Small Business Start-Up Idea - C.V. Writing Service

The competitive job market makes it important for applicants to have a résumé that stands out from the pile. Many people have trouble writing a successful CV or cover letter, so if you have excellent writing skills and know how to effectively create a résumé then this business may be for you.  

You will operate through your website and have a number of options (e-mail, fax or phone) about the way you collate personal data (such work experience and qualifications) from your client. Another option would be to develop a questionnaire page on your website which would allow the client to enter all the details you will need. This would save time and cut down on the level of involvement you would need to have in the process.  

Skills needed: The only essential skills for this business are knowledge of CV writing and the ability to write well.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  Other than language, there are no major barriers to this business being successful internationally. You can easily attract clients from all over the world if you are good enough. However, do first make sure that the conventions of writing a résumé are not different in the other country. If you already own all the necessary computer equipment, scanner and printer then your only start-up cost will be the design and hosting of your website. It may also be wise to invest in very high quality paper. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £2,500 (2,000- 3,000 EUR, 3,000-5,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Place online links to your business at websites, directories and cybermalls related to job-finding and recruitment
• Pay for banner advertisements at websites frequented by university graduates and job seekers
• Become involved in newsgroups and forums related to job-seeking. Make sure you attach a signature to your posts with a clickable link to your website
• Have a ‘blog’ section to your website that offers advice to job-seekers, as this will encourage repeat traffic
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: Partnering with employment websites to allow them to advertise vacancies will generate an additional revenue stream.  

Notes: It seems obvious, but do not deliver the finished product until you receive payment. Take extra care with regards to packaging if you need to physically ship the product to them.  

Online examples & resources:  

• CV Service – A good example of this type of business
• The CV Centre – A large UK CV consultancy

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here

One Response to “Small Business Start-Up Idea - C.V. Writing Service”

1. Chris Burgoyne
   
   Said on May 20th, 2008 at 5:21 pm

   I think this is a great idea for a Small Business - and one that could expand well through cheap advertising and word-of-mouth.

   The amount of CVs I have seen with spelling mistakes and sometimes just poor presentation is extremely high.

   I don’t feel a CV will get you a job - but it will get you an interview.

   Chris Burgoyne
   www.loan-machine.co.uk
   www.iva-machine.co.uk

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