What Will Make My CV Stand Out to Employers?

When you’re applying for a new role, your first impression is often through your CV, and in today’s competitive job market, making a strong one is crucial. For those seeking PA or secretarial roles, a well-crafted CV can be the key to unlocking exciting opportunities.
At Attic Recruitment, we have a wealth of experience in helping employers and jobseekers find their perfect match. Here’s our comprehensive guide to optimising your CV to increase your chances of landing that ideal position.

What is a CV?

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a comprehensive document outlining your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It’s your personal marketing tool that showcases your qualifications for a specific role. Think of it as your 5-minute pitch – a brief window to persuade an employer that you’re worth meeting for an interview. Along with your cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and any other relevant materials, your CV is one of the first things a potential employer will see, so it’s crucial to make it count.

The Importance of a Strong CV for PA and Secretarial Roles

PA and secretarial positions demand a unique blend of skills, including exceptional organisational abilities, strong communication skills, and a keen eye for detail. Your CV should effectively highlight these qualities while demonstrating your suitability for the role. It’s essential to tailor your CV to each specific job application, emphasising the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.

Crafting a Strong Summary/Objective

Your CV should start with a strong summary or objective statement that immediately grabs the recruiter’s attention. This is your opportunity to succinctly outline your career goals and what you bring to the table. Make sure this section reflects your commitment to the PA or secretarial profession, and tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for.

Highlighting Skills

Your skills section should include a mix of hard and soft skills relevant to PA and secretarial roles:

• Hard Skills: These might include proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with CRM software, or familiarity with industry-specific tools.

• Soft Skills: Highlight interpersonal skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management. Tailor these to the job description, ensuring you address the key competencies the employer is seeking.

Here are the skills you should focus on:

1. Experience in PA and Secretarial Roles: Detail your previous experience with specifics, such as the types of environments you’ve worked in (corporate, legal, medical, etc.), and the scope of your responsibilities. Were you managing diaries, booking travel, or organising events? Highlighting these experiences helps employers see that you understand the demands of the role.

2. Key Skills: Align your skills with those sought after in PA and secretarial roles. These often include:

o Communication Skills: Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and management. Highlight experiences where your communication skills have made a tangible difference.

o Organisation and Time Management: Employers want to know that you can keep things running smoothly. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.

o Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office, CRM systems, or industry-specific software is often essential. Make sure these skills are clearly listed and, where possible, provide examples of how you’ve used them to improve efficiency or productivity.

o Discretion and Confidentiality: In PA and secretarial roles, you’ll often be privy to sensitive information. Employers need to trust that you can handle this responsibly.

3. Achievements and Impact: Focus on what you’ve accomplished in your previous roles. Use quantifiable achievements to show how you’ve added value, such as “Implemented a new filing system that reduced document retrieval time by 30%,” or “Managed travel arrangements for senior executives, ensuring seamless logistics for over 50 international trips annually.”

Detailing Your Experience

When listing your experience, focus on achievements rather than just duties. Use action words like “implemented,” “organised,” “managed,” or “coordinated” to describe your contributions. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact.

Making Your CV Visually Appealing

The design of your CV is important. It should be eye-catching yet professional, with a clean, easy-to-read layout. Consider the following tips:

• Use a Professional Design: Choose a layout that is simple, clear, and easy to navigate. Avoid overly decorative fonts or cluttered designs.

• Consistent Formatting: Ensure that your formatting is consistent throughout, using bullet points to organise information and maintain clarity.

• Font and Font Size: Stick to professional fonts like Arial or Calibri and use a size that is easy to read (usually 10-12 points).

Showcasing Your Personality

While professionalism is key, don’t be afraid to let some of your personality shine through in your CV. This can be done through a conversational tone or by including a brief section on interests and hobbies. A touch of individuality can help differentiate you from other candidates and show that you’re more than just a list of qualifications.

Addressing Gaps in Your Employment

If there are gaps in your employment history, don’t ignore them. Briefly explain any significant breaks in your career, whether due to personal reasons, further education, or travel. Being upfront shows honesty and transparency, qualities that are highly valued in PA and secretarial roles.

Mind the Details

Attention to detail is crucial. Ensure that your CV is free from grammar and spelling errors, and double-check that your name, job title, and contact details are correct. A polished, error-free CV reflects your commitment to quality and professionalism.

Craft Your CV Today

If you need help or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Attic Recruitment. We have extensive experience helping candidates secure their dream PA, administrative, and secretarial roles. Get in touch to discuss your specific requirements and take the next step towards your perfect job.