CV Tips

Your Guide to Writing a Winning CV

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Make Your First Impression Count

Your CV is more than just a list of jobs, it’s your first opportunity to showcase who you are, what you can do, and how you add value. Whether you’re applying directly to a business or through a recruiter like us, your CV needs to grab attention quickly – within the first 8.8 seconds, to be exact.

At Ashley Kate, we’ve seen thousands of CVs – the good, the bad, and everything in between. We know what works, and we’re here to help you get it right.

Why Your CV Matters

In a competitive HR or Finance job market, your CV can be the difference between landing an interview or getting overlooked. It should tell your story clearly, professionally, and persuasively.

It’s your personal brand – What do you want people to remember about you?
It’s a selling document – Focus on value, not just duties.
It gets you through the door – A strong CV leads to interviews, and interviews lead to job offers.

Structure is Everything

A well-structured CV makes it easy for hiring managers and recruiters to understand your background. Here’s a suggested format that works well across most HR and Finance roles:

Contact Information

Full name, phone number, email, and location (you don’t need a full address).
LinkedIn profile (if it’s up to date and professional).

Personal Profile / Summary

A short, sharp paragraph highlighting who you are, your key strengths, and what you’re looking for.
Think of this as your elevator pitch.

Key Skills & Competencies

Bullet-point your most relevant skills, e.g. payroll, employee relations, budgeting, reporting, stakeholder management.
Make this section tailored to the role you’re applying for.

Work Experience

List in reverse chronological order.
Include job title, employer name, dates, and a short description of responsibilities and achievements.
Focus on measurable results where possible — show how you made a difference.

Education & Qualifications

Include degrees, professional certifications (e.g. CIPD, CIMA), and relevant training courses.

Additional Information (optional)

Languages, IT systems, voluntary work, or interests that show personality or soft skills.

CV Tips from the Experts

Here are some of the best practices we recommend:

Tailor every CV – Adjust your profile and skills for each application.
Stick to two pages – Long CVs can be overwhelming and often go unread.
Use bullet points and white space – Make it easy to scan.
Quantify achievements – E.g. “Reduced recruitment agency spend by 40%.”
Check and check again – Avoid typos and formatting inconsistencies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even strong candidates can fall into these traps. Small oversights or poor formatting can distract from an otherwise excellent application and potentially cost you an interview. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can ensure your CV reflects your true potential.

Including outdated or irrelevant experience
Using jargon or internal company terms that the reader may not understand
Listing responsibilities rather than highlighting achievements
Writing in long paragraphs instead of using clear bullet points
Forgetting to update contact details or employment dates

Want Personalised Feedback?

If you’re unsure about your CV or want a second opinion, we’re happy to help. Our team of experienced HR and Finance Recruitment Consultants can review your CV and offer practical advice to give you the best possible chance of success.

Get in touch with one of our specialists today.

Looking for More Career Advice?

Explore more helpful guides, insights, and opportunities in our Your Career section.

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