Beware of Resume Review Scams

Useless advice, shoddy work, and your privacy compromised

Don't be fooled by the promise of a free CV or resume "review".
These services often provide no value and can put your personal
information at risk while exploiting workers in poor conditions.

General Resumes & CVs

Imagine a charlatan offering to review a marketing plan that has no defined target audience.

Imagine someone offering to review a marketing plan without understanding who the target audience is. It's absurd, isn't it? Similarly, reviewing a resume without knowing what the employer wants is equally nonsensical. The sole purpose of a CV or resume is to secure an interview. Therefore, a reviewer must be well-versed in the employer’s needs. Without this insight, the review is not only meaningless but a ploy to sell you what is likely to be a useless service. Just as a marketing plan is ineffective without market knowledge, a CV or resume that doesn’t align with job requirements is worthless.

Book a 15 min. phone call with Elle

Click on the phone, anytime night and day, to book a complimentary 15 minute call at a time that suits you.

Resume factories in the third world

Beware the offer of cheap prices and thousands of seemingly positive reviews

A CV or resume factory is a large-scale operation, often based in third-world countries, that produces resumes and CVs quickly and cheaply. These factories often employ staff in poor working conditions, paying them as little as US$5 for each CV or resume they write or churn through AI programs. Despite the seemingly positive reviews and attractive prices, the quality of work is generally low, and the personal attention necessary for a high-quality resume is absent.

Too Good to Be True

Dubious reviews - Seemingly positive reviews and low prices can make these services appear too good to be true. Most often, they are. Thousands of reviews can't be wrong? Not a week passes without us being offered the chance to buy reviews or trade work in exchange for positive reviews.
Worker exploitation - Not a week passes without us being invited to offshore our work to resume factories for suspiciously low rates. According to sources, the boss takes 80%+ and the worker gets a pittance.
Foreign tone-of-voice - Remember, your resume is your voice, and it should be authentic to resonate with local employers.
Not pitching what the employer wants - The feedback you receive is typically generic, Americanised, and lacking the personalisation and expertise required to make your CV or resume align with what an employer wants.
AI-driven - It's likely that the data you input is handled by a bot, with a human quickly checking it over. This approach may seem superficially impressive but it's utterly unfit for convincing an employer that you meet their needs.

The Threat of Identity Theft

One of the most alarming risks of using "just upload" free review services is the potential for identity theft. Once your personal information is in the hands of unscrupulous operators, it can be sold on the black market or used to commit fraud. This can lead to severe consequences, including financial loss, damage to your credit score, and long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life.

Exploitation Behind the Scenes

Beyond the disappointment of receiving unhelpful advice, there are more significant risks. Your CV or resume contains sensitive personal information, including your name, contact details, employment history, and sometimes even your education and achievements. By uploading this information to an unknown service, you risk having your data mishandled or sold.

How to Protect Yourself

Entrusting your personal information and career prospects to a third party demands vigilance.

To ensure you get a quality resume or CV, insist on speaking directly to the person who will be writing it. In the unlikely event they agree, confirm with the writer that they will indeed be doing the work. If this isn't an option, do not proceed with the service. This step is crucial to ensure you receive tailored advice and avoid the risks associated with CV factories.

The Right Way to Review a CV or Resume

A CV or resume can only be reviewed effectively in the context of the employer’s selection criteria. Here's how you can ensure your document gets the attention it deserves:

Speak to your Writer - Ensure your writer will actually do the writing, has the experience and skills to get you interviews and tools to enhance your career progression.
Understand the Job Requirements - Tailor your CV or resume to match the specific skills and experiences highlighted in the job description.
Ensure ATS Compatibility - Use the right keywords and formatting to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems, as over 70% of CVs or resumes are screened out by these systems.
Focus on Achievements - Highlight your accomplishments and quantify your successes to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Continuous Improvement - Whether or not you're career-minded regularly update your CV or resume to reflect new skills, experiences, and achievements.

The Value of a Professional Resume Writer

Engaging a professional resume writer or consultant is an investment in your career that can pay dividends over a lifetime. Consider the value of your career: the opportunities you seize, the positions you hold, and the growth you achieve all contribute to your overall success and satisfaction. A well-crafted resume is often the key to unlocking these opportunities, helping you to stand out in a competitive job market and secure the roles that will advance your career. While the initial cost might seem quite high, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expense. The right job can lead to higher salaries, better benefits, more fulfilling work, and greater career advancement.

