Are CV Writing Services Worth It? A Smart Investment or a Waste of Money?

Your CV (or résumé) is your personal marketing tool—it determines whether you land an interview or get ignored. But with so much conflicting advice on CV writing, many job seekers wonder: Are CV writing services worth it?

The short answer: Yes, if you want a competitive edge. A professionally written CV isn’t just about making your experience look good—it’s about optimising your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), highlighting your strongest achievements, and ensuring it stands out to recruiters.

However, not all CV writing services are equal. Below, we’ll break down when hiring a professional CV writer makes sense, how it can improve your job search, and what to look for when choosing a service.

🔗 Authoritative Source: According to Harvard Business Review, recruiters spend an average of 6–7 seconds scanning each CV, making clear formatting, keyword optimisation, and strong achievement-based content essential.

Why Hiring a CV Writing Service Can Be Worth It

Many job seekers struggle with writing about themselves objectively, and a poorly structured CV could cost them opportunities. Here’s why paying for a professional CV writer is often a good investment:

✔ They Know What Recruiters Look For – Professional CV writers understand how to craft compelling content that highlights your most valuable skills and achievements. 

✔ Your CV Will Be ATS-Friendly – Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs. If your CV isn’t formatted correctly, it might never reach a human recruiter. 

✔ Saves You Time and Stress – Instead of struggling with formatting, wording, and industry expectations, a professional delivers a polished, ready-to-send CV. 

✔ Increases Your Interview Chances – A strong CV grabs attention quickly and makes you more competitive in your industry. 

✔ Ideal for Career Changers – If you’re transitioning to a new field, a CV writer reframes your experience to match your target industry.

📌 Client Success Story: A client had been applying for jobs for six months with no responses. Their original CV was outdated and lacked keyword optimisation. After working with a professional CV writer, their newly optimised CV landed them multiple interviews within three weeks.

🔗 Authoritative Source: A study by TopResume found that professionally written CVs are 32% more likely to secure interviews than self-written ones.

When Should You Pay for a CV Writing Service?

A professional CV writer isn’t necessary for everyone, but it’s a smart investment if:

✅ You’re Not Getting Interviews – If you’ve applied for dozens of jobs with no response, your CV may be the issue. 

✅ You’re Changing Careers – A CV writer can reposition your experience to fit a new industry. 

✅ You’re in a Competitive Field – Industries like finance, tech, and law require strong, achievement-focused CVs. 

✅ You’re Struggling with Formatting & Keywords – If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it might be rejected before a recruiter sees it. 

✅ You Haven’t Updated Your CV in Years – Job market trends change, and a modern, polished CV helps you stand out.

🔗 Authoritative Source: According to LinkedIn’s Hiring Trends Report, customised, targeted CVs are more likely to succeed than generic applications.

📌 Client Example: A mid-career professional needed a CV overhaul after working in the same job for 15 years. Their outdated CV didn’t highlight their leadership skills. After a professional rewrite, they landed a senior management role with a 20% salary increase.

How to Choose a Good CV Writing Service

Not all CV writing services provide the same level of quality. Here’s what to look for when hiring a professional:

✔ Industry Expertise – Look for writers experienced in your field. A CV for a marketing professional differs from one for a lawyer or engineer. 

✔ Customisation – Avoid one-size-fits-all templates. Your CV should be tailored to your skills and career goals. 

✔ ATS Optimisation – Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs. A professional will ensure yours passes ATS filters. 

✔ Revisions & Support – The best services offer revisions to refine your CV. 

✔ Proven Success – Look for testimonials, before-and-after examples, and a track record of helping job seekers get interviews.

🔗 Authoritative Source: According to Glassdoor, hiring a resume writer is one of the best investments for job seekers, particularly those struggling to land interviews.

📌 Client Example: A job seeker in finance had a CV that didn’t showcase their accomplishments. After a rewrite that focused on measurable achievements, they secured interviews at multiple investment firms.

Is Hiring a CV Writer Worth the Cost?

The cost of a professional CV writing service can range from £50 to £300+, depending on experience and expertise. While this may seem like an expense, it’s an investment in your career.

Here’s why it pays off:

💼 Higher Salary Potential – A strong CV can help you land higher-paying roles. 

📩 Faster Job Search – Instead of months of rejection, you secure interviews sooner. 

👔 Confidence Boost – Knowing your CV is professionally crafted makes you feel more prepared.

🔗 Authoritative Source: A study by The Ladders found that professionally written CVs can increase salary offers by up to 7% compared to self-written ones.

📌 Client Success Story: A client transitioning into a higher-paying management role needed a CV that showcased their leadership skills. After a rewrite, they secured a job with a £10,000 salary increase.

Final Thoughts: Should You Pay for a CV Writing Service?

If you’re struggling to land interviews, don’t know how to sell your experience effectively, or need to optimise your CV for ATS, hiring a professional CV writing service can be one of the best investments you make.

📩 Need a CV that gets results? Let’s get it right—get in touch today!