CV Help: How to Get Support for Your CV

Writing a CV is far from straightforward, so it’s understandable if you’re looking for help with your CV. Here are the top 8 places to go for support with writing your CV:

1. Use an online CV helper

An online CV helper (also known as a CV builder) is the quickest way to build your CV. CV helpers let you pick a professional CV template in a CV design you like, offer you pre-written bullet points, and let you add a photo to your CV (but we only recommend you add a picture if you’re applying for modelling or acting jobs).

The quickest CV builders can make a fully featured CV in under 12 minutes — which makes CV builders the fastest and most convenient way to create your CV.

And there’s a CV builder for everyone, so do a little research and find out what’s the best CV builder for you.

2. Look at online services and resources

If you want to write your own CV from scratch, it might take a little longer than using a CV builder, but you’ll be able to create something truly unique.

To create your own CV, you’ll need to spend some time learning how to write a good CV. It’s also a good idea to look at example CVs from the industry you’re hoping to work in to get some inspiration. These resources should cover the basics, but you might also want to learn more about:

• CV formats
• CV layouts
• CV writing tips

3. Get free CV advice and support

There are plenty of places to go in your local community. Here are some examples:

Your school or university

If you’re a student, universities offer careers advice. For example, Bristol University’s career services offers one-on-one, in-person careers advice in addition to online resources to help you write your CV.

Many universities also offer some careers services to alumni, so even if you’ve graduated, you can still get in touch for some help with your CV.

For example, the University of Bristol offers career advice to anyone who graduated within the previous 3 years, while the University of Essex’s Career Service is available for life to its alumni.

If you’re still in school, you might want to see a career advisor, particularly if you’re writing a school leaver CV because you plan on leaving school after you’ve taken your GCSEs, A-Levels, N5s, or Highers. Unlike universities, schools usually don’t have a full careers department, but there is usually a careers advisor you can speak to.

Depending on the size of your school, this person may be your form tutor, head of year, pastoral officer, or even a dedicated careers officer.

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service is part of gov.uk and provides advice on the job hunt process, including writing a CV and cover letter. You can speak to an advisor directly by using their freefone number 0800 100 900 Monday to Saturday.

You can also use the service to assess your skills and find relevant courses for your career.

Charities

Several charities provide CV and cover letter writing help:

For example, the Salvation Army offers an ‘Employment Plus’ service that provides courses on how to write a job application, build up your skills, and practise your interview skills. Search for your local Salvation Army branch and see if it offers Employment Plus.

Scope’s support to work programme offers similar support. You can connect with an advisor by phone or in person (only in London, Leeds, and Manchester). They’ll help you learn interview skills, write a CV, and find work in your local area.

Generation UK offer multiple courses for different industries across the UK, from London and Manchester to Yorkshire and Scotland. Their courses require a time commitment, so you’ll need to be able to attend their classes on a regular basis. They also specify you’ll need a right to work in the UK to attend.

Your local library

Many local libraries offer career advice. For example, Brighton and Hove’s Libraries offer career advice appointments every first Friday of the month between 10:00 and 17:00, and drop-in sessions every Monday 10:00 to 14:00.

The Birmingham Careers Service also hosts events in public libraries across Birmingham. You’ll need to book ahead.

4. Go to the Jobcentre Plus for help

If you’re on Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit, you’ll likely have to attend Jobcentre Plus every fortnight to meet your work coach, discuss your job search, and continue your benefits claim.

Your Jobcentre Plus work coach will be able to help you with various job hunting tasks, like writing a CV and cover letter, filling in an application form, and preparing for an interview.

5. Pay for someone to write your CV

There are several companies like Purple CV that offer paid-for CV writing services. You send them an old CV or tell them about your work and educational history, and they’ll write your CV for you. Depending on the company you use, they may also offer a package deal, where they write your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile for you.

In terms of CV writing services fees, prices range from around £50 to £400. You can expect to pay on the lower end of the scale if you need an entry-level CV, while you’ll be paying hundreds for an executive CV.