Top Tips on How to Write a CV (Finance & Accounting)
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Regardless of what type of Finance & Accounting role you are looking for, your CV will be one of the most important things to get right! Do it wrong and your chances will be severely impacted!
It’s likely the first person to view your CV will be from a non-Finance background, so it’s important it reads clearly. Here are just a few pointers to consider if you’re looking for next Finance & Accounting role?
Some recruiters believe it’s a waste of time so its a contentious issue. However, for some recruiters it’s one of the most important sections in a CV! Your personal statement has the potential to set you apart from your competition and will either entice employers to read further or stop them in their tracks. You’ll need to summarise yourself in about 50 words and don’t forget to include any qualifications like CIMA or ACCA. Stay away from generic skills and phrases that anyone could use in their CV like great time keeping and being able to work as part of a team. These are all standard and go without saying
You’ve probably been told to keep your CV short and concise, but we would beg to differ. If it’s not written on your CV then how are employers ever going to know what skills you possess, unless they have super telepathic powers! It’s important not to miss out on important skills because you’re trying to keep your CV to the standard 2 pages. Hiring Managers, HR teams, recruitment teams and employers are not going to look through a CV that is 5 pages long that’s true…they just don’t have time, but somewhere between 2 and 3 pages is a good length. If you want prospective employers to know about it make sure you include it!
It’s not difficult to use spell checker…it’s a press of a button! Well that’s what you’d think. You’d be surprised at how many people still submit CV’s with spelling mistakes and sentences that don’t make sense. Always make sure you use spell checker to pick up errors, because errors not only show lack of attention to detail but it’s also unprofessional. Grammar is another point to consider when writing your CV. We’ve had instances when candidates have mixed up ‘there’ and ‘their’. Grammar is always harder pick up, but if you are unsure get someone to proof read your CV before you send it out.
Never lie on a CV…just don’t do it! Firstly, its wrong and secondly you will probably get found out if you get the job anyway. You want to get a job honestly and on your own merit, not because you lied
Before you start putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard think about who the CV is for. Is it the Line Manager, HR or the recruitment team? Depending on who the audience is the language you use in your CV might be slightly different.
If you are using a font to impress future employers, don’t go for anything that is likely to distract your reader. You want the reader to focus on the content and not the font! A safe bet is to use Arial, Times, Georgia or Garamond. They are all easy to read yet sophisticated and elegant
Did you take a career break from your Finance & Accountancy role? Hiring managers will always want to know why, so before they get the opportunity to ask, you should explain it on your CV. In doing so, make sure you add a positive spin. If the gap wasn’t your decision, explain what you learnt and any positive steps you’ve taken to positively influence your career.
So, there you have it! Top tips to help you write your CV for your next Finance & Accounting role. If you are looking for your next opportunity, then get in touch with Dan Ingles or call 0116 303 3560 for an informal chat.