Hiring a professional resume writer is not just a service; it is a crucial investment in your future, one that can significantly impact your career trajectory and overall quality of life.

If you need help with your resume or CV, you can order a package by clicking the button below. I'll contact you within 24 hours to work on your CV until you're satisfied with it. Additional services are also available if needed.

Like to chat first?

Fill out this form if you would a 15 minute phone chat before deciding to buy my CV writing services. I'll get back to you to schedule a specific time and date.

If your needs are urgent please contact me by phone, FB or Text.

Click on the phone, anytime night and day, to book a complimentary 15 minute call at a time that suits you.

How do I engage you to write my resume?

A brief phone chat allows you to meet the person crafting your resume – me! More...

This initial conversation helps you choose the package that best suits your needs.

During the call, I'll explain my process and what kind of support and communication you can expect from me. The main goal is to ensure you feel confident in my ability to maximise your interview prospects.

Ready to get started? Please select a package and complete your payment via debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. We'll then set up a call to discuss your specific requirements. Together, we'll perfect your resume and any other documents included in your package until you are completely satisfied.

How do I select a Resume package?

Start with a close look at the job advertisement and job description. More...

The job ad normally sets out what the employer wants from you. There are three elements: the resume or CV, the cover letter, and the LinkedIn Profile. A resume, on its own, is very unlikely to get you a job.

The cover letter (covering letter) is used to pick out and emphasise the relevant bits of your skills, knowledge or experience. You may be asked to 'address' (comment on) the 'selection criteria' (what they need from an applicant) in the cover letter or separately.

Resume or CV - this document provides a concise summary of your qualifications, knowledge, skills, experience, and achievements, all ideally tailored to the job’s specific selection criteria.
Cover Letter - Often in digital form (an e-note) for today's online application processes, this distils your resume's key attributes into a succinct pitch.
Addressing the Selection Criteria - You are often required to respond to both essential and desirable skills, knowledge, experience, and achievements, ensuring your application aligns with what the employer is looking for.
- In government, education, health and non-profit applications, you will almost certainly have to also write a stand-alone document.

Your application should demonstrate alignment with the employer's selection criteria, even if that's not explicitly requested. Example: While solid or diverse professional network might be a key hiring criterion, that might not be in the job ad.

The roles of the cover letter and LinkedIn

The cover letter, or its electronic counterpart, and LinkedIn profile derive from your resume, supporting your application for the specific role. LinkedIn is crucial for roles where a network or online skills are key (like sales or marketing) but is not essential for entry level and general job applications.

What are your credentials?

I've helped thousands of Perth job seekers land interviews over many years. More...

I've had direct experience working for top mining and resources companies in Western Australia, in marketing, HR, and recruitment roles. Over the years, I've assisted countless individuals in applying for positions in Australia, the UK, and the USA. With a degree in Information Science, I bring unique insights into the digital recruitment filters and systems that applicants encounter. I'm a dual UK-Australian citizen, with family in both WA and Leicestershire.

Sectors and organisations

My expertise extends to consulting for various organisations including Horizon Power, Curtin University, the WA Police Department, Perth Zoo, Barminco, Allied Pumps, Alcoa of Australia, Western Mining, Sons of Gwalia, Gulf Petroleum, Small Business Development Corporation, WA State Govt., Information Enterprises Australia, and numerous others. I have consulted to organisations in these sectors, among others:

Mining & Resources (Oil and Gas) Resumes or CVs
Pharmaceutical, Health & Nursing Resumes or CVs
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education (Principal and Teacher) Resumes or CVs
General Corporate Managerial and C-Suite Resumes or CVs, including International postings
Political, COS and Party Pre-Selection Resumes or CVs
Government (Local, State and Federal) Resumes or CVs
Franchisee Application Resumes or CVs (for example McDonalds)
Capability Statement CVs for professionals and contractors (especially Mining)
Marketing and Sales Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
IT and Digital Managerial / Director / State Manager Resumes or CVs
ADF and ex-ADF Resumes or CVs

Certification and Memberships

I am a founder-member of the UK-based CVRA, which professionally certifies and educates CV and Resume Writers worldwide.

