I am currently an HR adviser and keen to move into an HR manager role. What
infor-mation should I include on my CV to make the best first impression?
Johanna Simons, consultant, Macmillan Davies Hodes
You are obviously already aware that your CV is the most important document
to make a first impression when contacting a prospective employer. To get
noticed, it must be presentable and interesting with the objective of
convincing employers that you have the skills, experience and compatibility to
do the job.
Your CV will set the agenda for the interview, so ensure that it is
achievement-orientated, as this will also remind the interviewer what you can
offer their organisation. If you are looking for a promotion to manager level,
you should include areas such as previous management responsibility, projects
you have led or been involved with, deputising experience, budget
responsibility, and the level of interface you had with your clients.
Keep it simple, using headings and bullet points to focus on key
information. It is essential to include your personal details, career history
including responsibilities and achievements, education and qualifications, and
I also recommend that you add some personal information and a personal profile.
Victoria Wall, managing director, Victoria Wall Associates
To make this move you should highlight the experience on your CV most
relevant to the new role. If you are CIPD qualified, this should be made clear
early on in your CV together with any other relevant qualifications.
Highlight any key responsibilities and initiatives you have implemented and
expand upon the management side of your role, particularly with regards to any
supervisory responsibilities or leadership roles you have taken on. List all
the areas of HR that you have advised on and who your internal client group is.
You should also include details of any relevant training courses and
seminars that you have attended. Your CV should focus on the project and
management sides of your role, rather than the administrative areas.
Peter Sell, joint managing director, DMS Consultancy
The most important information a prospective employer is looking for is your
HR experience. They will be particularly interested in the level at which you
have been working.
If you take recruitment and selection as an example, ensure you highlight
vacancies at management level, rather than the admin you have been involved in.
Give examples of any projects that are not normally part of an HR adviser’s
job. Do not just list responsibilities, write your activities as achievements.
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If you have staff working for you, include numbers and levels. Have you been
able to demonstrate an innovative approach to an issue in your organisation? If
so, add this to your list of achievements.
Finally, remember to list jobs first, starting with your current one,
followed by your highest qualifications. If you have CIPD membership or
relevant training, then include that after your job history.
