I admit it – I’m a phrase individual. Phrases provide the means to specific any idea you might dream of and transport your thoughts to marvellous locations. Numbers simply sit there obtrusive 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 will add extra worth than the phrases! Including numbers to your CV allows you to 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 grasp precisely what you’ve carried out, what you’re able to and the place you may profit an organisation. Utilizing numbers in your CV allows you to again up and quantify statements which can in any other case be too generic or obscure. Contemplate the affect of “managing budgets” towards “managing budgets of as much as £25million”.
Numbers may also assist a recruiter to grasp the way you’ve progressed in your profession to date – 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 relies on your position, however the most typical figures embrace 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 – might all be related relying in your position. The probabilities are limitless! Determine the important thing figures which affect the scope of your position and be certain that they’re included. Make certain to not disclose commercially delicate data, although.
In addition to serving to to explain your obligations, numbers may also deliver credibility to your
achievements. Anybody can declare to have decreased prices, for instance, however should you can put a determine to this saving you then’re making it extra plausible and proving which you could ship what you declare. Goal 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 robust 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 could be detrimental to your candidacy if the recruiter thinks you’re over- or under-valuing your self.
You additionally should be cautious to not disclose any commercially-sensitive data. At greatest, it makes you look indiscreet and at worst it may land you in sizzling water together with your present employer.
You must also rigorously contemplate 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 favor to put in writing numbers on a CV as digits, somewhat than phrases. It’s not standard English, however it’s a lot simpler to note and pick numbers in a sea of phrases while you’re scanning by means of a doc in the event that they’re written as digits.
Want extra CV assist?
To current the strongest software potential, revisit your CV and establish the place you might embrace numbers. It might assist to evaluation your unique job description, should you nonetheless have it, or to check your position with others with an analogous job title. For those who want extra assist presenting your CV in probably the most compelling method,
why not see how CV Shed might help?