I admit it – I’m a phrase particular person. Phrases provide the means to specific any idea you possibly can dream of and transport your thoughts to marvellous locations. Numbers simply sit there obvious 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 exploit numbers in my CV?
A recruiter wants to know precisely what you’ve accomplished, 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 obscure. Think about the affect of “managing budgets” in opposition to “managing budgets of as much as £25million”.
Numbers can even assist a recruiter to know the way you’ve progressed in your profession to date – for instance, from managing two workers in a single division to managing 200 workers in 5 departments.
What numbers ought to I embody?
The information you quantify in your CV actually is dependent upon your function, however the commonest figures embody the variety of individuals you managed and your funds. 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 – could all be related relying in your function. The probabilities are limitless! Establish the important thing figures which affect the scope of your function and be certain that they’re included. Make certain to not disclose commercially delicate data, although.
In addition to serving to to explain your tasks, numbers can even convey credibility to your
achievements. Anybody can declare to have decreased 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 could ship what you declare. Purpose so as to add quantifiable achievements to each function you’ve held within the final 10 years.
Different 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 robust and up to date).
What numbers ought to I not embody?
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-sensitive data. At finest, it makes you look indiscreet and at worst it might land you in sizzling water together with your present employer.
You also needs to fastidiously 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 choose to write down numbers on a CV as digits, moderately than phrases. It’s not typical English, however it’s a lot simpler to note and pick numbers in a sea of phrases once you’re scanning via 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 establish the place you possibly can embody numbers. It might assist to evaluate your unique job description, if you happen to nonetheless have it, or to match your function with others with an identical job title. In case you want extra assist presenting your CV in essentially the most compelling manner,
why not see how CV Shed may help?
