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Writing CVs for Students

💰 £10-£20/CV ⏱ Ongoing 📊 Intermediate

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What is it?

Writing CVs for fellow students is a fantastic way to earn money while helping peers prepare for part-time jobs, apprenticeships, or college applications. By offering a personalised CV service, you can develop valuable skills and raise £10-£20 per CV, making it an effective fundraising method for your trip.

Why does it work?

Many students struggle to create professional CVs that stand out, so they value expert help from someone closer to their age who understands what employers and colleges seek. Charging a fair price for tailored CVs taps into this demand while allowing you to build trust and rapport within your school or youth group.

What you'll need

  • A computer or laptop with word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
  • Basic knowledge of CV formatting and content structure
  • Samples of well-crafted CVs to show clients
  • A way to communicate with clients (email, social media, or messaging apps)
  • Optional: a simple website or social media page to promote your service

Step-by-step plan

1
Research what makes a strong CV for students, including key sections like personal details, education, skills, hobbies, and references.
2
Create a few example CVs tailored to different types of roles (e.g., retail, hospitality, internships) to use as templates and show potential clients.
3
Set your pricing clearly, usually between £10 and £20 per CV, depending on complexity and turnaround time.
4
Advertise your service to classmates, youth groups, and local community boards. Explain how a professional CV can boost their chances of getting jobs or places on courses.
5
When someone approaches you, gather all necessary information about their experience, skills, and goals through a short chat or questionnaire.
6
Draft the CV, ensuring it is clear, free of errors, and tailored to the role or opportunity the student is targeting.
7
Send the draft to the client for feedback and make any necessary revisions promptly.
8
Deliver the final CV in a professional PDF format and request payment through a secure method like PayPal, bank transfer, or cash.
9
Ask satisfied clients for testimonials or referrals to help grow your business.

How to advertise it

  • Create posters or flyers to display on school noticeboards and in community centres.
  • Post about your service in school or local youth group social media pages.
  • Ask teachers or careers advisors if they can recommend your service to students.
  • Share testimonials from happy clients on social media to build trust.
  • Offer a discount or bundle deal to encourage multiple orders.

Realistic earnings

If you complete 3 to 5 CVs per week at £15 each, you could realistically earn between £180 and £300 per month, making significant progress towards your fundraising goal over a few months.

Top tips

✅ Keep up to date with current CV trends and employer expectations by researching online regularly.
✅ Be patient and professional in communication to build a good reputation.
✅ Offer quick turnaround times to attract busy students.
✅ Use clear, simple language and avoid jargon to ensure CVs are easy to read.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Taking on too many orders at once, leading to rushed or low-quality CVs.
⚠️ Not clarifying client goals, resulting in generic CVs that don’t stand out.
⚠️ Ignoring proofreading, which can cause errors that harm the client’s chances.