This article discusses:
- Getting the basics right
- What to include in a cover letter
- How should your CV/resume be presented?
- What achievements should be outlined?
A resume/CV is used by employers to gauge if you’re a suitable candidate for their role, but a common question we get asked is “what constitutes a ‘good’ resume/CV?”
Start with the basics
A resume/CV is used by employers to gauge if you’re a suitable candidate for their role, but a common question we get asked is “what constitutes a ‘good’ resume/CV?”
- Personal/contact information
- Always include personal details at the top of your resume/CV. Information such as, name, phone number, email address, and mailing address are essential so that employers can contact you.
- Make sure that your email address is professional and avoid using nicknames or humorous phrases that may not be appropriate in a professional context.
- Cover letter/personal statement
- Not all job applications require a cover letter or personal statement, but they do give you a chance to explain more about your interests and achievements. Important elements to include in a cover letter:
- What is your interest in the company/role?
- Relevant experience that correlates with job description
- How would the company benefit from hiring you?
- Include a professional summary. A professional summary is a brief overview of your skills and experience and can be an effective way to grab an employer’s attention. Keep it concise and focus on your key selling points.
- Not all job applications require a cover letter or personal statement, but they do give you a chance to explain more about your interests and achievements. Important elements to include in a cover letter:
Preparation and presentation
Employers only require a quick glance at your resume or CV to form an opinion on your suitability for the position. It is crucial to keep your resume/CV simple and succinct, the length will depend on the number of years of experience you have. As a benchmark, for those with 3-7 years, we’d suggest two pages.
Font/size
Keep it professional. We recommend using Arial or Calibri, these are the most frequently used fonts in business.
Keep the font size between 10–12.
Proofreading
Proofread your resume/CV and then ask a friend or co-worker to help, a second set of eyes is helpful when proofreading.
Putting it together
Only add relevant information and avoid over-sharing. You’ll be able to expand on points during the interview stage. The resume/CV is an overview of your achievements. So, how do you arrange the information?
- Ensure that your experience and education are in descending order, starting with the most recent information.
- Always include past/current role titles, accomplishments, and dates of employment/education.
- Understand the role you’re applying for
- Tailor the information you present, different roles will require different skills. Customise your resume/CV based on the job description.
- Keep your resume/CV up to date.
- Make sure all information is accurate, including your current position.
- Whenever possible, try to quantify your achievements by including specific numbers, percentages, or statistics. For example, instead of saying “improved sales,” you could say “increased sales by 25% within the first quarter.”
- Use keywords relevant to the role that you are applying for. Many companies now use automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes/CVs for keywords related to the job description. To increase your chances of passing this initial screening, make sure to include relevant keywords throughout your resume/CV.
- If you have a gap in your timeline, employers will enquire why, so be prepared to respond.
For further advice and support on crafting your resume/CV contact us at info@ec1.scoutstaging.co.uk and one of our consultants will be in touch.
If you are looking for a new role, you can view our latest FinTech jobs here or upload your CV here.
Faq’s
How can I effectively tailor my resume/CV to the specific job I’m applying for?
To tailor your resume/CV effectively to a specific job, carefully review the job description and identify key skills and qualifications required. Then, customise your resume/CV to highlight relevant experiences, accomplishments, and skills that match those in the job description. You can also incorporate keywords from the job posting to make your resume/CV more searchable by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Are there any common mistakes or pitfalls to avoid when writing a cover letter?
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter include being too generic or impersonal, failing to address the hiring manager by name if possible, and simply restating information already present in your resume/CV. Instead, use the cover letter to express genuine interest in the company and position, showcase your personality, and provide specific examples of how your experiences align with the job requirements.
To showcase achievements and skills effectively without overwhelming your resume/CV, focus on highlighting quantifiable accomplishments and relevant experiences. Use concise language and bullet points to clearly communicate your contributions and the impact you’ve had in previous roles. Prioritise the most relevant and impressive achievements, and avoid including unnecessary details or experiences that aren’t directly related to the job you’re applying for.