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Step-by-step guide

CV writing and LinkedIn profiles: from your first rewrite to your first paid client

Write clear, honest CVs, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles for job seekers. This guide covers published 2026 South African package prices, a CV interview checklist, handling personal information under POPIA, scripts and a 14-day plan to your first paid client.

  • 26 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • About 2 hours
  • First lesson free

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • You write clearly and are good at spotting what makes someone stand out.
  • You are patient with people who are stressed about finding work.
  • You can work on a laptop and meet deadlines.

Think twice if

  • You are willing to invent qualifications or experience for clients. That is dishonest and can cost them the job.
  • You do not want to handle people's personal information carefully.

Honest expectations

  • First paying clients often come within two to three weeks, from friends of friends and before-and-after examples.
  • Published 2026 South African prices for a CV and cover letter run from about R450 to R775, and from about R600 to R1,175 with a LinkedIn profile.
  • Referrals drive this work, so every happy client matters.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How CV and LinkedIn writing worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Set up step by step: ready for your first client6 min (in the full guide)
    3. Pricing and getting paid: real 2026 prices5 min (in the full guide)
    4. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Do two free rewrites3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Post your offer3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first clients: where to look5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Your 14-day first-client playbook6 min (in the full guide)
    6. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Aim for five paid packages3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Offer a referral discount3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Month one, task 3: Ask your first three clients for a short review3 min (in the full guide)
    5. Month one, task 4: Make one before-and-after example3 min (in the full guide)
    6. Common mistakes new CV writers make4 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Partner with a training college or recruiter3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Add a second offer3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Months two and three, task 3: Ask recruiters and career counsellors for referrals3 min (in the full guide)
    5. Free courses to fill your skill gaps4 min (in the full guide)
    6. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    7. Tax: what to put aside, with worked examples6 min (in the full guide)
    8. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R0 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Laptop with Word or Google Docs
  • Data for calls and messages

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 26 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 26 April 2027.