Writing a good CV for accountancy and finance jobs

CV content and presentation must inspire potential employers to read on and want to invite you for an interview. Ideally it should convince the reader that you are technically qualified for the position you are applying for.

CVs vary in style and format considerably and there isn't a 'wrong' or 'right' method. However, there are a number of 'do's' and 'don'ts' that are worthy of note.

Do

• Start your career history with your most recent employment
• Restrict your CV to a maximum of three pages
• Restrict yourself to a maximum of five points under each heading using bullet points like those in this text
• List your achievements: successful management decisions, strategies implemented, special projects handled
• Use at-a-glance headings and leave enough white space to make the presentation easy on the eye
• Use good quality, matching paper
• Provide a covering letter highlighting why you feel you are particulary suitable. The covering letter should let a little more self-expression show through than the CV
• Wherever possible, tailor the CV to the job you have applied for

Don't

• Be too verbose; keep the reader interested
• Use a conversational tone; use third party tense rather than 'I'
• Expand on why you are leaving your present job
• Leave career gaps unanswered - future employers like to track your employment record fully. If you spent a period travelling, then say so
• Mention irrelevant personal circumstances

Writing style

Make sure the spelling is correct. Check it through a word processor such as Microsoft Word. Get at least two people to check and read your CV.

• Print on good quality plain white A4 paper only
• Keep sentences and paragraphs short
• The CV needs to be as concise and factual as possible, but always remember to keep it informative, punchy and relevant to what you are applying for. This is the key to inspiring the recipient to progress your application further by actually reading it!