Midlands
CV Writer

An effective CV should be well organised, concise, have a clear proposition, and be and easy to read. It should include relevant information about the applicant's education, experience, accomplishments, character, and skills. 'Relevant' in this context means it should be tailored to the specific position the applicant is applying for. It should use appropriate language and formatting and be free of errors.

An executive CV has to compete with high-quality submissions from other applicants. It is typically more focused on the applicant's professional experience and accomplishments. It should include demonstrated evidence of the applicant's leadership skills, work ethic, values, management experience, business network, and any other relevant attributes and qualifications.

During our initial call, we will go through my process, and I will outline the kind of support and communication you can anticipate throughout our partnership. The primary objective here is to instil confidence in my ability to present your profile in a light that optimises your chances of securing interviews.

Ready to proceed? Kindly choose a package and complete your payment via debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. Following this, we'll arrange an initial call to explore your requirements. Together, we'll refine your CV and any additional documents included in your chosen package until you're entirely satisfied. Should you require further assistance, additional CV services are available at your discretion.

If your needs are urgent, the best approach is to complete my form with as much detail as possible. This provides me with important context.

• Contact Me

Clearly stating your accomplishments in a CV is essential to show potential employers how you’ve applied your skills to achieve specific goals. This highlights the value you’ve added in previous roles and helps distinguish you from other candidates. While it may seem obvious, many executive CVs still tend to focus on duties and responsibilities rather than concrete achievements.

In very simple terms, your CV should demonstrate your critical thinking abilities to, for example: make money, and/or save money, and/or save time and improve productivity for the enterprise. Extra points for giving quantified 'PAR' examples (Problems->Actions->Results) of how you have done this previously.

See my checklist for more information.

• Book a call

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that employers use to manage and filter job applications by scanning CVs for keywords and phrases related to the job. With AI rapidly advancing, these systems are increasingly adept at ranking applicants based on their relevance, qualifications, and even the originality of their pitch. To pass ATS screening, CVs must be carefully tailored to each job, incorporating the right keywords, sentiment, and phrases to ensure they stand out to the system.

An ATS is a Google-like algorithm that is used as an initial screen by many employers and recruiters to disqualify low-quality CVs. Many well-qualified candidates are caught in this trap due to poor document formatting and the absence of appropriate document header text and keywords.

• Contact Me

Selection criteria delineate the exact qualifications, experiences, and personal attributes a company values in candidates, especially critical for executives poised to align with an organisation's strategic aims and culture.

Such criteria typically include a blend of essential and preferred qualifications, highlighting:

• Demonstrated prowess in leadership and adeptness in team oversight.
• Advanced educational qualifications and pertinent professional history.
• Strategic acumen and sector-specific insight.
• International experience, highlighting a global perspective and cross-cultural competency.
• Notable accomplishments that have had a tangible impact on previous organisations.

Often referred to by various titles like Job Specifications, Position Requirements, and Competency Frameworks, these criteria provide a detailed blueprint of the expectations for applicants, addressing both technical abilities and behavioural virtues.

Caution is advised in relying on job descriptions, that are often maintained by compensation teams and rarely updated, possibly not reflecting current role requirements. The gap between these descriptions and what the decision-makers seek can be considerable, with 'minimum criteria' usually the only reliable indicator. Direct engagement with recruiters or leveraging networks for insights into the role's actual demands can provide a more accurate guide.

This process, while bespoke, lays out a strategic path for executives looking to advance. It's about more than just finding a new job; it's about crafting your narrative and positioning you for the success you're striving for.

Here's where they often stuff up:

Overlooking the ATS

The primary stumbling block? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). A staggering 70% of CVs are thought to be sifted out by these digital gatekeepers at the first hurdle because they fail to align with the employer's selection criteria, marking the downfall of the one-size-fits-all CV.

The 'obviously AI' application

Over-reliance on generative AI for job applications poses significant risks, particularly for senior executives. While AI can help craft polished applications, it often lacks the personal touch, depth, and cultural alignment that recruiters seek. This can result in generic, inconsistent responses that fail to stand out, undermining your authenticity and unique value. As companies refine their algorithms to detect AI-generated content, the dangers of blending into the crowd increase. To truly differentiate yourself, it’s essential to balance AI's efficiencies with your own strategic insights and genuine voice.

The Generic CV Trap

Distributing the same CV for varied applications is a guaranteed misstep. Personalise your CV for each role, highlighting how your unique skills and experiences position you as the ideal candidate.

Incompatibility with Job Specifications

If your CV doesn't echo the skills and experience the job advert demands, chances are it'll be passed over. Ensure your CV meticulously matches the job requirements detailed in the employer's specification.

Overly Stylised CVs

Avoid overly stylised CVs that prioritise aesthetics over functionality. Laden with colours and complex layouts, these CVs often confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), rendering them fatally ineffective. Also, many organisations and jurisdictions will reject applications containing photographs to avoid accusations of gender or ethnicity bias.

To avoid the pitfalls and boost your chances of an interview, focus on devising a CV that's not just clear and concise but also bespoke for the job in question and compatible with ATS requirements.