Public sector finance employers shortlist against a person specification, so the best CVs and applications make it easy to tick each point. Here is how.
Your CV
- Put your qualification status at the top. Qualified, part qualified (with the level reached) or studying, and which body.
- Name the systems you use. Finance, payroll, revenues and reporting systems, and your Excel skills.
- Show the size of what you looked after. The budgets you monitored, the accounts you prepared or the audits you led.
- Keep it to two pages. Most recent role first, with results rather than duties.
The supporting statement
Many applications ask for a supporting statement. Take each criterion in the person specification in turn and give a short, specific example of how you meet it. Use the employer's own words as headings so the panel can find each one quickly.
Common mistakes
- Missing out criteria, which can stop you being shortlisted however good your experience.
- Copying the same statement into every application.
- Not explaining private sector experience in public sector terms. See moving from private to public sector finance.
Shortlisted? See public sector finance interview questions.