Celebrating National Careers Week - Tom Davage,

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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Following on in our celebration of National Careers Week, an annual event that aims to provide young people in various educational and organisational settings with career guidance and support. Tom Davage reflects on his experience as a recruiter and his role at Sharp Consultancy.

Since he came on board almost three years ago in his second role since University, Tom has proven to be an essential part of the team and achieved many goals along the way.

As part of his development with us, Tom has completed the Recruitment Consultant Level 3 from the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education via Recruitment Juice, an online recruitment training platform. We offer this qualification to trainee consultants as a way of enhancing their potential with our company and helping them advance to more senior roles. Tom achieved a distinction in the qualification and this partnered with his commitment and success lead to his promotion to Senior Consultant.

Tom's story shows that recruitment can be a successful and rewarding career route for young people starting out their career.

What were you doing before you worked for Sharp Consultancy?

Before Sharp Consultancy, I was working for a national Newspaper supplier, selling advert space to tradesmen in local areas, including the North East & North West.

How did you first connect with Sharp Consultancy?

I first connected with Sharp through a Rec2Rec who put me in touch with the business.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a career at Sharp Consultancy?

I was interested in working at Sharp Consultancy because they are a long standing, local business with a good reputation. Being from Sheffield and having worked previously with people from different parts of the country, I wanted to work with local people and local businesses.

What do you enjoy most about working in recruitment?

Meeting and working with different people and businesses and fitting them both together. Hearing how happy people are in their new roles is always a great feeling.

What is the most valuable thing working here has taught you?

To not be afraid to have that difficult conversation. That was quite daunting at the start, but having a conversation that is a little uncomfortable maybe hard at the time, but clients and candidates respect you more because of it and for setting the right expectations and then delivering against them.

What is one piece of advice would you pass on to any person trying to start a career in recruitment?

Put in the hard work and you will be rewarded. It’s not easy at the start but if you continue to do the right things, believe in what you are doing and the process then you will see the benefits in no time and they far outweigh the hard work as you start out in your career in recruitment.

Are you interested in working as a recruiter? We would love to hear from you and discuss the opportunities to become part of our team.

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 and see how we can help.

Celebrating National Careers Week - Tom Davage, Senior Consultant