Your CV, along with your cover letter, is the first opportunity you get to make a positive impression on any potential new HR Manager, and so it is vital it is well written, accurate and reflects you. If you’re looking for advice on how to write a CV for an HR Assistant role, you’re in the right place. Below we look at how to construct your CV to ensure you are represented in the best possible way to secure your next Human Resources Assistant role, whether you’re looking for a temp role or permanent position.
A CV needs to be easy to read and understand. Keep it concise, relevant and to a maximum of two A4 pages. Less is more and we advise to keep the format simple, using a traditional font and in black. Do explain all gaps in employment and make sure it is in chronological order with the most recent role at the top.
We also advise that CVs remain in a standard Word document without too many images, logos or colours which will only distract from your experience.
Your employment experience is the most important section of your CV and must be listed one role at a time. Employers often quickly scan CVs so it is helpful to show your duties in bullet point format, so they are easy to read. For example:
Oriel Partners (Recruitment)
HR Assistant: July 2018 – Present
Too much movement on your CV doesn’t create a good first impression, so if you have worked in several roles within one company it is a good idea to list each job title under the one company name. This also shows you have progressed internally which is also a good sign to future employers. For example:
Oriel Partners (Recruitment)
HR Assistant: June 2018 – Present
Receptionist: January 2016 – June 2018
This is especially important if you are at the start of your career and do not have years of experience to show. Your interests can be a section of your CV which stands out from others and it can become a good talking point at an interview. Socialising or partying should not be included! Examples include sporting achievements that show leadership and team playing skills, or awards won in the workplace. Perhaps any voluntary work you have carried out, or challenges you have succeeded in that show off your impressive communication skills. A long and detailed work history is not important for entry-level HR roles.
If you have completed a specific HR course or studied for another professional qualification (CIPD) which is relevant to Human Resources management, definitely highlight it near the top of your CV so it is not missed. Any relevant HR experience should be a focal point on your CV.
Personal statements are a very good way to make your CV stand out. This should include a brief overview of your skills, work experience and what you are looking for in your next role. Don’t make it too chatty and make it relevant to the type of roles that you are applying for. There is nothing worse than a CV saying the candidate is looking to work in the creative sector when they are applying to a corporate role. It can help to refer to a job description for a role similar to the jobs you’re applying to when writing your CV to ensure your CV is tailored appropriately.
An experienced interviewer will easily be able to spot any discrepancies on a CV. Make sure the format is consistent all the way through and double-check there are no spelling and grammatical errors, you will be surprised how many typos even the most professional candidates forget to correct. As attention to detail is critical to an HR Assistant role, it is important to be extra thorough.
Importantly, your CV should have all of your personal details on it – name, address, contact number and email address, so companies can quickly see how to contact you and see your location. It is also important to ensure you have a working voicemail when you are actively job hunting, to ensure you don’t miss that all-important call!
Try to avoid listing every qualification you have ever received or part-time role you did when you were still in education if they are not relevant to your job search. You want to ensure the reader's eye is focused on the most relevant roles which will help you to secure that all-important next position.
Your CV needs to be completely accurate, including dates, duties and qualifications. Either at the interview stage or during the referencing process, any untruths will become obvious, so it is important you represent yourself accurately. Employers and recruiters will not take kindly to false information and it is better you secure a role through your own merits.
For more information on how to layout a stand-out CV, please download our HR Assistant CV template.
Download Your CV Template Here