CV’s – The good, the bad and the ugly!
CV’s – The good, the bad and the ugly!
In my first year of being in the crazy world of recruitment, I have come across a plethora of CVS from an array of candidates.
Disclaimer … there is no concrete ‘right or wrong’ way a CV should be written. But seeing as a Recruiter can make a judgment of a CV in 6 seconds it may be an idea to take heed of my insight and give your CV a once over after reading this!
PERSONAL INTRODUCTION
In this space, recruiters just need to know a BRIEF summary about you. Your field, qualifications and what it is that motivates you. We don’t really need to know the name of your children or partner. Whilst this is lovely to know, it doesn’t need to go on your CV.
Photos in CV’s can also be hit or miss (depending on the vacancy) there have been instances where CV’s have included pics of candidate’s pets. Though very endearing, unless you are applying for a dog walker role Winnie the Poodle does not belong on your CV!
PRO TIP: A good way of starting your personal statement is something like: An ACA qualified accountant with a background in…
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
This is the space that will secure you an interview, so you need to make sure it’s top-notch.
My personal preference is to have a job history in order of your most recent position first. With dates, company, and job title clearly stated. The bullet points of each of your responsibilities, giving lots, but not too much detail. There are so many CVs of fantastic candidates who have been in great positions, but many fall at this hurdle by not giving the level of detail needed to make them wow on paper!
Use this space to tell us about what you have personally achieved in each position. Anywhere you can demonstrate you’ve saved the company money or time is going to stand out and examples of where you may have covered managers in their absence is a great way of showing you’re ready to step up to that next level.
And be clever – if you’re applying for a Finance Business Partner position, spending half a page telling the reader about your responsibilities in an Accounts Payable role you had 15 years ago may not the best use of your CV. Anywhere you can demonstrate you’ve saved the company money or time is going to stand out and examples of where you may have covered managers in their absence is a great way of showing you’re ready to step up to that next level!
ACADEMIC & IT SKILLS
This can go either after your personal statement or job history, it makes no difference.
For example, if you are ACA/ACCA/CIMA, you should put the date you started studying and the date you finished. GCSE grades are good to put down if you are just starting your career i.e.: first-mover out of practice, but make sure you don’t list all your subjects with grades next to them. I personally did 11 ½ GCSEs, and it would take up a lot of space writing each one individually!
PRO TIP: List your IT skills in bullet & column form. Don’t waste space with this telling me the MS Packages: we all know what the MS Packages are.
PERSONAL INTERESTS
This part of a CV is like Marmite for some. Personally, I don’t mind it, but you should only put this part in your CV if your interests are, in the nicest possible way, interesting.
We have come across CVs where people tell me they like to get drunk at the weekends, forage for free food, and sit in dark rooms watching horror films!
Please, in this section, only bother if you have done something interesting related to your interests. IE: have raised money for charity, climbed a mountain, or are a pro sportsperson. These things make you interesting – in a good way, and provide a good point of conversation in an interview.
I shall conclude this blog with some more dog puns…
Bark Twain
Chew Barka
Spark Pug
Ozzy Pawsborn
PLUG ALERT: If you feel you have a great CV and would like us to retain it for future opportunities then send it over to recruitment@hr-inspire.com
