How to write a stand-out CV
In this article, we’re focussing on how to write a stand-out CV. A well-written CV is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd, highlighting relevant skills and experience in the first step to securing your ideal role. It’s the first hurdle in the application process, so worth investing time and effort to ensure you’re a candidate worth considering.
At Suzie Walker Executive Search, our specialist team review dozens of CVs every day on behalf of clients in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. As headhunters, we know exactly what to look for and share how to put together your own CV...
First, research
A common misconception is that one size fits all but your CV should be tailored for every role you apply for. So, the first step when applying for an advertised role is to review the job description for key words and skills, then research the company – their sector, customers, mission and company culture – to identify how your own unique skills, experience and values support their goals.
Layout
Your CV should be no more than two sides of A4 and American-style resumes are becoming popular - a punchy format on a single-side. Either format will be recognised by executive recruiters but if you’re applying directly to a company, consider what style would work best. For example, a more traditional company would likely prefer the standard UK-style.
Make sure to use a clear font of at least 11pt and, before you start writing, note down the keywords identified from your research and cross them off as you go. There are lots of different CV styles but most follow this format:
Contact details
Your name, phone number and email address should go at the top of the page, along with a link to your LinkedIn profile (see ‘Making the most of social media’ to optimise your profile). You can even change the URL to make it easier for the recruiter, rather than including the standard number format e.g. change https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-example-12345678 to https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-example or, if you’re keen to be found on search engines, why not add your specialism for SEO purposes? e.g. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-example-chief-marketing-officer
Personal profile
In your personal profile, summarise who you are, what you do and your key values, relating it to the keywords you identified from the job description. As the first thing a recruiter will see, make it clear, concise and creative. It can be quite difficult to write about yourself, so why not jot down those key points and ask someone close to you for help.
Experience
At the senior leadership stage of your career, your experience should always come before education. In this section, include employer names, job titles, dates you worked there and summarise what you did – three lines maximum or bullet points per role. A common mistake is listing responsibilities rather than achievements, which are far more compelling and can be adapted to the role you’re applying for.
Education
While this remains fairly consistent for each application, covering the qualifications obtained, school/college/university and dates attended, we recommend including further education or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses that support the role you’re applying for. If you’re a Member or Fellow of a professional association, you will know that CPD shows self-improvement and commitment in your career.
Interests and achievements
This is arguably another difficult section for any CV but by focussing on areas that are relevant to the skills required for your role, you take away any awkwardness. For example, if you’re applying for a Chief Digital Officer role, highlight your interest in new technologies or how you actively engage with digital platforms.
References
The references section should simply say, ‘References available on request’. It’s not necessary to provide contact details at an early stage. Recruiters simply want to know that two references – your most recent employer as one – can be supplied when a formal employment offer is made.
Final checks
Finally, we urge you to ask a third-party to proof read your CV before sending it and PDF your Word document so that none of the formatting is changed or lost. There are many CV templates available to download online but this is your opportunity to show your personal brand, so consider the fonts, colours and layout as part of the process.
If you feel ready to move towards the next stage in your career, please get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for B2C and B2B marketing, digital and technology roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