Corporate engagements

I've conducted resume writing seminars and outplacement workshops for employees of the Western Australian state and local governments, as well as universities.

What is the CV writing process?

Your resume is carefully designed to pass the ATS & appeal to the employer. More...

My role is to support and guide you, offering honest advice to improve your resume. It has to be written in your voice, since you have to defend what's written at interview. If you don't have a particular job in mind, I'll tailor your resume based on broad industry criteria to appeal to a wider range of employers. But remember, a resume customised for a specific role always gives the best results.

How we together create your resume

Here's how it goes:

First Chat
We get started with a chat about your career history and aspirations. This helps me understand your needs, ensuring your resume perfectly represents you.
Making Your resume
With the notes from our chat, I craft a resume that highlights your standout qualities and matches what employers want, boosting your chances of catching their attention.
Highlighting What You're Great At
The goal extends beyond just resume writing. We aim to ensure your unique strengths and individuality are displayed, making your application memorable.
Checking the Details
We carefully review your resume for presentation, readability, and accuracy, ensuring it's something you’re excited to submit.
Making Sure Your resume Gets Seen
Most employers use automated systems (ATS) to pre-screen resumes. I'll ensure it's ATS-friendly, helping it skip past the 'keeper' and reach human eyes.

Need to update an ancient resume?

I get many enquires from people who have not had a resume for many years. Things have changed... More...

If you haven’t updated your resume in yonks, you’ll find that much has changed in creating an effective one. One of the most significant shifts is the emphasis on tailoring your resume to each job application. Gone are the days of a generic resume for all jobs with a bit of tailoring in a cover letter.

Today, it’s crucial to customise your resume to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position you’re applying for. This involves carefully reading job descriptions and incorporating relevant keywords to ensure your resume gets past automated screening systems, known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many companies now use to filter applications.

The digital landscape has significantly influenced how resumes are created and shared. The ability to share your resume electronically and ensure it is mobile-friendly is crucial, as more recruiters and hiring managers review applications on their devices. Electronic submission has become the norm, making it essential to ensure your resume is easily accessible and readable across various digital platforms. Format is key also, since if your resume is derived from a legacy software version, the ATS will likely not understand it.

The key reasons why people 'never hear back' is the format, content, and content structure of their resume and application documents. In many cases, their resume never gets past the digital 'keeper, the ATS.

What exactly are 'selection criteria'?

Think of this as the checklist for getting noticed. It's all about making sure your application highlights the skills and achievements your future employer is looking for. More...

For many employers, like supermarkets, mining, and government jobs, directly addressing these criteria is a standard part of the application process. It's not just about listing your experiences; it's about matching them to what the job description asks for. This means clearly showing how your background and qualities make you the best match for the role.

Whether the criteria are spelled out or you need to dig a bit to find them, making sure your application speaks directly to these points can really set you apart.

Selection criteria are the skills, experience, and qualities a company wants in its workers. This is especially key for those looking to fit into a company's way of working and goals. They might include things like:

The right training or work background.
Experience supervising a team or handling projects.
Knowledge specific to the job or industry.
Important qualities like being dependable and flexible.

These criteria, sometimes called Job Specs or Position Requirements, help you understand what a company is looking for. They cover both the hard skills needed for the job and the kind of person they want.

Addressing these criteria in your application is crucial to showing you're the right fit and moving forward in your career. Sometimes they are clearly stated, but often, you'll need to read between the lines to figure them out.

How To Stuff Up Your Job Application

Applied for lots of jobs and never heard back? If you've wondered why, here are some reasons: More...

Ignoring the ATS

The main problem? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). More than 70% of resumes are screened and rejected by a robot at this initial stage because they don't match the job description.

Generic Resumes

Sending the same resume for every job application is a sure way to fail. Customise your resume - or at least the cover letter - for each application, showing how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for that role.

Not Matching The Job Specifications

If your resume doesn't include the skills and experience listed in the job ad, it will likely be bypassed. Make sure your resume shows how you match the job requirements stated in the ad.

Pretty Designed Resumes

Beware of those "designed resumes" sold on the internet, which are style over substance. They might look appealing with their colours and columns, but often, ATS can't process them. Opt for a simple, clean layout that ensure readability by the ATS.

To increase your chances of getting an interview, focus on creating a resume that's not only clear and concise but also tailored for the job at hand and compatible with ATS requirements.