INTERVIEWS – WHAT TO DO IF YOU DON’T LAND THE ROLE

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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There will be times when no matter how well you have prepared, you might not be successful following an interview. Whilst this is far from a pleasant experience, it is important to remember that handling rejection in a positive way will put you in a better position when it comes to your next application.

There can be countless reasons why your interviewer may not have selected you for the role and this can be particularly disheartening when you felt that the interview itself went well and it was a role that you could see yourself doing. Try not to let negative feelings dampen your confidence and look for ways in which you can learn from the experience.

Ask for feedback

Always ask for feedback, especially when you feel the interview went well. There are numerous reasons why another candidate was selected and in most cases it will be because of their experience and how they performed rather than you didn’t give a good account of yourself. Take any feedback on board and look at how you can make improvements when it comes to applying for future roles.

Room for improvement

Remember that you were able to secure an interview so you clearly demonstrated desirable skills and experience. Try to identify if there were any areas where you could benefit from additional training or volunteer for tasks that will give you exposure to develop new skills. This will be time well spent and will put you in a better position next time round.

Not every role is the same

Just as every role is different, so is every company and every interviewer and certain skills, personality traits and experience will appeal more to some than others. Try to keep in mind that you weren’t the right candidate for that particular role but that doesn’t mean that your skills and experience won’t be seen as ideal by another interviewer. Don’t let a rejection put you off and ensure that when you next come to apply for position that you tailor your CV to suit the requirements of the role.

Don’t burn any bridges

Whilst you are disappointed, remember to respond in a positive manner. Thank your interviewer for their time and for the opportunity. There’s no harm is saying that you would have preferred a different outcome and would like to be considered for any future opportunities. You never know what could happen further down the line should things not work out with the successful candidate or further openings become available.

Don’t assume you have done something ‘wrong’

After receiving the news, try not to focus too much upon the final outcome and instead look to assess your own performance. If you delivered a strong interview and did your best but another candidate was better then there is very little you could have done in that situation. Consider the feedback that you have been given and look at what you can do that could make a difference and don’t get too caught up in things that would be outside of your control.

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