I admit it – I’m a phrase individual. Phrases provide the means to precise any idea you might dream of and transport your thoughts to marvellous locations. Numbers simply sit there evident at you, being defiantly rigid and stubbornly proper or unsuitable.
Equally, I’ve to confess {that a}
good CV wants numbers. Even for many who aren’t in mathematical or monetary fields, numbers are a necessity – in some methods, they’ll add extra worth than the phrases! Including numbers to your CV lets you improve your CV from TELLING your story to SELLING your story.
Why ought to I take advantage of numbers in my CV?
A recruiter wants to know precisely what you’ve carried out, what you’re able to and the place you possibly can 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 influence of “managing budgets” towards “managing budgets of as much as £25million”.
Numbers may assist a recruiter to know the way you’ve progressed in your profession to this point – for instance, from managing two employees in a single division to managing 200 employees in 5 departments.
What numbers ought to I embrace?
The information you quantify in your CV actually is dependent upon your position, however the most typical figures embrace the variety of individuals you managed and your finances. Different figures – such because the variety of accounts you handle, the variety of websites you’re employed throughout and the variety of initiatives you’ve accomplished – might all be related relying in your position. The probabilities are limitless! Determine the important thing figures which influence the scope of your position and make sure that they’re included. Be certain to not disclose commercially delicate info, although.
In addition to serving to to explain your obligations, numbers may convey credibility to your
achievements. Anybody can declare to have lowered prices, for instance, however if you happen to can put a determine to this saving then you definitely’re making it extra plausible and proving you can ship what you declare. Intention so as to add quantifiable achievements to each position you’ve held within the final 10 years.
Different very important numbers are your telephone quantity (clearly – however unbelievably I see 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 might 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-sensitive info. At finest, it makes you look indiscreet and at worst it might land you in scorching water along with your present employer.
You must also rigorously take into account which dates you’re together with – something too far again and you could be leaving your self open to
age discrimination (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 desire to jot down numbers on a CV as digits, moderately than phrases. It’s not typical English, but it surely’s a lot simpler to note and select numbers in a sea of phrases once you’re scanning by way of a doc in the event that they’re written as digits.
Want extra CV assist?
To current the strongest software attainable, revisit your CV and determine the place you might embrace numbers. It might assist to evaluation your unique job description, if you happen to nonetheless have it, or to check your position with others with the same job title. For those who want extra assist presenting your CV in essentially the most compelling method,
why not see how CV Shed will help?
