We Know What’s Missing in Career Support
So We Built Something Better
Too many people are let down by the wrong advice and services that miss the point. We created Your Career Optimiser to deliver the kind of support we wished more people had access to.
Why we started Your Career Optimiser
Our Founder, Dave Crumby has spent over a decade helping companies grow, from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 firms, across three continents. He understands what employers look for and what it takes to stand out in a competitive job market.
It was a very different experience that changed the course of his career.
While working with blue-collar workers in Sheffield, he saw something that has stayed with him. Some people were handing in handwritten CVs. Others were struggling with online applications for the first time. It was clear they needed proper, personalised support. That experience gave him a new perspective on what career support should look like, and it sparked a genuine interest in career development that he could not ignore.
He began researching everything he could. He enrolled in courses, spoke with global career experts, and tested different approaches to what we now call career optimisation. He became committed to helping people present themselves with confidence, no matter their background or location.
Then the world changed. When Covid hit and everything went remote, friends, former colleagues, and contacts across his international network started reaching out for help. CVs. LinkedIn profiles. Interview prep. Strategy. They trusted him to support them during a time of real uncertainty. That is when he knew it was time to build something bigger.
Dave created Your Career Optimiser to bring together everything he had learned about what truly helps people achieve their career goals.
Since then, the business has grown to now having supported clients in over 20 countries to secure new roles, return to work, and step into promotions they never thought possible.
Today, he leads a growing international team of dedicated career professionals who care deeply about helping good people to have great careers.
Meet the team
Dave Crumby, Founder
Dave founded Your Career Optimiser on the belief that good people deserve great careers, and is building an international team of writers and coaches to make that happen.
He brings over a decade of international recruitment experience to his work as a CV writer and career coach, having supported companies of all sizes across the UK and Europe to find and grow their teams. That background gives him a deep understanding of how employers hire, what recruiters look for, and how to position a candidate so they stand out for the right reasons.
He is a certified member and regular presenter at the British Association of CV Writers, and a recipient of multiple industry awards including Career Development Specialist of the Year. He has supported professionals in over 20 countries across Europe with CV writing, LinkedIn optimisation, career coaching, and interview preparation.
Dave is known for his ability to draw out the details that matter most in a person’s career and translate them into clear, commercially aware documents that speak directly to hiring managers and recruiters. He creates a comfortable, open environment where job hunters feel confident sharing their full story, and he takes genuine pride in helping people see their own experience through a different lens.
His approach is grounded in real-world hiring knowledge, shaped by years of sitting on the other side of the table. Every CV, LinkedIn profile, and coaching session is built around what works in today’s job market.
Sarah Ward-Kaye, CV & Resume Writer
Sarah’s career has always been centred around communication, helping organisations tell their stories and helping people recognise the value of their own.
Before founding Next Level CVs, she built a successful career in corporate communications, investor relations and employer branding, supporting organisations across multiple international sectors including the energy, manufacturing, digital communications, finance, space engineering and hospitality. During this time, she partnered with senior leaders on a wide range of strategic projects, gaining first-hand insight into leadership, business growth, M&A, transformation, and the recruitment landscape.
It was through these experiences that Sarah discovered what she enjoyed most: understanding people’s journeys and translating their experience into clear, authentic and engaging narratives. That realisation led her to establish Next Level CVs, where she has spent the past decade helping professionals navigate career change with confidence.
Today, Sarah brings together her corporate background and extensive career writing experience to support global professionals at every stage of their careers. She is known for creating a relaxed and collaborative environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories, often uncovering strengths and achievements they hadn’t fully recognised themselves.
Sarah believes that every career is unique and that the best professional documents begin with genuine conversation. Her approach is thoughtful, commercially aware and centred on helping people present themselves with clarity, credibility, and confidence.
Our mission
At Your Career Optimiser, our mission is simple.
We help people achieve more in their careers by delivering high-quality CV writing, coaching, and outplacement support.
We don’t believe in generic templates or one-size-fits-all advice.
We take the time to get it right, and we build long-term partnerships based on trust, consistency, and results.
Our values
We put ourselves in the client’s shoes.
Whether someone is facing redundancy, returning to work, or navigating a big career shift, we meet them where they are and support what matters most to them.
We care about the details.
Every CV, every session, every recommendation is handled with care. The small things build trust, and that’s where we focus.
We do what we say we will.
Our clients rely on us. We don’t miss deadlines, skip steps, or overpromise. We keep things clear and deliver what we said we would.
We keep learning.
The world of work keeps changing. We learn from each other, stay on top of what works, and adapt our approach so clients get the best support possible.
