Crafting the Perfect CV for Business Support Positions

Whether you are vying for a position as an Executive Assistant, Office Manager, HR Assistant, or any other role within the business support spectrum, presenting your qualifications and experience in a clear, compelling manner is crucial. Competition for roles can be fierce and a meticulously crafted CV can be your ticket to landing your dream job.

With over 35 years’ experience placing candidates into companies ranging from small boutiques to global corporations, across a wide variety of sectors, it’s fair to say we’ve seen a few CVs in our time!

In this article we provide guidance on creating a standout CV tailored to business support positions, highlighting the importance of relevant experience, skills, and achievements.

1. Start with a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement, located at the top of your CV, is your chance to make a memorable first impression. In this section, succinctly summarise who you are, what you offer, and your career aspirations. For example:

"As an experienced Office Manager with over five years in the financial services sector, I bring a proven track record of streamlining operations and enhancing team efficiency. I am now seeking to leverage my skills in a dynamic environment where I can contribute to organisational success and growth."

2. Highlight Relevant Experience

In the experience section, focus on roles that are directly related to the business support position you are applying for. List your previous positions in reverse chronological order, detailing your responsibilities and achievements in each role. Use bullet points for clarity and make sure to include quantifiable results where possible. For instance:

Executive Assistant, XYZ Corporation January 2020 – Present

• Coordinated and managed daily schedules, meetings, and travel arrangements for senior executives, increasing efficiency by 20%.
• Implemented a new filing system that improved document retrieval time by 30%.
• Assisted in the preparation of financial reports and presentations for board meetings, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.

3. Showcase Key Skills

Business support roles require a diverse skill set. Dedicate a section of your CV to highlight the key skills that make you a strong candidate. Tailor these skills to match the job description of the position you are applying for. Common skills for business support roles include:

• Organisational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently.
• Communication Skills: Proficient in both written and verbal communication, capable of liaising with stakeholders at all levels.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Proven track record of identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines.

4. Emphasise Achievements

Your achievements set you apart from other candidates. Where possible, quantify your accomplishments to demonstrate the impact you have made in your previous roles. This not only highlights your capabilities but also provides potential employers with concrete evidence of your contributions. For example:

• Reduced office supply costs by 15% through effective vendor negotiations.
• Successfully organised a company-wide training event attended by 200 employees, receiving positive feedback for its organisation and content.
• Enhanced employee onboarding process, reducing the average training period from two weeks to one.

5. Include Relevant Education and Certifications

While experience and skills are paramount, your educational background and any relevant certifications can also add value to your CV. List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, including the institution name, type, and date of completion. If you have completed any relevant certifications or courses, such as a diploma in office administration or a certification in project management, be sure to include these as well.

6. Professional Presentation and Formatting

A well-presented CV is crucial. Use a clean, professional layout with a clear font such as Arial or Calibri (step away from Comic Sans!), and maintain consistent formatting throughout. Ensure that there is adequate white space to make your CV easy to read. Use bold headings and bullet points to organise the content, and keep the length to no more than two pages.

7. Proofread Thoroughly

Finally, proofreading is essential. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Take the time to review your CV thoroughly, and consider asking a friend or colleague to check it as well. Attention to detail is a key attribute for business support roles, and a flawless CV reflects this quality.

A Final Thought

Crafting the perfect CV for business support positions requires careful consideration of your experience, skills, and achievements. By following these guidelines, you can create a CV that not only highlights your qualifications but also makes a compelling case for why you are the ideal candidate for the role. At VWA we are here to support you every step of the way. If you’d like to know more, please do get in touch today or feel free to peruse our jobs board for your next exciting challenge!