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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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Could my social media activity have a negative effect on my career prospects?

Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are part of most people’s everyday life. But as well as being a great way to stay in touch and keep track of what is happening in the world, your social media profile and activity can say a lot to a potential new employer or your current boss.

Employers are very well acquainted with the potential of the web when it comes to recruitment, and as well as being a useful medium to source candidates, it is also a hugely valuable tool when it comes to researching more about possible hires who are of interest.

Your CV and performance during an interview are situations in which hiring managers will know that you are giving the best account possible of yourself. However, looking at someone’s online presence can help shape their idea about a person’s character - seeing what they might be like when their guard is down, so to speak.

Posting flippant comments, making negative remarks about your work or employer or - as in a famously reported case some years ago – bragging about taking a sick day when you are really looking to enjoy a day out will win you no favours with an interviewer.

Other moves which could spell trouble for your career include sharing information about applying for new jobs, celebrating getting a job offer before having spoken to your current employer and moaning about your colleagues or clients. Being seen to support groups or statements which could be seen as offensive, using crude language and even poor grammar and spelling are all things which could easily turn an interviewer’s opinion from ‘we have to see this candidate’ to ‘perhaps they are not the right person for our organisation’.

Think carefully about what you post and tweet, make sure your security and privacy settings are robust, exercise caution when it comes to accepting friend, follower and connection requests and be aware of any posts or photos that others may tag you into.

However, social media shouldn’t be seen as the enemy and you can certainly use it to your advantage in your search for a new job – as well as allowing you to glean a wealth of information about companies you are keen to join, an insightful blog or contributing to interesting discussions on industry networking groups will make potential employers take notice of you online for the right reasons.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today for expert advice on your next career move.