1. Executive Recruiters Reveal
TOP TIPS FOR A
COMPELLING CV

2. Finding your next senior role can take
longer than you might think
1 in 10
candidates
are still searching
after 12 months*
*Source: “The Executive Job Search: Candidate and Recruiter Perspectives Revealed”

3. Many senior executives are falling at
the first hurdle
The Curriculum Vitae
(CV) forms the
foundation of your
personal brand
which you present
to the recruitment
market.
Yet, candidates
often struggle to
get recruiters to
take notice of
their CV and they
don’t get enough
interviews.

4. “They are functionally
well prepared but
often they struggle
with the basic
application side of
things like cover
letter, CV etc.”
Recruiters say senior executives are
often unable to prepare a quality CV

5. Recruiters say senior executives are
often unable to prepare a quality CV
“They tend not to have
particularly good CV’s or
the ability to communicate
their achievements.”
“There is a mixture of CVs.
The higher up you go,
sometimes the worse the
CV gets.”

6. We asked experienced
executive recruiters
to share their key tips
to give candidates an
‘inside track’…
What makes a really impressive CV?

7. A realistic view of your aims
and what you can bring to a
company is most important.
TOP TIP
#1

8. Clarity, 2 pages, a focus on
output and achievement and
clear progression.
TOP TIP
#2

9. The best CVs are concise but
yet list key achievements and
responsibilities.
TOP TIP
#3

10. Facts and figures;
company size, sector and
responsibilities then mostly
about your achievements in
that role.
TOP TIP
#4

11. Make it relevant! A CV which
has been tailored for that job
search rather than just an old
CV with an additional
paragraph on the last role.
TOP TIP
#5

12. An impressive CV is one that
matches the client’s needs.
Demonstrate understanding of
the organisation you are
looking for and sound
knowledge of the market.
TOP TIP
#6

13. Up-to-date and relevant
online profile and ability for
video CVs for the future.
There is still no substitute to
meeting face to face.
TOP TIP
#7

14. Don't submit 'War & Peace'.
Use the STAR approach -
Situation/ Task/ Action/
Results. Speak in 'I did this
and it resulted in this'.
TOP TIP
#8

15. Summarise - use the first 2
or 3 lines to sum up what the
client can expect from the
candidate, then bullet points
listing experience and
achievements.
TOP TIP
#9

16. Presentation - no fluffy
borders or cramped space. A
minimum of a 10 point font.
TOP TIP
#10

17. Present yourself as a ‘story’
outlining where you started
and where you are now, with
more detail on the more
recent roles.
TOP TIP
#11

18. For more information, see the following free reports, available on our
website:
How to craft a compelling CV – a report for senior executives
The Executive Job Search: Candidate and Recruiter Perspectives
Revealed – independent research report
Thanks for reading,
Steve Nicholls
Managing Director
Executive Connexions Ltd.
www.executiveconnexions.co.uk
Copyright © 2015 Executive Connexions Ltd. All Rights Reserved.