Breaking through the CV Barrier: Unique Strategies for Women in Financial Services

Buckle up, ladies of the financial world, because we're about to dive into the harsh realities of today's job market.? Financial Institutions are cutting costs and roles, while a flood of job seekers are competing for opportunities.? Roles are particularly limited in specialised and Senior Financial Services roles.? Brace yourself for the agony of pouring your all into applications, only to face soul-crushing rejections or the dreaded silence of being ghosted by recruiters.??

Recruiters have the attention span of a goldfish - just 7 seconds to impress! It's like speed dating for job applications. Make every second count to skyrocket to the interview stage and avoid the abyss of rejection.

There's an overwhelming sea of advice out there on how to create a standout CV, but women in Financial Services face some unique hurdles on this journey.?

Let’s look at how to conquer CV challenges and leave recruiters wanting more with my expert tips for women in financial services who are ready to make their next bold career move:

CV tip #1: Get the basics right

There are some basic rules when writing a CV:?

• Use a professional template that looks clean and structured.
• Write in the ‘3rd’ person i.e. don’t use ‘I’ or ‘We’ or ‘My’. It should be written as if someone else was writing about you.
• Don’t use fancy fonts, italics or colours. This can interfere with CVs being read in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and distract from the content.?
• Maximum 3 pages.? It needs to be succinct. You’ll have chance to go deeper at interview.
• Use action/doing words.? Start bullet points describing your experience with words such as ‘managed’, ‘implemented’, ‘led’ and ‘achieved’ to add impact.

CV tip #2: Structure

Your CV needs to follow a clear format, presenting a captivating personal statement at the top. It’s then helpful to add a bullet point list of key skills, relevant to the role you’re applying for.

As the CV unfolds, your career experience should shine through, with dedicated sections for each role, beginning with the most recent.

A section on Education is key as well as Professional Qualifications to demonstrate your commitment to continuous growth and development.

CV tip #3: Highlight your strengths

Unleash your hidden strengths, ladies! Sometimes it's hard to recognize your own natural talents as they come so easy to you and women can be modest!? Seek input from trusted colleagues and friends to discover your unique strengths. Turn these strengths and soft skills into powerful assets. Highlight them in the opening paragraph of your CV's personal statement to bring your true self to life on paper.

CV tip #4: Create your personal brand

Stand out in this dynamic industry by recognising your unique approach and your distinct strengths.

• What sets your thinking apart?
• How might you tackle challenges and opportunities in a way that others going for this role haven't considered?

By delving into these questions, you can identify your very own superpowers that truly differentiate you from the competition.

Ensure your personal statement showcases your top 3 superpowers, whether it's

• your innovative problem-solving skills;
• your ability to think outside the box, or;
• your talent for building strong stakeholder relationships, make sure these strengths shine through.??

This not only sets you apart but also adds immense value to organisations seeking individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and drive positive change.

So, harness your distinctiveness and unleash it with confidence in your personal statement, leaving no doubt about the exceptional value you bring to the table.

CV tip #5: Address Career Gaps with Confidence

In the world of finance, women often approach me with a common concern: how to navigate career gaps without compromising their chances of success.?

Own your journey ladies! Take control of the narrative, embrace career gaps and turn them into strengths. Highlight transferable skills gained from experiences like maternity leave or family responsibilities. Showcase resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.? Your honesty and positive presentation will speak volumes and position you as an authentic candidate in the world of financial services.? Above all, don’t leave unexplained gaps as recruiters won’t take time to speak to you to understand them.

CV tip #6: Quantify achievements and impact

Boost your credibility in finance! Don't just describe your experience, highlight your achievements. Incorporate strategic data and numbers in your CV to provide concrete evidence of your results-oriented approach.

• Use specific numbers or percentages to quantify your achievements.? Quantify your achievements: Increased sales by 20% in 6 months, managed budgets worth ￡X, led teams of X people. Numbers speak volumes on your CV!
• Highlight growth and performance. Describe where you have exceeded targets or been a top-rated performer for 3 consecutive years. Let the numbers tell your success story!
• Demonstrate operational improvements: Streamlined a project management system and cut month-end timelines by 40%, implemented a new reporting structure that improved data accuracy by 15%.
• Use financial metrics. If applicable, incorporate financial metrics such as revenue generated, cost savings, return on investment (ROI), or profit margins to highlight your financial acumen and the tangible outcomes of your efforts.

CV tip #7: Tailor your CV for each role

Adaptability in a CV is key. Tailored specifically for each role, it should align seamlessly with the job description. Identify the competencies and experience sought by the company in the Job Description, as well as the desired personality traits and strengths outlined in the Person Specification, if available. By strategically incorporating matching competencies and utilising targeted keywords, your CV will effortlessly stand out as a strong match for the desired position.

CV tip #8: Outsource your CV if you don’t have time

Level up your career, ladies in finance! As a CV writer and Career Coach, I've helped countless women in financial services to make their next bold move with a standout CV. Let's conquer this job market together! Requiring just 60-90 minutes of your time for me to talk through your experience with you and pull out your strengths, I'll then craft a professional, high-impact CV for you, sparing you the hassle and energy. It's an investment worth every penny.

Click here to book a call now for a free consultation! Get 10% off my CV writing service until the end of July with code HIREME (exclusive for those who've read this).