Advice for executives on how to put together your CV

• The common mistake that a lot of senior HR professionals make is that they don't see their CV as a Sales document. It is important that you don't present pages and pages of information but that you accurately reflect the main points of what you have done and most importantly the impact that had on the organisations you have worked for. Bullet format is often the most effective way of doing this.
  
  
• In an era where HR is increasingly seen as a business partner many clients want to see if you have made a real contribution to the growth/profit of your organisation.
  
  
• For interim managers it is important to demonstrate your breadth of assignments and experience and most importantly the difference that you made.
  
  
• Similarly your enthusiasm for proving references from satisfied clients is of major importance and a great selling point.
  
  
• Provide a one paragraph and succinct 'profile' of you. This should reflect your character and why you are good at what you do.
  
  
• This helps and the CV then becomes an agent for discussion at interview stage.
  
  
• Avoid gimmicks and putting photographs on your CV as this can provoke raised eyebrows at interviews if the photo you put on was taken when you were 21!!
  
  
• Personal and educational details should also be succinct and include any professional qualifications etc.
  
  
• Prepare additional information that can be sent separately and can back up specific experiences such as handling mergers and acquisitions or other similar projects. This avoids having to make the main CV too wordy and is often popular with clients.