Complete Review of CV-Building Software 2023 (+ pricing)
Overview
Too Long Didn’t Read: enhancv.com is my top choice of CV builder. But kickresume.com and visualcv.com are a close second and third.
Are you tired of the endless hours of CV formatting or the struggle of coming up with the right phrases to describe your experience? Do you dread the task of selling yourself on paper? Well, this may be the solution to all those problems. Online CV-building software is easy-to-use, time-saving and effective. And there are many fantastic options to choose from!
I've probably written more CVs and cover letters than most people. But now, these CV builders are so good I'm wondering if they will put some career guidance counsellors and career coaches out of work!
This post could end my career!! Uh oh!
Making a CV is a pain for everyone! It isn't easy to describe experience and achievements; while considering spelling, grammar and formatting. On top of that, we need to make sure the design and layout are professional.
It can be especially difficult for people who don't like writing about themselves. With that in mind, what do we need to consider before choosing the right CV-building product?
Key Considerations:
Removing manual work like formatting and grammar checks
Using style and design options
Inputting example content and pre-made options
Making copies for different roles
Tailoring applications to job descriptions
Including a matching cover letter
Preparing a resignation letter
Using AI to write and update your experience
Creating the documents that pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)
Tracking applications efficiently and not losing them on your computer
Starting a personal website or portfolio
As expected, different products have slightly different features, so it’s worth considering your priorities before choosing one.
Canva
Website: canva.com
Top Pro: can be used for way more images than just CV templates
Top Con: it isn’t easy to change CV templates while keeping the same layout and formatting
Kickresume
Website: kickresume.com
Top Pro: the AI writer makes it easy to start the CV
Top Con: you need premium to get all the sections you’d want
CV-Template
Website: cv-template.com
Top Pro: the free option gives you everything you need
Top Con: the designs aren’t as nice as other CV builders
VisualCV
Website: visualcv.com
Top Pro: can edit easily on the frontend
Top Con: didn’t have as many templates as other sites
Enhancv
Website: enhancv.com
Top Pro: can tailor your CV to the job description
Top Con: pricing will not fit all budgets
Resume.io
Website: resume.io
Top Pro: easy to use
Top Con: no template text or design to start with
FlowCV
Website: flowcv.com
Top Pro: one designed resume totally free
Top Con: need to fill in everything from scratch
CV Maker
Website: cvmaker.com/
Top Pro: easy to use
Top Con: pricing is unclear: it seems like $1.95 but actually “After your trial, your account will be automatically renewed monthly for $24.95, and you can continue to use all functionalities”
Zety
Website: zety.com
Top Pro: can download CV with only 14 day access — cheap!
Top Con: makes you follow their backend process of filling in CV
Novoresume
Website: novoresume.com
Top Pro: free option is really good
Top Con: no option to use example content or pre-filled sections
My Perfect Resume
Website: myperfectresume.com
Top Pro: offers some pre-written content
Top Con: pricing is only shown when CV is completed
ResumeBuild
Website: resumebuild.com
Top Pro: low cost
Top Con: very rigid—have to follow their set process
Resume Genius
Website: resumegenius.com
Top Pro: clean and simple templates
Top Con: lacking design options
Conclusion
These CV-builders save a ton of time and make producing high-quality, well-designed and tailored applications much more efficient. They allow you to adjust your applications for various roles, track the progress of your applications and even change templates, colours and designs with the push of a button while keeping the content the same.
Although these platforms offer a range of features and templates to help you create a professional CV, it's best to explore their websites and consider any specific requirements you have to determine which one suits you best.
My personal recommendation is the paid version of EnhanCV, as it offers fantastic design options, useability and functions.
Kickresume is a close second because of the functionality and the AI feature. And I love that it has the option to create a personal website.
My number 3 is VisualCV for ease of use and simplicity—a great place to start if you want a quick solution.
For those on a budget and looking for a free option, I'd recommend using Canva, as it's easy to get started, and allows you to edit it as you see it. In addition, it offers many more types of images for various projects, so it’s probably worth getting an account for one reason or another…
Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this useful. Ronan
