5 Steps to the Perfect Achievements-Based CV

If you're going through a career change, or simply want to take on a managerial role, it might have been years since you've updated your CV. During this time, you've done wonders for your company and have many work achievements at your disposal. However, actually writing an achievements-based CV and cover letter is harder than it seems — especially when you're applying for senior-level roles that are highly sought after — as it can be difficult to determine which achievements are the most important and how you can stand out from the competition.

Your CV has the potential to be one of the strongest, but competing against other candidates can be intimidating. However, with a well-structured and airtight CV and cover letter, there is no need to fret about not getting the role. Here are five steps you can take to create an immaculate achievements-based CV and land your dream senior-level position.

• 1
  Only include the most relevant experience
• 2
  Back up your experience with evidence
• 3
  Don't forget about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
• 4
  Stand out from the crowd
• 5
  Don't forget about your soft skills

1. Only Include the Most Relevant Experience

If you're applying for a senior-level position, it's likely that you have a lot of work experience and achievements you're excited to talk about. However, before you start putting down every award and summer job you've ever had, ask yourself if these experiences are really relevant to the role. Human recruiters only spend around 7 seconds looking at your CV, so make sure your application is only around two pages long.

Struggling to cut down your CV? Senior-level recruiters will be looking for a specific type of worker, with great leadership abilities and unique achievements. Check the job description carefully, selecting experiences and achievements that reflect the skillset your employer is looking for. In addition, take note of the differences associated with CVs for interim roles and Non-Executive Directors (NEDs).

You may also be interested in: Reducing Pages in a CV.

2. Back Up Your Experience with Evidence

Throughout your impressive career, you will have achieved many things and displayed managerial-level skills that make you perfect for the new role. However, your employer can't just take your word for it — you need to back up your statements and achievements with evidence. While it's great that you improved your company's profit margins, you need to get specific; if possible, use numbers to back up your point.

3. Don't Forget About Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many recruiters now use ATS systems to filter through the many CVs received. In fact, around 75% of qualified applicants are rejected by ATS systems because their CV can't be read — meaning it was never even seen by a human.

4. Stand Out from the Crowd

Your employer might receive hundreds of applications for one job opening, so your achievements need to be unique and exemplary. While work awards and achievements will look great on your application, stand out further by discussing your dedication to your career outside of work. Voluntary tasks completed in support of your company, or personal achievements such as running a marathon or raising money for charity, show you to be dedicated and hard-working even in your spare time.

5. Don't Forget About Your Soft Skills

Major achievements like award-winning projects and boosting company profit margins should be at the top of your CV, but have you also included examples of soft skills? Teamwork, public speaking, and problem-solving are often overlooked — but they will be essential to your new role. Include some (with examples) on your senior-level application, as it could be the difference between getting the job or falling at the last hurdle.

Progressing to the next stage of your career doesn't have to be daunting, as long as you know how to update your CV. Follow these five steps and employers will be eager to hear more from you.