We work with integrity.
Our team brings real-world insight. We stay focused on what works, and we keep things practical.
Who we support
Career support for you
We support professionals at every stage of their career, from early-career jobseekers to senior leaders planning their next move.
If you are facing redundancy, re-entering the workforce, relocating, or simply ready for something new, we help you:
- Create a CV that reflects your strengths and meets local hiring expectations
- Improve your LinkedIn profile so it works for you
- Build confidence through practical coaching and interview preparation
- Stay focused with a clear job search strategy and ongoing support
Outplacement services for your team
We partner with companies who care about their people and want to offer the right support during times of change.
If you are managing a restructure, supporting leavers, or working across different languages and locations, we help you:
- Provide high-quality outplacement support that reflects your values
- Offer regionally relevant services delivered by career professionals who understand the local market
- Support employees at all levels with CV writing, LinkedIn support, coaching, and job search planning
- Maintain your reputation by handling each case with care and professionalism
What to expect when you work with us
Local hiring knowledge
You receive support from a professional who understands how hiring works in your region and industry. This means every CV, cover letter, or outplacement programme aligns with real employer expectations.
Support in your preferred language
We provide professionally written CVs and documents in English, French, German, and more. These aren’t translations. They’re materials written with recruiters and decision-makers in mind.
Personalised Support
Each CV, cover letter, or coaching session is shaped by your goals and written from scratch. You’ll recognise yourself in the final version.
A shared standard across every country
Our team members follow the same structure, process, and quality checks. Whether you’re in the UK or Switzerland, the experience is consistent, and the output is held to the same high standard.
Backed by a proven process and continuous learning
All associates follow a shared method shaped by years of delivering results. We support each other through peer reviews, ongoing training, and knowledge sharing.
Are you ready to work with us?
Getting started is simple. Whether you’re updating your own CV or arranging support for your team, we guide you through each step.
1. Tell us what you need
Choose a service or get in touch. We’ll help you find the right support based on your goals, career level, and location.
2. Get matched with the right professional
We’ll match you with the right member of our team who knows your local market and how hiring works in your field.
3. Personalised support that gets results
We deliver high-quality, practical career services that reflect your strengths and help you move forward with confidence.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
Each issue includes practical tips to help you stand out and show your value in today’s job market.
Awards
Most Trusted Career Support Provider 2025
We’re proud to share that Your Career Optimiser has been named Most Trusted Career Support Provider 2025 at the Northern Enterprise Awards.
The awards recognise the outstanding contributions of businesses that form the backbone of our local economy, those that adapt, thrive, and lead with purpose.
Trust is something we never take for granted. Every CV written, every coaching session delivered, and every career supported is built on the belief that the details matter. Receiving this recognition means a great deal to our team and the partners who continue to put their trust in us.
Most Trusted Career Support Provider 2025
Award for Outstanding Client Care 2025
We’re delighted to announce that Your Career Optimiser has received the Award for Outstanding Client Care 2025 at the Northern Enterprise Awards.
The awards celebrate the dedication and resilience of businesses across the region who make a real difference every day.
Success rarely happens overnight. Behind every client success story is a lot of listening, careful attention, and genuine care for the people we support. That is why this award feels special. It reflects everything we stand for.
Award for Outstanding Client Care 2025
Career Development Specialists of The Year
At the Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards 2023, Your Career Optimiser was awarded Career Development Specialists of the Year.
The awards recognise the important work of businesses & individuals and celebrate their many successes and outstanding service over the year.
Success can often feel like an iceberg. Most people only see the success above the water, but dont see the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice it takes to make a small business successful. So, it is incredibly rewarding to receive such recognition.
Career Development Specialists of The Year 2023
Most Supportive Career Branding Service
The Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2022 recognises the growing importance of ethical and environmentally conscious business practices worldwide and awarded me The Most Supportive Career Branding Service in Yorkshire.
I am incredibly proud of this recognition for the support I have provided to job seekers.
Winner of Most Supportive Career Branding Service 2022
Partnerships
Your Career Optimiser Joins BACVW
The British Association of CV Writers (BACW) is an organisation based in the United Kingdom that provides professional development and support for individuals who work in the field of CV (curriculum vitae) writing. BACW aims to promote best practices and high standards in the CV writing industry, as well as provide networking opportunities and resources for its members. The organization also offers accreditation for CV writers who meet its criteria for excellence in the profession.
360 Talent Solutions
Make the right hire with The Predictive Index and our Recruitment Optimisation Framework
Amplify You Online
Build your online presence with a personal website that makes your story easy to find and hard to forget.
