How Much Should You Pay for a Professional CV?

How Much Should You Pay for a Professional CV?

If you’re deciding to get your CV written by a professional or write it yourself, here are some tips: When it comes to landing your ideal job, having a polished, professionally written CV can give you a good advantage. However, many job seekers are left asking the same question: How much should you pay for a professional CV? Prices range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on your career level, the job you’re applying for, the industry, and how tailored you want your CV to be.

At TRS Resourcing, we understand the needs of blue-collar and white-collar professionals across trades, logistics, engineering, property sectors, administration and management roles, and we’ve created this guide to help you decide when it’s worth paying and when you might be better off using our free tools.

What Influences the Cost of a Professional CV?

The cost of a professional CV in Australia varies depending on several things. Entry-level CVs typically fall between $100 and $300, suitable for apprentices or candidates new to the workforce. Mid level professionals might spend between $250 and $500, especially if they have complex work histories or are changing industries. Senior professionals, executives, or highly technical roles can exceed $1,000 for a fully customised resume service, particularly if the package includes cover letters or LinkedIn profiles. What you’re really paying for is time, expertise, and customisation. A good CV writer will take the time to understand your goals, review your experience, and ensure your document passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) by using keywords aligned with your target roles. As we discussed in our previous blog, “3 Tips to Write a Standout CV”, your resume needs to stand out both to human recruiters and AI systems. That level of professional attention, understandably, doesn’t come cheap.

Is a Professional CV Worth the Investment?

So, how much should you pay for a professional CV when you’re unsure about the return on investment? It depends on how confident you are in your own resume-writing skills and how competitive your desired roles are. If you’re applying for trade, manufacturing, or logistics jobs, a well-structured CV that clearly outlines your tickets, qualifications, and machinery experience can significantly improve your interview chances. However, you may not need to spend a lot to achieve that.

At TRS Resourcing, we offer jobseekers free CV templates and even a purpose built CV Generator designed for the skilled trades sector. These tools are ideal for candidates who are confident with the basics but want a clean, effective format. For those needing more guidance, our recruiters can provide feedback and tips based on decades of experience placing candidates in roles they are applying for. Alternatively, if your situation is more like changing careers, returning to the workforce, or targeting a high salary role a professional service may well be worth the money. In these cases, paying $300–$500 could lead to better job offers faster, and that’sthat’s a worthwhile return on investment.

Alternatives to Paid CV Services

Before racing out and searching “”resume professional writers”” consider the free and low-cost options available. Many online CV builders offer templates suited to a wide range of industries, and TRS Resourcing’sResourcing’s own CV tools are tailored specifically for blue-collar workers. These resources provide a solid foundation for writing your own resume without the expense. Another middle-ground option is to draft your CV using a free template, then book a session with a recruiter or career advisor who can review it. This can give you professional insights at a fraction of the cost. Remember, a “”professional”” CV doesn’tdoesn’t always mean paying hundreds of dollars, it means one that reflects your skills, experience, and suitability for the role.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much should you pay for a professional CV in Australia? Professional CV writing services in Australia typically range from $100 to $1,000. Entry level resumes are the most affordable, while senior level CVs with added services like cover letters or LinkedIn updates are at the higher end.
2. Is it worth paying for a CV writer? If you’re struggling to land interviews, changing industries, or applying for highly competitive roles, a CV writer can help tailor your resume to stand out. For trades and blue-collar roles, TRS Resourcing offers free tools that may be all you need.
3. Can I write my own CV using templates? Absolutely. Our previous blog post, “3 Tips to Write a Standout CV“, offers step-by-step advice, and our CV Builder makes the process quick and effective. With the right structure and keywords, your DIY CV can be just as impactful.
4. What should a professional CV include? A professional CV should feature a strong summary, relevant work history, licenses and tickets, measurable achievements, and clean formatting. For skilled trades roles, it should also highlight equipment experience and safety certifications.
5. How do I know if my CV is good enough? If you’re applying for jobs but not getting interviews, your CV might need a refresh.

TRS Resourcing recruiters can provide personalised feedback. You can also test your CV using online ATS checkers to see if it meets keyword standards. At TRS Resourcing, we believe in giving jobseekers the tools and support to succeed whether that’sthat’s through our recruitment services, free CV templates, or career advice. So, if you’reyou’re wondering how much you should pay for a professional CV, the answer might be: less than you think.

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