Executive recruiters reveal top tips for a compelling CV

Executive Recruiters Reveal

TOP TIPS FOR A

COMPELLING CV

Finding your next senior role can take longer than you might think

1 in 10candidates

are still searchingafter 12 months*

*Source: “The Executive Job Search: Candidate and Recruiter Perspectives Revealed”

Many senior executives are falling at the first hurdle

The Curriculum Vitae (CV) forms the foundation of your personal brand which you present to the recruitment market.

Yet, candidates often struggle to get recruiters to take notice of their CV and they don’t get enough interviews.

“They are functionally well prepared but often they struggle with the basic application side of things like cover letter, CV etc.”

Recruiters say senior executives are often unable to prepare a quality CV

Recruiters say senior executives are often unable to prepare a quality CV

“They tend not to have particularly good CV’s or the ability to communicate their achievements.”

“There is a mixture of CVs. The higher up you go, sometimes the worse the CV gets.”

We asked experienced executive recruiters to share their key tips to give candidates an ‘inside track’…

What makes a really impressive CV?

A realistic view of your aims and what you can bring to a company is most important.

TOP TIP

#1

Clarity, 2 pages, a focus on output and achievement and

clear progression.

TOP TIP

#2

The best CVs are concise but yet list key achievements and

responsibilities.

TOP TIP

#3

Facts and figures; company size, sector and

responsibilities then mostly about your achievements in

that role.

TOP TIP

#4

Make it relevant! A CV which has been tailored for that job search rather than just an old

CV with an additional paragraph on the last role.

TOP TIP

#5

An impressive CV is one that matches the client’s needs.

Demonstrate understanding of the organisation you are

looking for and sound knowledge of the market.

TOP TIP

#6

Up-to-date and relevant online profile and ability for

video CVs for the future. There is still no substitute to

meeting face to face.

TOP TIP

#7

Don't submit 'War & Peace'. Use the STAR approach -

Situation/ Task/ Action/ Results. Speak in 'I did this

and it resulted in this'.

TOP TIP

#8

Summarise - use the first 2 or 3 lines to sum up what the

client can expect from the candidate, then bullet points

listing experience and achievements.

TOP TIP

#9

Presentation - no fluffy borders or cramped space. A minimum of a 10 point font.

TOP TIP

#10

Present yourself as a ‘story’ outlining where you started

and where you are now, with more detail on the more

recent roles.

TOP TIP

#11

For more information, see the following free reports, available on our website:

How to craft a compelling CV – a report for senior executives

The Executive Job Search: Candidate and Recruiter Perspectives Revealed – independent research report

Thanks for reading,

Steve NichollsManaging DirectorExecutive Connexions Ltd. www.executiveconnexions.co.uk

Copyright © 2015 Executive Connexions Ltd. All Rights Reserved.