CV ADVICE
Resume writing is notoriously difficult and it is not an exact science. You may receive varying opinions on format and while one expert may recommend a limit of two pages, the next will tell you it should be five. While there is generally no right answer you need to decide on a format with which you are comfortable, and that you believe promotes you in the best manner.
The golden rule when writing your resume is to keep in mind that it is a sales document - you are selling yourself. Therefore, your resume should not be the same as your job description. You need to spend a lot of time thinking about your achievements in your current and previous roles.
The First Page
As a general guide you want the first page of your Resume to highlight your skills and qualifications as well as provide a brief snapshot of your career.
Be aware that people often skim read resumes, while you may expect that before you meet with a hiring manager they will read through your resume in detail, this may not be the case with anyone else you may meet through the hiring process. Aim to make it as easy as possible for someone to get a positive view of your experience at first glance.
Presenting your career history in a table format is often a very clear way to show your career progression. It is also a good idea to include some information on this page in regards to the size of the businesses and industries you have worked in.
Company Description
Including a description of businesses you have worked for can give a lot of context to your experience. This should be brief and include information such as the industry, size of the business in terms of turn over and number of employees, ownership structure and the size of the finance team.
Responsibilities and Achievements
It is likely that the resume of many candidates in the same role as you will list similar responsibilities so while these are important your achievements is where you can really differentiate yourself. Wherever possible, use facts and figures to illustrate your achievements. Citing dollar figures can provide an indication that your work had a real, measurable and material outcome.
Managing your online reputation
Be aware it is not uncommon for companies to run a quick internet search of your name when considering you for a role. Similar to your resume, your online profile can be an important factor in the view that employers will form. As such is it important to be proactive in managing your online image and ensure what is presented is professional and the information available on networking sites like LinkedIn is consistent with what is on your resume.