Creating a quality CV specifically for Professional Services can be a tricky task at the best of times. We know exactly how hard it is to build an attractive yet professional CV, especially one that creates an impression strong enough to warrant an interview.
In today’s world of social media and professional platforms, we believe that the CV is now the second impression when you consider how popular LinkedIn has become. Check out our LinkedIn advice here). Saying that your CV is what will represent your experience before you get into the interview room.
To make your life that little bit easier we have created a quality CV template specifically for the Professional Services sector. This template has been created by us, your Professional Services experts, to give you the best chance of securing the job of your dreams.
Over the years, we have reviewed thousands of CVs - some really great ones and others that make for a funny story! Instead of boring you with what hobbies you should or shouldn’t include, we would like to give you the Top 5 things you should absolutely avoid when writing or creating your CV.
For your free professionally crafted CV template, click the link below to download!
Top 5 things to avoid when writing a quality CV
1. Typos and grammatical errors
Yes, we know, it’s probably the most obvious of all CV tips - it needs to be grammatically perfect. If your CV isn't, employers will read between the lines and draw not-so-flattering conclusions about you, like: "This person can't write...or obviously doesn't care."
2. Tailor to avoid failure
Whenever you try to develop a generic CV to send to all job ads, you almost always end up with something employers will toss in the recycle bin. Your lack of effort screams, “I’m not particularly interested in your company. Frankly, any job will do.”
Employers want to feel special and want you to write a CV specifically for them. They expect you to clearly show how and why you fit the position in a specific organisation.
3. Listing duties instead of achievements
Your CV needs to show how good you are at your job, but it's all too easy to slip into a mode where you simply start listing your duties.
That’s more or less an echo of your job description. Employers, however, don't care so much about what you've done as what you've achieved in your various activities. They're looking for statements more like:
Worked closely with a large PLC to improve financial reporting month end close from ‘x’ to ‘y days’
Developed a financial model that saved the business €‘X’ amount over 5 years
Increased sales margin on each product by 20% year over year
4. Going on too long or cutting things too short
Despite what you may read or hear, there are no real rules governing CV length. Why? Because human beings, who have different preferences and expectations where CVs are concerned, will be reading it.
That doesn't mean you should start sending out five-page CVs, of course. Generally speaking, you usually need to limit yourself to a maximum of two/three pages.
5. Leaving off important information
You may be tempted, for example, to eliminate mention of the jobs you've taken to earn extra money for school. Typically, however, the soft skills you've gained from these experiences (e.g., work ethic, time management) are more important to employers than you might think.