Our Top 5 CV Tips for 2025
At Lily Shippen, we know there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to CVs. Should it be one page or two? Should it follow a set format? The truth is there’s no perfect formula. Your CV doesn’t have to be flawless, but it does need to show your strengths clearly and help you stand out. In a competitive market, especially for roles like Executive Assistant, or Chief of Staff, your CV is often your first impression. These are our top five tips to make sure it’s a strong one.
Show your impact, not just your responsibilities
Many CVs focus purely on listing day-to-day tasks, but what employers really want to see is the difference you made in the role. Don’t just state that you managed diaries or coordinated meetings. Explain how your support contributed to efficiency, growth, or improvements. Where possible, include metrics. For example, “Implemented a new diary management process, reducing scheduling conflicts by 30%” demonstrates clear, tangible impact.
Highlight key achievements for each role
Your CV should go beyond responsibilities and capture your standout achievements. This is where you demonstrate how you’ve added value. Think about challenges you’ve overcome, improvements you’ve introduced, or any recognition you’ve received. Did you streamline processes? Deliver a complex project under tight deadlines? Support a Board-level restructure? Don’t assume employers will read between the lines. Spell out your accomplishments clearly.
Tailor your professional summary to the role
Your professional summary is prime real estate on your CV. It should be tailored to the specific roles or industries you’re targeting. Avoid vague, generic statements, instead, clearly articulate your core strengths, relevant experience, and what makes you a strong candidate for that position. It’s also your opportunity to show alignment with the company's values or sector.
Keep an eye out over the coming months as we have something launching soon at Lily Shippen to help you refine this even further.
Link your LinkedIn profile and make sure it matches your CV
Your LinkedIn profile is an extension of your CV. More and more hiring managers and recruiters cross-reference your application with your LinkedIn profile, so it needs to be consistent, professional, and up to date. Include your LinkedIn URL on your CV. Don’t stop there, though. Review your profile to ensure your roles, dates, and achievements match your CV. It’s also worth enhancing your personal brand by engaging with relevant industry content and building your network.
Check your CV for grammar, spelling, and consistency
It might sound basic, but attention to detail is critical. Grammatical errors, inconsistent tenses, or Americanised spelling can undermine your credibility, particularly in roles where precision is essential, like Executive or Personal Assistant positions. We’re seeing more CVs generated with AI, and while these tools can help, they often miss regional nuances like UK English spelling. Always triple-check your CV, and where possible, have someone else review it before submitting applications.
