Your CV is your first opportunity to show employers what you bring to the table. A well-crafted CV can set you apart and help you land your next big opportunity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, here are our top tips for creating a CV that gets noticed.
1. Personal information
At the very top, include:
- Your full name
- Contact details (phone number and email address)
- Your LinkedIn profile (if updated and relevant)
Avoid including personal details like your date of birth, marital status, or a photo—these are unnecessary and often discouraged in the UK.
2. Personal statement
This is a short paragraph at the beginning of your CV that summarises who you are, your key skills, and your career aspirations. For example:
“Qualified finance professional with over 5 years’ experience in management accounting and financial analysis. Skilled in streamlining processes, improving financial reporting, and driving business growth. Looking for a challenging role within a dynamic organisation to contribute my expertise.”
Keep it concise—3-4 sentences is enough—and focus on what makes you a standout candidate.
3. Showcase your work experience
Employers in the finance sector want to see measurable impact. For each role, include:
- Job Title, company name, location
- Dates of employment
- Key achievements: Use specific examples to demonstrate your value, e.g., “Reduced budgeting errors by 15% through the implementation of a new financial reporting system.”
- Core responsibilities: Focus on responsibilities that align with the role you’re applying for.
If you’re early in your career, highlight internships, volunteering, or university projects where you gained relevant skills, such as managing budgets or analysing data.
4. Highlight your skills
Finance professionals need a mix of technical and transferable skills. Include a dedicated section for:
- Technical skills: Examples include advanced Excel, financial modelling, ERP systems (like SAP), or UK tax regulations.
- Transferable skills: Communication, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
Prove your skills with examples: “Created automated Excel dashboards, cutting reporting time by 30%.”
5. Education & professional qualifications
Finance roles in the UK often place significant emphasis on your academic and professional background. Include:
- Degrees: University, subject, and completion date. For example, “BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, University of Manchester, 2018.”
- Professional qualifications: ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), or AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians). Mention progress if you’re still studying or part-qualified.
- Key modules or projects: Highlight relevant coursework, e.g., “Corporate Finance,” “Taxation,” or “Management Accounting.”
6. Training & certifications
Include any additional certifications or training that enhance your candidacy, such as:
- Advanced Excel or financial modelling courses
- Certifications in accounting software like Sage or QuickBooks
- GDPR compliance or data analysis training
7. Hobbies & interests
Only include hobbies if they showcase relevant skills or personal attributes. For example:
- Volunteering as a treasurer for a charity (demonstrates financial acumen and trustworthiness)
- Playing team sports (shows teamwork and leadership)
- Running marathons (illustrates discipline and perseverance)
Generic interests like “reading” or “socialising” won’t add value to your CV.
8. References
There’s no need to include full references or their contact details unless requested by the employer. A simple “References available on request” is sufficient.
Formating & final touches
- Keep it simple: Use a professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and clear headings. Avoid unnecessary graphics or images.
- Stick to two pages: Employers in the UK typically prefer concise CVs.
- Tailor for each application: Adjust your CV to highlight the most relevant skills and achievements for every role.
- Proofread carefully: Even small errors can cost you an opportunity. Double-check everything—or ask a trusted friend or recruiter to review it.
