Contractor CV review - why get your CV reviewed?

As a contractor seeking opportunities in the current, competitive market, having an up-to-date CV that really sells your capabilities and achievements is absolutely essential.

Your CV is your personal marketing tool, and it is vital that the right information is included and presented in the most effective way. Matt Craven, Founder of The CV & Interview Advisors discusses. 

What is a contractor CV review?

A contractor CV review is a specialised and confidential evaluation of your contractor CV, provided by experienced professionals who understand the specific requirements and nuances of the contracting world. Unlike standard CV appraisals, a contractor CV review is tailored to the dynamic, project-focused nature of contracting work, ensuring your CV resonates with potential clients and recruitment agencies.

With the growing emphasis on winning-work strategies and ensuring your CV is IR35-friendly (depending on whether you are inside or outside IR35), a contractor CV review will give you key insights into the good, the bad and the ugly of your most important winning work tool.

What are the key features of a contractor CV review?

• Contractor Focused: Recognising that a contractor's CV is different from traditional job-seekers, the review is tailored to evaluate the skills, projects, and achievements that matter in the contracting world.
• Style of CV: There are a number of different styles of CVs that contractors should consider including the chronological CV, the case study CV and the executive biography. A CV review will delve into which style of CV or CVs most appropriate for your situation.
• Winning-Work: Given the competition in the contractor marketplace, the CV review homes in on how to make your CV stand out, ensuring you have a better chance of winning contracts and the highest possible rates.
• IR35 Audit: With the intricacies of IR35 regulations, having a CV that's supporting your IR35 status and doesn't flag unnecessary risks is paramount. The review ensures your CV positions you correctly.
• Expert Recommendations: Professional CV writers identify gaps, common mistakes, and suggest improvements. This will include advanced tactics such as personal branding, social proofing, case studies, information architecture and ATS optimisation.
• ATS Optimisation: As many organisations and agencies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs for relevant information, it's vital for your CV to be ATS-friendly. The review ensures your CV is structured and keyword-optimized to pass through these systems, increasing your chances of being shortlisted.

What are the benefits of a CV review for contractors?

• Stand Out in a Competitive Market: With numerous contractors vying for limited opportunities, a polished CV can be the difference between getting a callback and being overlooked.
• Increase Interview Chances: A CV's primary goal is securing an interview (client meeting). An optimised contractor CV significantly enhances this possibility.
• Spotting and Correcting Errors: Professional eyes catch subtle mistakes or omissions that you might have missed, ensuring your CV is error-free.
• Tailored Advice: Benefit from industry-specific recommendations on CV writing for contractors, maximising your CV's effectiveness.
• IR35 Compliance: Having an expert Contractor focused CV expert review your CV will give you some sound advice on whether your CV is promoting an inside or outside-IR35 status and the tactics you can employ to position you in the right camp.

How do I get a contractor CV review?

ContractorUK has partnered with the UK's leading authority on Contractor CVs - The CV & Interview Advisors (CVIA). They are 5-star rated and award-winning (Best Contractor Product or Service in the 2022 Contracting Awards).

Their expertise in the field ensures that you receive feedback tailored to industry best practices. With a proven track record in enhancing CV writing for contractors and ensuring they're IR35-friendly, CVIA is the go-to choice for contractors looking to elevate their CV game.

To get started, simply contact The CV & Interview Advisors for a FREE review of your CV and LinkedIn profile. Their dedicated team will promptly get back to you to discuss how best to align your CV and LinkedIn profile with industry benchmarks.

Click here

FAQs:

What is an IR35-friendly CV?

Depending on whether you are seeking inside or outside-IR35 work, you may require different styles of CV. An IR35-friendly CV ensures that the content of the CV doesn't inadvertently position the contractor as a disguised employee, which can have tax implications under the IR35 rules.

Why is a contractor CV different from a regular CV?

A contractor CV typically emphasises specific skills, projects, and achievements relevant to short-term contracts and consultancy work. It may also place greater importance on adaptability, the ability to work on diverse projects, and industry-specific knowledge. There’s also key tax ramifications and how your CV supports your IR35 status.

How often should I get my contractor CV reviewed?

While there's no set frequency, it's advisable to get it reviewed whenever you're about to start a new contract search, or at least once a year, to ensure it remains up-to-date with industry trends.

Can a CV review help even if I have a lot of experience?

Absolutely! Regardless of your experience level, a CV review can provide fresh insights, highlight areas of improvement, and ensure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light. CV requirements change all the time, so keeping abreast of current best practice is no different to how businesses keep their websites current and fresh.

Can a CV review help even if I have a lot of experience?

Absolutely! Regardless of your experience level, a CV review can provide fresh insights, highlight areas of improvement, and ensure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

Does ATS optimisation guarantee that my CV will be shortlisted?

While ATS optimization increases the chances of your CV being seen by a human recruiter, it doesn't guarantee shortlisting. Your skills, experience, and fit for the role will still be the primary deciding factors.

Is the review confidential?

Absolutely, we make sure your CV is treated and stored in a highly confidential manner, abiding by data protection laws. You can opt out of communication with the CV review team at any point.

Will I get direct feedback from a CV writer?

Yes, our professional CV review provides direct feedback from experienced contractor-focussed CV experts. Once you have submitted your CV, they will contact you to schedule a 1-2-1 call. If they don’t hear from you, or it’s not convenient to talk, they may send an email with some key pieces of advice.

ContractorUK has partnered with the UK's leading authority on contractor CVs to provide a FREE review of your CV and LinkedIn profile. Contact The CV & Interview Advisors and one of their team will get back to you to discuss if your CV and LinkedIn profile matches up with industry best practice.