Why you want numbers in your CV

I admit it – I’m a phrase individual. Phrases provide the means to specific any idea you may dream of and transport your thoughts to marvellous locations. Numbers simply sit there evident at you, being defiantly rigid and stubbornly proper or improper.

Equally, I’ve to confess {that a}

wants numbers. Even for individuals who aren’t in mathematical or monetary fields, numbers are a necessity. In some methods, they will add extra worth than the phrases! Including numbers to your CV lets you

from TELLING your story to SELLING your story. 

Why ought to I exploit numbers in my CV?

A recruiter wants to know precisely what you’ve carried out, what you’re able to and the place you may profit an organisation. Utilizing numbers in your CV lets you again up and quantify statements which can in any other case be too generic or imprecise. Contemplate the affect of “managing budgets” in opposition to “managing budgets of as much as £25million”. 

Numbers also can assist a recruiter to know the way you’ve progressed in your profession up to now – for instance, from managing two workers in a single division to managing 50 workers in 5 departments. 

What numbers ought to I embrace?

The info you quantify in your CV actually is determined by your function, however the most typical (and needed) figures embrace:

• 
  

  The variety of individuals you managed

  
  

• Your finances

• The outcomes you’ve got delivered

Different figures – such because the variety of accounts you handle, the variety of websites you’re employed throughout and the variety of tasks you’ve accomplished – might all be related relying in your function. The chances are limitless! Determine the important thing figures which affect the scope of your function and make sure that they’re included.

In addition to serving to to explain your obligations, numbers also can convey credibility to your

. Anybody can declare to have lowered prices, for instance, however for those who can put a determine to this saving then you definitely’re making it extra plausible and proving that you may ship what you declare. Intention so as to add quantifiable achievements to each function you’ve held within the final 10 years.

Different very important numbers are your telephone quantity (clearly – however having written CVs for over 15 years I’ve seen many CVs with no contact particulars!), dates (of employment, {qualifications} and programs) and grades (in the event that they’re sturdy and up to date).

What numbers ought to I not embrace?

There’s one quantity that by no means has a spot on a CV and that’s your wage. Previous or current, by no means disclose this in your software. You’re limiting your scope for negotiation and it could be detrimental to your candidacy if the recruiter thinks you’re over- or under-valuing your self.

You additionally have to be cautious to not disclose any commercially delicate info. At greatest, it makes you look indiscreet and at worst it might land you in scorching water together with your present employer.

You also needs to rigorously take into account which dates you’re together with – something too far again and it’s possible you’ll be leaving your self open to

(sure, it’s unlawful, however that’s to not say it doesn’t occur).

How ought to I current numbers on my CV?

Personally, I want to put in writing numbers on a CV as digits, moderately than phrases. It’s not typical English, nevertheless it’s a lot simpler to note and pick numbers in a sea of phrases while you’re scanning by means of a doc, after they’re written as digits. 

This infographic summarises the recommendation:

Need assistance placing numbers in your CV?

To current the strongest software doable, revisit your CV and establish the place you may embrace numbers. It might assist to evaluate your authentic job description, for those who nonetheless have it, or to check your function with others with an analogous job title. Should you want extra assist

in essentially the most compelling method, why not

?

Up to date 2026