Introduction: What Is A CV Builder?

A CV builder is a tool that helps you create a professional and visually appealing CV without the need to format and organise the document manually.

CV builders typically provide a user-friendly interface that allows you to enter your information into pre-designed templates and generate a printable CV.

The best CV builders will also provide options for downloading your CV as a PDF or Word document.

Some examples of CV builders include:

• Google Docs
• Microsoft Word
• Resume.io
• VisualCV
• Canva
• Zety
• Resumebuild
• Novoresume

Using a CV builder can save you time and help you create a CV that is well-organised and easy to read.

In fact, CV builders are some of the best tools you can use to get hired.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that the quality of your CV will ultimately depend on the content you add to it, and the effort you put into tailoring it to the specific job or industry you are applying for - copy and paste operations to 100s of employers won't get you the results you want.

Why should you use a CV builder?

There are several reasons why you might want to use a CV builder:

1. Time-saving: A CV builder can save you time by providing pre-designed templates and allowing you to enter your information into a user-friendly interface rather than manually format and organise the document.

2. Professional appearance: CV builders often provide a range of professional templates and design options, which can help your CV look polished and professional.

3. Ease of use: CV builders are typically easy to use, even for people who are not design or tech-savvy. This can be especially helpful if you are creating a CV for the first time or are unfamiliar with formatting and layout considerations.

4. Consistency: Using a CV builder can help ensure that your CV is consistent in layout, font, and formatting, which can be important for creating a document that is easy to read and looks professional.

5. Compatibility: CV builders can also help ensure that your CV is compatible with different software and devices, such as when you need to submit your CV via an online application form or email.

Why does a well-formatted CV matter?

A well-formatted CV is essential because it can help make your application stand out from the competition and improve the chances of it being noticed by a hiring manager.

A poorly formatted or difficult-to-read CV can create a negative impression and may even be discarded without being thoroughly reviewed.

Some specific reasons why having a well-formatted CV matters, including:

• Ease of reading: A well-formatted CV is easy to read and looks professional, which can help make it more appealing to a hiring manager.
• Organisation: A well-formatted CV is organised and structured in a way that makes it easy for the reader to find and review the most relevant information.
• Attention to detail: A well-formatted CV demonstrates attention to detail, which is valuable in many job roles.
• First impression: Your CV is often the first opportunity to make an impression on a hiring manager, and a well-formatted CV can help create a positive impression from the start.

It is worth taking the time to carefully format your CV and ensure that it is visually appealing and easy to read.

This can involve things like using clear headings and bullet points, selecting an appropriate font and font size, and using white space effectively to break up the text and make the document more readable.

How much do CV builders cost?

The cost of a CV builder can vary depending on the features and options it offers. Some CV builders are free to use and provide basic templates and design options, while others may charge a fee for access to additional templates, customisation options, and other features.

Here are a few examples of CV builders and their approximate costs:

• Google Docs: Free (part of the Google Workspace suite of tools)
• Microsoft Word: $69.99 per year (part of the Microsoft 365 suite of tools)
• Resume.io: Free (with paid subscription options for additional features)
• VisualCV: Free (with paid subscription options for additional features)
• Canva: Free (with paid subscription options for additional features)
• Zety: Free (with paid subscription options for additional features)
• Resumebuild: Free (with paid subscription options for additional features)
• Novoresume: Free (with paid subscription options for additional features)

It is worth considering whether the features and options offered by a paid CV builder are worth the cost, especially if you are only planning to use it for a single job application.

Sometimes, a free CV builder may be sufficient for your needs. It is also a good idea to compare the features and pricing of different CV builders to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.

What to be wary of with a CV builder?

Not all CV builders were created equal… there are absolutely some key things to look out for when using a CV builder:

1. Lack of customisation: Some CV builders may not offer a wide range of customisation options, making it challenging to create a CV tailored to your specific needs and the job you are applying for.

2. Limited templates: Some CV builders may only offer a few templates to choose from, which can limit your ability to create a unique and visually appealing CV.

3. Lack of originality: If a CV builder is used by many people, there is a risk that your CV may end up looking similar to others, which can make it less effective in standing out from the competition.

4. Upselling: Some CV builders may try to upsell you on additional features or services, such as resume writing services or job search tools. It is essential to consider whether these options are worth the additional cost carefully.

5. Privacy concerns: When using a CV builder, it is important to be mindful of the personal information you are sharing and to carefully read the terms of service and privacy policy to understand how your information will be used and protected.

In general, it is a good idea to carefully research and compare different CV builders before choosing one to use. Here at Barehacks, we only recommend the best products we have used.