USB drive.
I've seen a job I'd like to apply for. Can you tailor my CV to match the job description?
We always try to tailor our clients' CVs to specific jobs or industry sectors, as generic CVs rarely meet with success. We'd need to see the details for the job you're interested in but, provided you have the appropriate experience and skills, and you've selected the appropriate CV writing package, we can tailor your CV incorporating relevant, targeted keywords.
Everyone seems to be talking about key words. What are they? Why are they so important?
Most job applications are made in response to vacancies posted on online job boards. When a recruiter posts an advertisement they specify the key words that they are seeking. For example this could be "MS Word", "Sage 50", "ITIL" or "Prince 2". When you upload your CV to the job sites, it will be scanned by Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to see if it contains the keywords specified by the recruiter. Only CVs with the best keyword match will be selected. Keywords vary in every job advertisement. Hence you need to continually adjust your CV content to match the job advertisement. We've written a blog about how ATS works. Click here to read our blog on ATS and key word matching.
I've been unemployed for a while. Will that go against me?
In all honesty, it's always better to apply for a new job when you're still in work. However, the current recession in the UK has affected a lot of people and unemployment has sadly been inflicted on people at all levels. Sometimes you may have been out of the workplace due to long-term illness or because you've been caring for your family.
Hopefully, you will have made use of the time you've been unemployed to acquire new skills. If not, then you should perhaps enrol on some courses and update your skills as soon as possible - especially IT, where things are moving very fast. This will also help you in your job search as most applications have to be submitted online.
There are many free courses online and many cheap or subsidised courses available at local colleges. Enquire at the job centre or your local library, or search online. Alternatively, give us a call and we'll point you in the right direction.
Hopefully, you will have made use of the time you've been unemployed to acquire new skills. If not, then you should perhaps enrol on some courses and update your skills as soon as possible - especially IT, where things are moving very fast. This will also help you in your job search as most applications have to be submitted online.
There are many free courses online and many cheap or subsidised courses available at local colleges. Enquire at the job centre or your local library, or search online. Alternatively, give us a call and we'll point you in the right direction.
Will my details be kept confidential?
Absolutely. We never share your information and all confidential information is destroyed securely in-house.
See our Privacy Policy for more details.
See our Privacy Policy for more details.
Are your CV writing testimonials genuine?
They most certainly are. Almost all of our testimonials have been provided via a third party directory website. Our clients are free to be totally honest about our service and pricing. Clearly they are very happy with our service and we are therefore delighted and proud to showcase their testimonials on our own website.
Why can't I write my own CV? Do I really need a professional CV writer?
It is possible for you to write your own CV provided:
These are also the precise reasons why you may need to use a professional CV writing service such as ours.
- you have the time to do so,
- you can be highly objective about yourself,
- you can identify your skills gaps,
- you are aware of how applicant tracking software works,
- you have excellent keyboarding and formatting skills,
- you have excellent writing skills, English grammar and spelling, and
- you are good at proofreading/editing.
These are also the precise reasons why you may need to use a professional CV writing service such as ours.
I've already prepared my CV. Do you provide a CV Review or CV Proofchecking Service?
Yes we do provide these services and we can also reformat your existing CV. Visit our CV Review page for more information.
I think I may need a LinkedIn Profile too. Do you offer a combined CV Writing and LinkedIn Profile package?
If we've written your CV, then it's easier for us to create your LinkedIn profile, which means it will cost you less. Visit our LinkedIn Profiles page for more information.
What if I get an interview? It's been a long time since I attended an interview. Do you offer guidance on Interview Skills?
Yes, we offer Interview Skills Training. You may just need a short coaching session or you may want several. Interviews can take place via telephone, Skype, video or in person. We can help you with general interview technique and interview preparation, or we can conduct a mock interview for a specific type of role. Visit our Interview Skills Training page to learn more and then give us a call for an informal chat.
I'd like to know a bit more about Compelling CVs' CV writing service before I decide.
And we want to tell you more about our service too. So browse our website which has lots of information, then pick up the phone and talk to us. We're always happy to have a chat and to answer your questions and there's absolutely no obligation to proceed.