How to write a compelling CV

A CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, making it one of the most important tools in your job search. It's your opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that demonstrates your suitability for the role.

At Marks Sattin, we understand the importance of a compelling CV and are dedicated to helping professionals refine their profiles to unlock exciting career prospects in finance and technology. 

What is a CV?

A CV, or curriculum vitae, is a detailed document that outlines your professional background, including your education, qualifications, work history, skills, and achievements. 

It's typically the first point of contact between you and a potential employer, acting as your professional profile and showcasing your suitability for a role. 

Given that many recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning a CV, it's crucial to ensure your document is clear, concise, and compelling, providing the most relevant information upfront.

How to write a CV

Writing a strong CV is about balancing detail with clarity. Here are the key sections to include:

• Personal details - start with your name, contact information (address, phone number, and email), and visa status (if applicable).
• Qualifications - list your educational achievements, professional certifications, and any relevant specialisations. 
• Career highlights - provide a snapshot of your recent roles and key accomplishments in bullet-point format, focusing on achievements that highlight your strengths and suitability for the role.
• Work history - detail your professional experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and an overview of responsibilities and achievements. Use 5-10 bullet points depending on the seniority of the role.
• Achievements - where possible, quantify your achievements to add credibility and context. For example, include metrics like revenue growth, cost savings, or project outcomes. 

Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages, focusing on the most relevant and recent experience.

Choosing the right type of CV

There are several different formats for a CV, and choosing the right one depends on your career stage and the role you're applying for:

• Chronological CV - the most common format, where work history is listed in reverse chronological order. Ideal if you have a consistent career path.
• Functional CV - focuses on skills and achievements rather than work history, which is less emphasised. Useful if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment.
• Combination CV - combines elements of both, providing a strong overview of skills and a detailed work history. Good for senior roles that require a balance of experience and achievements. 

What makes a compelling CV?

A compelling CV is one that clearly demonstrates your value to a potential employer. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

• Be honest - avoid exaggerating your responsibilities or achievements. Recruiters often verify claims, and honesty is always the best policy. If there are gaps in your employment, explain them briefly and openly.
• Structure & layout - use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and bullet points to make it easy to read. Avoid jargon that a recruiter may not understand. Stick to a simple typeface, and ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors.
• Tailor to the job - highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. Include keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Achievements - quantify your successes wherever possible. Instead of simply stating that you "improved sales," specify that you "increased sales by 25% over six months."
• No photos - in many markets, it's unnecessary to include a photo. Stick to the professional details that highlight your suitability for the role.

Start your job search with Marks Sattin

At Marks Sattin, we specialise in placing professionals in finance and technology roles. 

Whether you're seeking your next challenge or looking to refine your CV, our team of experts is here to help you navigate the job market with confidence. 

Explore our live roles today.