We all know how competitive the recruitment market is for Business and HR leaders, and as such you need to make sure that you make the best impression with your CV.
Lisa Wormald, Head of Search for RB Executive, has specialised in running campaigns for HR Directors for over 20 years.
Here are her top tips:
1. Describe the ‘how’ as well as the ‘what’
Describe the ‘how’ as well as the ‘what’ in your CV. Give a sense of who you are and how you do your job, not just your technical ability.
2. Key skills section
Add a key skills section in your CV to summarise where you can truly add value and what aspects of your role you are passionate about.
3. Set the scene
In your career history section, assume that no-one has heard of the organisation(s) you have worked for. Set the scene by telling us about what the business does, size/ scale, etc.
4. Short and punchy
Keep your CV short and punchy. Avoid anything too “vanilla” and use words that leap off the page to engage the reader. You don’t have to tell your full story. The aim of the CV is to impress and engage the reader so they want to find out more (hopefully in your interview..)
5. No jargon
Avoid corporate jargon or abbreviations that no-one else will understand. Generic industry abbreviations are ok but specific terms that only your previous business used only irritate the reader. Translate them into more commonly used phrases.
Lisa’s top tip
Lots of people will give you advice on your CV structure and format. At the end of the day, it is YOUR document and it needs to represent YOU. So take the bits of advice that makes sense to you and ignore the suggestions that don’t!
“I have specialised in the recruitment of Senior HR and Business Professionals since the year 2000. My success in building long-term relationships has been based on working collaboratively with the individual’s changing requirements, whether supporting them in attracting the best talent to their business or shaping their next career move.”
If you’ve an HR or Business leader looking to change careers (or looking to recruit a senior HR leader), please get in contact with Lisa.
