Working with a professional CV writer – it pays to maintain your professional profile
In this series, professional CV writer Neville Rose, director of CV Writers, works with ACCA affiliates and members at various stages of their careers to write CVs that will help them achieve their goals. We get to see questions, doubts and misconceptions about CVs explained by an expert, while also getting an idea of what it's like to work with a professional CV writer. We'll share LinkedIn profiles and, hopefully, a few success stories.
CV writing services for an Affiliate ACCA Member
Nabil Ashar gained his accountancy qualification in 2019 to become an Affiliate ACCA Member. Currently working as an external auditor, he is not sure about his future career and open to different possibilities. During an exploratory conversation with Neville Rose, director of CV Writers, Nabil said: 'I’d like to continue to work in financial services, may be as a financial analyst or internal auditor. I’d like to gain experience in different positions to enhance my understanding of accountancy.'
Researching job roles on ACCA Careers
Nabil agreed to research different roles on the ACCA Careers website and forward two or three example job descriptions to Neville prior to their CV consultation. Nabil found plenty of different types of roles from the Big 4 to more local companies where he is based in Malaysia. Nabil clarified that at this stage in his career he is interested only in working in Malaysia.
Writing an authentic professional profile
During the initial part of the CV consultation, Neville sought to gain insight into the personal qualities that will enable Nabil to succeed in the roles he is applying for.
Neville explained: 'This is in order to write a targeted and authentic professional profile at the beginning of the CV.'
Nabil followed up: 'I have the ability to see the overall picture of a company while also focusing on the detail. I bring good analytical skills in assessing issues and situations. I am an agile worker and build good client relations – always delivering to deadline.'
Demonstrating achievements is vital in a CV
During a deep dive into achievements, Nabil provided several excellent examples of high performance. This included discovering significant costs for a client firm that had not been disclosed in the financial statements. Nabil designed a new template and recommended a change to the billing process to prevent these issues happening again. Neville was able to incorporate these achievements into the CV.
Neville explained: 'Demonstrating achievements is vital in a CV. Too many people literally copy and paste job descriptions. These are generic and impersonal. You need each employment to tell its own story. Your own story.'
Search hundreds of roles from all over the world on ACCA Careers
Sign up for a job alert tailored to your desired location and role
Should you include a photo?
Nabil asked whether a photo should be included in the CV. Neville replied: 'Although the situation in Malaysia is more relaxed than other countries, I would advise against it. Introducing a photo induces unconscious bias in the reader. The recruiter may end up making decisions based on whether they like the look of the person rather than their ability to do the job. Therefore, it is better not to include a photo or indeed any other personal information such as date of birth or sex.'
Understanding the external perspective
As Nabil was applying for jobs within Malaysia, he asked whether figures should be in Malaysian ringgit (RM), the local currency, or US dollars.
Neville responded: 'This is a good point. Although US dollars are a universally recognised currency, as Nabil is applying for jobs within his own country and have to report in RM, it makes sense to cite in the local currency. In future, if Nabil were to apply for jobs abroad, then he might want to switch to US dollars.'
Why you do not need references in a CV
Nabil had cited references in his old CV and when his new CV was emailed to him asked whether they should be included again.
Neville replied: 'It's not necessary to include references in a CV. You will need to provide references, of course, but only much later on in the recruitment process, usually after you have received an offer. Therefore, I would advise against including them in a CV. Also, by leaving them out, it gives you the option of whom you might want to pick as a reference when needed.'
Differences between a CV and LinkedIn profile
With these clarifications answered, Nabil approved his CV and cover letter with no further changes and Neville went on to write his LinkedIn profile.
'I usually write the LinkedIn profile after the CV has been approved,' Neville explained. “As there is an information flow between the two, it makes sense for client to approve one before working on the other. I write LinkedIn profiles in first person and in a friendly style as you are looking to strike a one-to-one conversation with the reader. I'm also mindful not to include any sensitive information in a LinkedIn profile that might upset a previous employer. The ability to take an external perspective is a key reason why people choose to use CV writing services. It is often difficult to write about yourself while also being mindful of the recruiter’s point of view.'
You can view Nabil's updated LinkedIn profile here
This article was written by Neville Rose, director of CV Writers
CV Writers are the official CV partner to ACCA Careers
In addition to a CV writing service they can help with Career Counselling, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and interview coaching. You can get things started with a Free CV Review