Do Professional CV Writing Services Actually Make a Difference?
- Matthew Coppola
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
When it comes to job hunting, one of the most important tools in your arsenal is your CV.
It’s often your first introduction to a potential employer, and as we all know, first impressions matter.
But the question many jobseekers ask is: should I write my CV myself, or is it worth paying for a professional CV writing service?
Let’s take a look at the differences, and whether going professional truly makes a better impact.
Writing Your Own CV
Plenty of people choose to write their own CVs – and rightly so. After all, you know your career history better than anyone else. Writing it yourself also saves money, and you can tailor it as you go along without waiting on someone else.
However, there are a few common pitfalls:
Structure and layout – A CV might be full of great content, but if it’s difficult to skim through, a recruiter may not give it the time of day.
Too much detail (or not enough) – Striking the right balance can be tricky. Many self-written CVs either waffle on or miss key achievements.
Industry expectations – Different sectors value different skills and styles of presentation. What works in finance might not fly in marketing.
Bias – It’s easy to undersell yourself, or on the flip side, overinflate certain points, which can feel off-putting to employers.
If you’re confident in your writing skills, up-to-date with what hiring managers are looking for, and willing to spend the time, you can absolutely create a strong CV yourself.
What a Professional CV Writer Brings to the Table
Professional CV writers work with jobseekers every day, so they know what catches an employer’s eye – and what gets binned after a quick glance. A good service will:
Highlight your achievements properly – Turning duties into measurable outcomes (e.g. “increased sales by 30%”rather than “responsible for sales”).
Tailor your CV for your industry – They’ll understand the trends and preferred formats in your sector.
Cut out the fluff – No long paragraphs of filler. Just sharp, targeted content.
Polish the presentation – A clean, professional layout can make a world of difference.
Provide an outside perspective – They’ll spot strengths you might not think to include, and flag weaknesses that could hold you back.
The result is often a CV that feels sharper, more confident, and better aligned to the roles you’re targeting.
So, Does It Actually Make a Difference?
The honest answer is: yes, it can – but it depends on your situation.
If you’re early in your career, applying for entry-level roles, or in an industry with straightforward requirements, you may well manage fine on your own.
If you’re changing careers, returning to work after a break, or aiming for a competitive senior role, a professional touch can give you the edge.
A well-written CV won’t get you the job on its own – but it can get you more interviews, which is half the battle.
The Middle Ground
For many people, the best approach isn’t simply do it yourself or pay someone else. A middle ground works well: draft your CV yourself, then have a professional review and polish it. This can be more affordable while still ensuring you’ve got that competitive finish.
Final Thoughts
A CV writing service won’t magically land you a job, but it can certainly increase your chances of getting noticed – particularly if you’re struggling to get interviews despite having the right skills and experience.
If you’re confident in your writing ability and know what employers are looking for, you may not need one. But if you’re not sure, or you want to make absolutely certain your CV is presenting you in the best possible light, a professional CV writer can make a meaningful difference.
