HOW TO SURVIVE THE JOB SEARCH

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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Looking for a new role can be a challenging and time-consuming experience – in many ways it is like having another full-time job in itself! Ensuring that you dedicate enough time to making your job search as success can be tricky and, if things don’t seem to be going your way, it can be easy to lose faith and become despondent.

Here are our suggestions for maintaining a positive outlook whilst looking for a new role:

Ensure you have focused and dedicated time to look for a new role:

It is worth planning time into your day or week when you will concentrate on your job search; this could be setting time aside at the beginning or end of the day to browse through new opportunities or taking time out each weekend to prepare the perfect application. Find a routine that works for you.

Understand that looking for a new role takes time:

Taking into account your notice period, you have to accept that even if you hit lucky with your first application moving roles can usually take anything between 3 and 6 months. Before you start your search, be realistic about the amount of time that it may take.

And you are not always in control:

Try not to worry about what you have no control or influence over. It can be frustrating waiting to hear the outcome of an application or interview and some organisations may have a lengthy recruitment process which requires several levels of approval or multiple interviews before they can get to the stage of making an offer. There is certainly no harm to keeping in touch (without bombarding the hiring manager!) to demonstrate your eagerness for the role, but at the same time, accept that the decision-making process is out of your hands and don’t assume that just because you haven’t heard anything, it won’t be good news. Use your time productively by continuing to seek out other opportunities and preparing your CV and applications.

Don’t take rejections to heart:

It can be very easy to feel deflated, particularly when you don’t secure a role that you really wanted – especially if you felt that you made a great impression on your CV or during an interview. Try not to view a rejection as you did something ‘wrong’ - whilst you should always seek feedback and reflect on what you can improve upon for next time, sometimes you need to accept that it simply wasn’t the right role for you.

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 discuss your recruitment needs with a member of our team.