HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR REFERENCES

Why a Strong CV is Non-Negotiable for Finance Professionals in 2025

As a Senior Resourcer at Sharp Consultancy, I’ve reviewed thousands of CVs...From those just starting out to seasoned professionals with decades of experience. One thing remains consistent: in today’s competitive market, a strong CV isn’t optional—it’s essential. Today, South Yorkshire’s finance landscape is more dynamic than ever. With growing demand across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tech, accountancy and finance professionals are expected to bring more than just technical skills to the table. Your CV is your first opportunity to prove you’re up to the challenge. This blog marks the start of a three-part series focused on helping you craft a standout CV tailored to your career stage and goals. In this first post, we’ll cover general CV tips relevant to all finance professionals. In the next two instalments, we’ll dive deeper into: Transactional Finance CVs – how to highlight your experience in roles such as purchase ledger, sales ledger, and credit control. Part-Qualified Finance CVs – how to position yourself for progression while studying towards your qualifications. Stay tuned for practical advice and real-world insights to help your CV rise to the top of the pile. 🕒 First Impressions MatterRecruiters and hiring managers typically spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV. That means your CV needs to immediately communicate relevance, professionalism, and potential. A clean layout, clear structure, and tailored content can make the difference between landing an interview or being passed over. 🔍 Specialist Skillsets Are in DemandFinance roles today go far beyond number-crunching. Employers want professionals who understand how finance supports wider business goals. Whether it’s streamlining reporting, implementing new systems, or driving cost efficiencies, your CV should highlight the tangible impact you’ve made. This is your chance to showcase your value-add—what makes you different from the next candidate. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements and make them memorable. 📍 Standing Out in YorkshireYorkshire is home to a diverse range of industries, from advanced manufacturing and engineering to professional services and digital tech. This diversity creates exciting opportunities—but also fierce competition. To stand out, your CV should reflect sector-specific experience and transferable skills. Whether you’ve worked in a fast-paced SME or a large corporate environment, highlight how your background aligns with the needs of the region’s employers. 📊 Business Acumen is a MustFinance professionals are increasingly expected to contribute to strategic decision-making. Roles in FP&A, commercial finance, and business partnering are on the rise, and employers want candidates who can offer insight—not just information. Your CV should reflect your ability to influence outcomes. Have you helped drive revenue growth? Supported investment decisions? Improved forecasting accuracy? These are the stories that resonate with hiring managers. 📈 Show a Clear Story of ProgressionRecruiters look for signs of growth and development. A strong CV doesn’t just list job titles—it explains the “why” behind each move. Did you step into a leadership role? Take on a new challenge? Gain exposure to a different sector? Even lateral moves can be powerful if they show a deliberate effort to build your skillset. Make sure your CV tells a cohesive story of your career journey. 🔑 Final ThoughtsIn Yorkshire’s fast-moving industries, a sharp, well-crafted CV is your key to unlocking new opportunities. It’s not just about listing experience—it’s about showing impact, adaptability, and commercial value from the very first glance. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just exploring your options, now is the time to invest in your CV. Visit Our Candidate Advice Pages HereLooking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

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Choosing who to put forward to provide you with a reference is a key part of the job application process; after all your hard work in securing your dream role, you don’t want your efforts to be in vain with a poorly selected referee.

What is a reference?

References act as a third party endorsement – a seal of approval – that you are who you say you are and that you have performed the roles outlined on your CV. They are a beneficial way for potential employers to confirm that they have made the right choice in selecting you as their preferred candidate.

What information will be provided about you?

There are specific details that your current or previous employer can provide when giving a reference; length of employment, job title/role, brief outline of responsibility, overall performance, attendance record and reason for leaving. They can also state whether or not you would be someone that they would look to rehire in the future.

An employer is not obliged to provide a full reference – they may opt to simply provide a factual reference – however if they do, they must ensure that it is fair and accurate.

How many references do I need to provide?

It is normal practice to provide a minimum of two individuals, one of which should be your current or most recent employer. It is not always necessary to detail these on your application – ‘references available on request’ will usually suffice – however if you are required to provide names, there will most likely be an option to indicate that you would only like your referees to be contacted once an offer of employment has been made.

Do I need to put forward my line manager?

Not necessarily, but do select someone who will be able to talk positively about all aspects of your work. This could be your department manager, team leader or company director. It is important to ensure that whomever you wish to put forward, you have spoken to them in advance so they can give their consent and are prepared for request when it comes.

What information will my potential employer require?

When putting forward a person to provide a reference, you will need to supply their full name, their job role (and potentially outline how this relates to your current role) and an up-to-date email address and contact telephone number. Double check what the policy is at your current workplace in case there are specific procedures which need to be followed to obtain references.

I’m not sure who to suggest as my second referee – what should I be looking for?

Most importantly, who you put forward should be someone that you have a good working relationship with – this could be a former employer or colleague, a client or business associate, am customer or possibly a tutor or lecturer if you have recently completed a training or education course. Make sure that whoever you select is someone that you know primarily in a work capacity – not a friend or family member – and that they are familiar with your career progression to date.

And finally...

As well as asking people in advance if they are prepared to provide a reference, make sure you follow up any requests by thanking them for their time and letting them know when you have been successful in securing a new role – you never know when you could be calling upon them again!

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for temporary, interim and permanent roles across the full spectrum of positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today and speak to a member of our team about your next career move.