Right Career Fit
Teaching you career literacy techniques and providing the lifetime skills, time and positive mindset to move forward. I help you find the next step that is the right fit for you.
Feedback from those we have helped
I worked with Dave to prepare for my MBA application. While my initial request was a resume update, the process evolved into something much more comprehensive. Through multiple meetings, we delved into uncovering my strengths, weaknesses and crafting my personal value proposition.
Dave's customer-centric approach was evident throughout; he assured me that we would dedicate as much time as necessary to perfect my application materials to both my satisfaction and his standards as an expert. The comprehensive package he provided is a valuable resource for my future endeavors. Dave's patient and composed approach, coupled with his dedication to understanding my needs, established a trustworthy environment and guaranteed that he provided results tailored to my needs. The service he provided exceeded all my expectations and I would gladly recommend him.
Dave Crumby has outstanding Emotional Intelligence combined with great customer understanding, allowing him to lead career conversations to a factual and substantiated space, thus making me feel completely understood and therefore in the best conditions to express my needs and drivers
Dave Crumby’s support is more than excellent. He is professional and provides detailed research into the sessions. His coaching, interview preparation, and strength identity and promotion were vital to my successful application for a global Associate Director position. We continue to have a enjoy teamwork to overcome career challenges.
Not just a cv writer, a true career builder who spends a lot of time going into great depth to help with current and future job applications. Highly recommend.
I have learnt a lot from Dave. He has knowledge and great communication skills. Always prepared. The structured way of working is very helpful.
Dave Crumby has done a tremendous job in transforming how people see me. I thought I had a good CV and Cover Letter, yet Dave took them to another level. He understands the job market and knows what people are looking for.
I was clueless about how effective LinkedIn can be for advancing your career. Dave Crumby has opened my eyes to its potential. His ideas and suggestions have already led to new opportunities via LinkedIn, which has given me confidence in progressing my career further.
Dave Crumby is an excellent talent search professional with clear communication skills and I felt that he really had my interests at heart … From the first interview with him I've been impressed by his incredible, deep strategic and technical knowledge …He took the time to really understand my potential, my expertise and skills as well as my "soft skills" and personality. This helped a lot in matching the position requirements almost as a custom-made suit ... He supported me every step of the way and was always available for follow-up. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Dave and I would definitely recommend getting in touch with him whether you are looking to enhance your personal branding, or if you are looking for new opportunities. Thanks Dave!
Dave Crumby has been immensely helpful for my career. His knowledge of recruitment practices and labour markets goes well beyond my expectations. What really struck me is how motivational he is and acts as a catalyst to getting you going and achieving your career goals. He digs deep in uncovering your motivations and uses such impressive ways to articulate them. I highly recommend Dave as a Career Coach.
Working with Dave Crumby was a great experience. His professional approach to the job search challenge was exceptional. It was clear that Dave fully understand the exact needs of his clients and is able to find candidates who are a great fit in terms of competency and cultural fit. The way Dave prepares candidates for final interviews is "best in class". Very highly recommended!
Your questions answered
We write each CV based on how employers actually hire. That means focusing on the details that matter most: your achievements, your relevance to the role, and how your experience matches the expectations in your market. Every CV is written by someone who understands local hiring standards and speaks the language of your industry.
We give your employees practical, personalised support that reflects your values as an employer. Each person gets direct access to an experienced CV writer or coach who understands their level and local market. We cover everything from CV writing and LinkedIn profiles to job search planning and one-to-one coaching. You’ll have a dedicated contact, minimal admin, and clear progress updates throughout.
Many services focus on layout or keywords without understanding what employers actually want. We take the time to understand your experience, position you correctly, and make sure your CV speaks to the right audience.
Yes. Our growing team includes writers and coaches who work in English, German, French, and other European languages. Your CV will always be written by someone with native-level knowledge of your target market.
Yes. Often, it’s not your experience that’s the problem. It’s how it’s presented. We help you reposition your CV, LinkedIn profile, and applications so they reflect your value and speak to the roles you’re aiming for.
Yes. We regularly support people going through redundancy or career change. Whether you’re paying privately or your employer is covering the cost, we’ll help you move forward with confidence.
Every team member brings local expertise and follows our shared standards. We have regular training, feedback loops, and internal reviews. This means you get consistent, high-quality support from someone who understands your market.
Yes. We work with professionals moving across borders and help them adapt their CV, LinkedIn, and approach for the new market. You’ll get guidance that reflects local hiring expectations and cultural differences
Start by filling out a short form or booking a service online. We’ll match you with someone who understands your goals and location. From there, we’ll agree on a timeline and begin the process together.