CV Writing Skills
A strong CV can help you make the right first impression with employers and recruitment consultants. AP Personnel supports candidates applying for entry-level to mid-management finance and commercial jobs in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man, including permanent, temporary and contract roles.
Employers typically spend under 30 seconds on a first read of a CV, so it needs to stand out quickly.
Your CV should be clear, accurate, well organised and tailored to the role you are applying for. Whether you are applying for jobs in banking, accounting, bookkeeping, compliance, insurance, fund administration, trust and company administration, office administration, secretarial and PA support, HR, legal, retail, hospitality, marketing, e-commerce or wider commercial sectors, your CV should show your relevant skills, experience and achievements clearly.
For senior-level or executive roles, candidates should contact AP Executive, the AP Group division specialising in executive search and senior recruitment.
How to write a CV that gets noticed
A good CV should help employers quickly understand who you are, what you have done and why you may be suitable for the role. Keep the layout simple, use clear headings and make sure your most relevant experience is easy to find.
List your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Include clear job titles, employer names, dates of employment and a concise summary of your responsibilities and achievements. Where possible, go beyond basic duties and explain the value you added, such as process improvements, client service, systems experience, team support, regulatory knowledge or measurable results.
Tailor your CV for each application by highlighting the experience and skills most relevant to the job description. A CV for a finance, trust, compliance, administration or commercial role should use language that reflects the vacancy and sector, while remaining honest and accurate.
Your CV should usually include your contact details, a short professional profile, key skills, employment history, qualifications, training, professional memberships and relevant systems or language skills. Temporary, contract and project work can also be included where it supports your application.
AP Personnel can help candidates understand what employers in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man look for at different career stages, from entry-level and trainee roles through to junior and mid-management positions.
Common mistakes to avoid
Before sending your CV, check it carefully for simple mistakes that could weaken your application.
Proofread carefully, as spelling and grammar slips are easy to miss and easy to fix.
List roles most-recent-first and keep your current role up to date.
Explain any gaps between jobs clearly and professionally.
Keep formatting clean, consistent and easy to read.
Avoid photos, logos, decorative styling and overly designed layouts.
Leave out irrelevant casual work unless it supports your application.
Tailor your CV to each role instead of sending the same version every time.
Keep the structure organised so employers can follow your experience easily.
Keep your CV concise, usually around two to three pages.
Go beyond the basics by explaining your achievements, not just your responsibilities.
What to do next
If you are preparing to apply for a finance or commercial job, AP Personnel can help you understand how to present your experience clearly and professionally.
You can submit your CV to AP Personnel, search the latest jobs in Guernsey and Jersey, sign up for job alerts, or meet our recruitment consultants to discuss your next career move.
You may also find our Career Advice and Temping pages useful if you are planning your job search, considering flexible work or exploring different sectors.
Quick Questions
How long should my CV be?
Your CV should usually be concise and easy to scan. For most candidates, two to three pages is suitable.
What are the most common CV mistakes?
Common CV mistakes include spelling and grammar errors, listing roles in the wrong order, unexplained employment gaps and inconsistent formatting.
Should I tailor my CV to each job?
Yes. Tailor your CV to show the skills, experience and achievements most relevant to each role, sector and employer.
Can AP Personnel help with my CV?
AP Personnel can provide practical CV advice for candidates applying for finance and commercial jobs in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.