Need CV help? The different types of CV service available

If you're starting a new job search, you'll need a CV that shows off what you can offer to a business. For those not confident writing their own CV, there are services out there providing CV help, to ensure you get noticed by the right people.

Depending on your budget and how much support is needed, there are various options available to make sure the CV you’re presenting is as strong as it can possibly be. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each service.

CV advice

There are many people and blogs out there that provide CV help and advice. This is the cheapest option, as you’ll be doing all the research and writing yourself, but you may have to wade through a lot of conflicting information and assess what’s worth listening to and what isn’t. The Word Dragon blog has comprehensive, expert advice if you decide to take this option.

Pros:  Free

Cons:  Need to do all the work yourself

AI CVs

You may be tempted to use AI to write your CV. While it is good at some aspects - such as structuring and proofreading your CV - it can't replace a human writer as it relies on generic information that is unlikely to suit your personal situation. Additionally, many recruiters now say they automatically bin CVs if they suspect they've been written by AI.

Pros: Free and fast

Cons: Generic and impersonal, doesn't stand out for the right reasons, likely to be binned or overlooked

CV template

A CV template is a cheap or free option, and a good choice if you’re having trouble getting started. You’ll have the section headings and design provided for you, but you’ll still need to develop the wording yourself.

There are numerous CV templates available online, but the main drawback is that many of them emphasise graphics and over-designed layouts over content and function. This type of presentation can be detrimental to your application, as recruiters and hiring managers (as a rule) prefer straightforward, text-only CVs. They can find the information they’re looking for immediately and aren’t distracted by graphics, logos or columns. If you choose this option, download this free CV template produced by a certified CV writer.

Pros: Free, useful starting point for CV help

Cons: Formats often not recommended, sometimes hard to customise, need to add all the content yourself

CV review

For those that are happy to write their own CV, a CV review can help to iron out the creases, make sure the document is in line with best practice and ensure you’re really presenting the very best version of you.

There are two types of CV review – paid and unpaid. Whilst a free review may sound like the better option, they’re often offered with the intention of deliberately finding fault with the CV in order to upsell to a more expensive paid service – which may not be needed. While there's a small cost associated with a paid review, you’re more likely to receive unbiased, constructive, actionable and personalised CV help.

Pros:  Useful to polish a CV you’ve written yourself

Cons:  Free services may not be all they seem, still need to write the CV and make the changes yourself

CV builder

Similar to a CV template, a CV builder provides more help with structuring the CV. Some even suggest wording. However, the onus is on you to ensure you’re including the relevant information and wording it appropriately. You’ll be asked to enter your details online, which will be used to generate your CV.

Pros:  Takes out some of the guesswork, provides tips and suggestions

Cons:  Still need to do most of the work yourself, options to customise are limited, no expert input, data protection concerns

CV writing from scratch

This is the ultimate CV service – a full CV, written for you from scratch. While the cost involved with this is higher than for any other CV service, you’ll collaborate with a professional CV writing expert who knows exactly what’s needed in terms of wording and layout.

If you’re considering this option, it’s important to do your due diligence so that you get value for money. Ensure you choose a writer certified by the British Association of CV Writers and check out this blog on how to choose a CV writer.

Pros:  CV written for you, saves time, meets best practice, builds confidence, gives a new perspective, shows off your value to a prospective employer, ensures you stand out in the crowd

Cons:  Cost

It's OK to ask for CV help

Remember that the strongest CVs are ones that are tailored to you and your career aspirations. Even someone doing the same job as you shouldn't have the same wording on their CV. Rather than sending out generic CVs (or even ones written by AI) that don't have the impact you need, you should be aiming for a unique, attention-grabbing document that shows how your skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of the role.

If you need help achieving that - that's OK! Just as you'd call a plumber to sort out a problem with your bathroom, you can call a CV expert for CV help. 

Word Dragon is committed to providing value for money and a personalised service. Find out more about Word Dragon's CV help for every budget and get in touch today.

Updated 2026