Your CV is a key tool in any job search and is usually the first thing an employer or recruiter will read, which means it’s important that it sells you, your knowledge and your successes. So in this article we wanted to discuss one of the most powerful elements of a CV… numbers!
The majority of any CV is formed of words. However, we can’t stress enough why numbers should also play a huge part. Metrics such as money, time, size and percentages are some of the most impactful and valuable pieces of information that can help to highlight your successes and grab the reader’s attention.
In this article we’re going to discuss why figures are so important and how they will benefit your application…
Measurable success
Associating real numbers with your achievements will help to add context to your successes. Depending on what you include, it can add weight to your application. Employers want to hire people who are good at what they do, and can demonstrate how they have positively impacted their current employer. So show off what you have achieved and how it has impacted your current employer.
Brings your CV to life
Your CV is a bit like a professional autobiography. It tells the reader everything that has happened in your professional life, including your education. So by including numbers when highlighting your accomplishments, you are helping the reader gain a better understanding of you.
More depth
So, you’ve applied for the role and guess what, you’ve got an interview! By including numbers in your CV you’ve not only helped secure the interview, but you have a lot of proven success to discuss during the interview and the interviewer has something tangible to ask you about.
Impactful
When searching for jobs you want to stand out from the crowd as much as possible. You also want to get the reader’s attention. By adding numbers to your achievements that’s exactly what you are doing! In a word heavy document, numbers really do stand out.
Shows you're commercially minded
Being commercially aware is one of the key attributes cited by most employers as being essential, especially for the more senior roles. This can include things such as the economic climate, efficiency, customer satisfaction and profit/loss. Adding numbers to accomplishments is one of the best ways to demonstrate you are commercially aware and is something you are comfortable with.
Want more CV advice?
If you are looking for more advice on how to make the most of your CV then check out more of our helpful articles, including, Why including accomplishments on your CV matters and 3 pieces of information every CV must have.
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