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ServiceEasyUnder £500First sale: Weeks

Resume / CV Writer

Write CVs and LinkedIn rewrites for mid-career professionals

Write CVs and LinkedIn rewrites for mid-career professionals.

As a CV writer, your day-to-day tasks will involve consulting with clients to understand their career history and aspirations, drafting tailored CVs and LinkedIn profiles, and providing revisions based on client feedback. You’ll also need to stay updated on recruitment trends and best practices in CV writing to ensure your products are competitive. Managing client communications and keeping track of project timelines will be essential, as will marketing your services effectively to attract new clients.

Now is an excellent time to launch a CV writing service, as the job market is evolving rapidly due to economic shifts and the rise of remote work. Mid-career professionals are particularly vulnerable during transitions and often seek professional help to stand out in a competitive job landscape. With many people looking to upskill or pivot careers, your services can cater to those needing guidance in presenting their experience effectively.

As a founder, you should have strong writing skills and a good understanding of the job market. If you have experience in recruitment or HR, that will be beneficial. Expect to invest 10-15 hours a week initially to build your business, focusing on client acquisition and service delivery. Networking with professionals and leveraging social media will help you gain traction quickly in this space.

In 12-24 months, you could expand your service offerings to include interview coaching or career consultancy, increasing your revenue potential. With a solid client base and good reputation, you might generate an annual income of £25,000 to £50,000, depending on the volume of clients and pricing structure. As you grow, consider outsourcing certain tasks to scale your operations further.

Skills you'll need
  • Writing
  • Career
Monetisation

£150–£500 per CV

You can expect a gross margin of around 70-80%, depending on your pricing strategy and marketing costs.

Why now

The UK job market is highly competitive, with many mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their CVs and LinkedIn profiles. As more people pivot careers or return to the workforce post-pandemic, professional CV writing services are in high demand.

Who pays you

Your ideal clients are mid-career professionals, aged 30-50, who are looking to advance their careers or transition to new roles. They may be time-poor and recognise the value of professional help in presenting their skills effectively.

UK market

The UK CV writing industry is growing, with estimates suggesting a market size of £200 million. Approximately 80% of job seekers believe that a professionally written CV can increase their chances of landing interviews.

Revenue & pricing

You will charge clients based on tiered packages, offering various levels of service from basic CV writing to comprehensive packages that include LinkedIn rewrites and interview coaching.

  • Basic CV: £150
  • Standard CV + LinkedIn Rewrite: £300
  • Premium CV + LinkedIn + Cover Letter: £450
  • Full Package + Interview Coaching: £500
Realistic year one: In your first year, realistically, you could generate between £10,000 and £20,000 in revenue. Profit margins will depend on your operating costs, but you could expect £5,000 to £10,000 after expenses.

Costs

Startup costs
  • Website Hosting100
  • Domain Name20
  • Google Ads Budget200
  • Marketing Materials100
  • Professional Development Courses80
Monthly running costs
  • Website Hosting10
  • Marketing Tools Subscription30
  • Google Ads100
  • Accounting Software15

First steps

  1. 1Build 3 samples
  2. 2Run Google Ads
  3. 3Charge tiered packages

Your first 90 days

First 30 days
  • Create a professional website showcasing your services and samples.
  • Set up social media profiles on LinkedIn and other relevant platforms.
  • Develop a portfolio with at least three high-quality CV samples.
  • Launch a small Google Ads campaign to attract initial clients.
  • Network with local professionals and offer introductory discounts.
30–90 day milestones
  • Achieve your first five paid client projects.
  • Collect testimonials and use them to enhance your marketing materials.
  • Establish a streamlined process for client communication and project management.
  • Start building an email list for potential clients.
  • Evaluate your marketing strategies and adjust based on performance.

How to get customers

Google Ads

Target specific keywords related to CV writing to attract clients.

LinkedIn

Share articles and tips on CV improvement to establish authority.

Networking events

Attend local business events to connect with potential clients.

Referrals

Encourage satisfied clients to recommend your services to others.

Tools you'll actually use

ToolCostWhy
TideFreeFor managing your business banking with minimal fees.
Xero£10/monthFor easy accounting and invoicing.
CalendlyFreeTo schedule client consultations without back-and-forth emails.
CanvaFreeFor creating visually appealing marketing materials.
Stripe2.9% + 20p per transactionFor processing client payments efficiently.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Underpricing your services, which can devalue your work.
  • Neglecting to ask for client feedback during the writing process.
  • Failing to market your services effectively, leading to low visibility.
  • Not keeping up to date with current CV trends and formats.
  • Overcommitting to projects without establishing clear timelines.

How to scale this

  1. 1Start as a solo writer, focused on delivering high-quality CVs.
  2. 2As demand increases, hire freelance writers to expand capacity.
  3. 3Introduce additional services such as interview coaching and career consultancy.
  4. 4Build a brand that can eventually lead to workshops or online courses.

Risks & mitigations

Risk

High competition in the market

Mitigation

Differentiate services through specialised expertise or niche targeting.

Risk

Inconsistent client flow

Mitigation

Implement a robust marketing strategy to ensure a steady pipeline.

Risk

Client dissatisfaction leading to negative reviews

Mitigation

Focus on communication and revising drafts based on feedback.

Risk

Changes in job market trends

Mitigation

Stay informed and adapt services to meet evolving client needs.

UK legal & compliance

  • Register with HMRC as a self-employed individual or set up a limited company.
  • Consider professional indemnity insurance to protect against claims of negligence.
  • Ensure compliance with GDPR by securely storing and handling client data.
  • No specific licenses are required, but ensure all marketing complies with advertising standards.

FAQ

How long does it take to write a CV?

Typically, it takes 3-5 business days depending on client feedback.

What if I don't like my CV?

I offer revisions based on your feedback to ensure your satisfaction.

Do you guarantee job placement?

While I can't guarantee placement, I aim to improve your chances with a strong CV.

How do I pay for your services?

Payments can be made via bank transfer, PayPal, or credit card through Stripe.

Can you help with LinkedIn profiles?

Yes, I offer LinkedIn profile rewrites as part of my services.