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A CV writing service and a recruitment agency both sit within the wider job-search process, but they have different roles. One helps you prepare and present your application; the other usually matches candidates with vacancies on behalf of employers.
A clearer way to choose.
An honest comparison of two ways to approach your job search.
The key difference
A CV writing service works on your career story. A recruitment agency works on filling roles for its employer clients.
A paid career-support service that helps you create stronger application documents and clarify your professional positioning.
An organisation that sources and presents candidates for vacancies on behalf of employer clients.
Side-by-side comparison
| Area | CV writing service | Recruitment agency |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Improve how you present your background and target your next move. | Find suitable candidates for an employer’s vacancy. |
| Who the service works for | You, the job seeker, as its direct client. | Usually the employer client that has asked the agency to fill a role. |
| When it helps | Before and throughout a job search, especially when your documents need improvement. | When it has a live role that matches your experience and requirements. |
| What it can provide | CV writing, application documents, guidance and interview preparation. | Vacancy introductions, employer feedback and representation for relevant roles. |
| How they work together | A stronger CV can make it easier to present yourself to agencies and employers. | An agency may use the refined CV when introducing you for a suitable vacancy. |
Making the choice
You need to improve your documents, clarify your target direction or prepare before approaching employers and recruiters.
You are interested in active vacancies within its sector and want to be considered for roles it is currently filling.
Questions answered
Not sure which route suits you? Call us on 020 4620 6352.
01
Some may offer light feedback, but their main role is normally to fill vacancies for employers rather than provide a full CV-writing service.
02
Yes. A professionally prepared CV can support your direct applications as well as introductions through agencies.
03
An agency may introduce you to relevant vacancies, but decisions and offers remain with employers.
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