Frustrated at not receiving responses to your online job applications you have made this year?

First impressions are very important – so your CV is an extension of who you are and the first thing an employer will see. In short – it is a door opener for new opportunities.

Here are some very quick tips I have learnt over my time at Sheridan Maine to help accounting & finance professionals secure their dream jobs.

Tips on improving your CV

• Have a strong profile summary written at the beginning of the CV. A few paragraphs about what you have been doing and have achieved in your career and ultimately what type of work you are looking for. People are interested in your story and why you are looking to make the next move. Don’t waffle; a few paragraphs should suffice but avoid clichés such as ‘hard working’ and ‘ highly motivated’. You need to back these up with examples later in the CV. It is important that your profile summary matches with the type of job opportunity you are applying for. It might help to have several different profiles written in advance; depending on the role you are applying for, so you can simply copy and paste them into the application. ?
• State your availability dates for employment – makes it easier for employers (and agencies) to shortlist your CV.
• If you are in a transactional accounting role, make sure you add values and volumes to the invoices you are processing or the accounts you are reconciling. Highlight any deadlines you have had to adhere to. Make sure you note any 1st time passes and high grades in relation to your education and accounting qualifications. Break down the duties in sections – e.g month end or the production of management accounts, list the duties in a sentence. If you have ‘assisted’ explain what part you played in completing the task or requirement.
• Highlight separately the accounting systems you have used and any proficiency levels you have – including MS Excel (v-look ups, pivot tables) ?
• Explain what you were doing if there are any gaps on your CV during employment (e.g. travel) as often this can be a positive rather than a negative. ?
• Highlight your Key Achievements for each accounting role you have had – especially if you have been there for longer than 6 -12 months. What made you stand out from your colleagues? Show how you saved your current employer time, money or generated revenue…any projects you might have worked on – make the achievements tangible and relevant to the job and the positive impact it made. ??
• Use headings, subheadings and a clear format to ensure you make your duties and responsibilities are clear with bullet points, rather than paragraphs.
• List accounting duties and responsibilities only – keep the CV concise. If you were employed in a non-accounting role you need only list the job title, company and employment dates.
• Make sure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV! That also includes dates of employment – hiring managers do check! ?

Results from our 2024 Job Seeker Survey

Down below are some results from our Job Seekers Guide 2024. This gives an insight into what individuals are seeking in their next opportunity.

Which of the following would be most important to you in a new opportunity?

Much has been written and will continue to be written about the pros & cons of WFH. But with more and more businesses looking to interview, onboard and manage staff in the office, is WFH for more job seekers now becoming a benefit or perk of the job?? For many passing probation is the pre-requisite before having the option to WFH.? But those businesses that do not offer this option will potentially struggle to attract or retain staff, unless they are offering other competitive benefits as alternatives. In contrast could one argue it is challenging to create or sustain a positive working environment or culture if staff are all working from home?

What would you describe as your main reason for looking to leave your current/most recent role?

Key motivators for changing employment vary considerably with each one being an often unique and important factor to each individual. What it does show is that businesses and industries need to work hard to attract and retain talent. But with changes to working environment and a lack of promotional opportunities topping the answers, could it suggest outside economic factors are also impacting on the places of work?

Which of the following services from your chosen recruitment consultancy would be of benefit to your current or future job hunt?

Whereas many recruitment agencies only react to client requests, Sheridan Maine takes a proactive and targeted approach to the market. By agreeing a recruitment plan when registering with us (not limited to specific job titles, duties, industry, location and environment), because our relationships are largely with line managers and department heads where we are able to talk through your credentials and discuss upcoming opportunities in confidence – we are often able to secure you the job of choice.

Combined with the fact we are specialists in your chosen field we can provide advice on your CV and greatly enhance your success rates at interview - often having met with the interviewer in person ourselves.

We may not get it right all the time first time – but we don’t give up in terms of trying.

?If you are struggling with your CV and want a few more pointers. Here at Sheridan Maine we can format your CV as part of service to help you find your dream role.

On the other hand, if you would like a further insight to the current market for job seekers. Feel free to drop me a message or email me on [email protected] to see how I could with your job search.

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