Your CV is the first opportunity you get to make a positive impression on any potential hiring managers, and so it is vital it is well-written, accurate and reflects you. If you are looking for advice on how to write a CV for an Office Manager role, look no further. This article looks at how to construct your CV to ensure you are represented in the best possible way to secure your next Office Manager role, whether you’re looking for a temp role or a permanent position.
You will also find our free CV example for an office manager position below.
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 keeping the format simple, using a traditional font and in black. Do explain all gaps in employment and make sure it is in reverse 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.
Providing a professional summary of 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 to look for relevant work history, so it is helpful to show your duties in bullet point format so they are easy to read. For example:
Oriel Partners (Recruitment) June 2018 – Present
Office Manager
See here for a full list of office manager responsibilities and duties.
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 one company name. This also shows you have progressed internally, which is also a good sign to future employers. For example:
Oriel Partners (Recruitment) January 2017 - Present
Office Manager June 2020 – Present
Team Assistant January 2017 – June 2020
When crafting the skills section for an office manager role, it’s important to be specific and align with the company’s needs and culture. Begin by researching the company to understand its primary tools, processes and cultural values. For instance, if the firm emphasises eco-friendly initiatives, mention your expertise in managing a sustainable office.
List technical skills explicitly related to the job description, like "Advanced proficiency in [specific software the company uses]" or "Experience in overseeing [specific type of projects company engages in]."
Always integrate soft skills reflecting the company's values, such as "Demonstrated ability in fostering a collaborative work environment in line with [Company's] team-centric culture" or "Committed to maintaining [Company's] emphasis on timely and transparent communication." Tailoring ensures you not only fit the role but also the ethos and dynamic of the company.
To help you, we’ve listed all of the office manager skills a company is usually looking for.
This is especially important if you are at the start of your career and do not have years of experience to show. Your hobbies and interests can be a section of your CV which stands out from others, and it can become a good talking point at an interview.
It’s a great way to showcase your soft skills in a professional way, such as communication skills. Beware, socialising or partying should not be included! Good 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.
If you have completed a particular Administrative course or received a specific professional qualification which is relevant to the Office Manager job you are applying for, definitely highlight it near the top of your CV so it is not missed.
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 for a corporate role.
If you are sending a prospective office manager CV rather than responding to a job ad, you may find it useful to check out this example office manager job description and tailor your CV to that.
An experienced interviewer will easily be able to spot any discrepancies in 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 Office Managers forget to correct. As attention to detail is part and parcel of being a good Office Manager, errors won’t go down well with hiring managers. So, be extra vigilant when proofreading your CV.
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!
Similarly, adding your photo to your CV can really help you stand out. It lets employers put a face to the name, creates a warm introduction, and just gives that extra touch of personality and professionalism.
Try to avoid listing every qualification you have ever received or a 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. Focus on experiences that showcase your administrative skills and your management skills.
The most important CV advice for an Office Manager is that your CV must 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 for you to secure a role on your own merits.
To help you prepare for an interview, check out our list of most common office manager interview questions. We’ve provided sample answers to help you.
For more information on how to lay out a stand-out CV, please download our Office Manager resume template.
Download Your CV Template Here