Expert CV Advice for Legal, Finance & Financial Services Professionals
At Eventus Recruitment Group, we regularly support candidates across the legal, finance, financial planning and mortgage sectors with their CVs. Below, we answer some of the most common CV writing questions to help you stand out in a competitive job market.
What should I include on my CV?
A strong CV should clearly present your experience, skills and achievements in a structured and professional way. Key sections to include are:
- A personal statement summarising your experience and career goals
- Contact details, including phone number, email and LinkedIn profile
- Qualifications and professional memberships
- Work experience, including responsibilities and achievements
- Key and transferable skills
- Additional relevant skills such as IT systems or languages
Your CV is often the first impression an employer has of you, so it should be clear, engaging and tailored to the role you are applying for.
For more detailed guidance, read our CV writing advice: https://www.eventusrecruitmentgroup.com/career-development/cv-writing/
Should I include a personal statement on my CV?
Yes. A personal statement is an important part of your CV. It provides a concise overview of your experience, key skills and career goals, helping employers quickly understand your suitability for a role.
Keep your personal statement brief (3–5 lines), tailored to the position and focused on your value. Highlight your expertise, sector experience and what you can bring to an organisation.
What is the best CV format?
The most effective CV format is typically a reverse chronological structure. This lists your most recent experience first, allowing employers to clearly see your career progression and current expertise.
This format works particularly well for legal and professional services roles, where experience, consistency and progression are key. Ensure your CV is clearly structured with headings, bullet points and easy-to-scan sections.
How long should a CV be?
Typically, a CV should be around two pages long. It should be:
- Clear and easy to read
- Well-structured with headings and bullet points
- Focused on relevant experience to the job you are applying for.
- Avoid unnecessary detail and ensure every section adds value.
For more senior professionals, a CV may extend slightly beyond two pages if necessary, particularly where experience, billings or leadership responsibilities need to be evidenced. However, every section should add value – avoid unnecessary detail or repetition.
Employers and hiring managers often review CVs quickly, so it’s important to keep your content concise, relevant and easy to scan. Focus on highlighting your most recent and relevant experience, key achievements and skills.
A clear, well-structured concise CV is typically the most effective way to make a strong first impression.
How far back should a CV go?
Your CV should cover all your relevant work experience for the role you are applying for. State in your personal statement how many years of work experience you have in your chosen profession.
Focus in detail on your most recent and impactful roles, as these are the most relevant to employers. Earlier experience can be listed or summarised briefly in bullet points, particularly if it adds context to your career progression.
Leaving large gaps in your employment history will open up unnecessary questions from employers and could put them off from interviewing you.
What should I not include on my CV?
There are certain details that should be left off your CV, including:
- Age or date of birth
- Marital status
- Health information
- Nationality
- Full address of educational institutions
- References
Keeping your CV concise and relevant ensures employers focus on what matters most – your suitability for the role.
Should I include a photo on my CV?
No. In the UK, it is not standard practice to include a photo on your CV.
Employers focus on your skills, experience and achievements rather than personal appearance. Including a photo can also introduce unconscious bias. So, it is best avoided.
What is the best font and layout for a CV?
A CV should be clear, professional and easy to read. Use simple fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman, and keep font sizes between 10 to 2 for body text.
Your layout should include clear headings, consistent formatting and bullet points to improve readability. Avoid overly complex designs, as clarity and professionalism are key.
Should I include references on my CV?
No, you do not need to include references on your CV.
It is standard practice to state “References available upon request” or leave them off entirely. Employers will request references at the appropriate stage of the hiring process.
How do I make my CV stand out?
To make your CV stand out:
- Tailor it to each job application
- Highlight your achievements, not just responsibilities
- Use clear, professional formatting
- Include a strong personal statement
- Demonstrate your impact with evidence
Avoid duplicating responsibilities across roles. Instead, focus on what you achieved in each position and how you added value.
How do I tailor my CV for a specific job?
Tailoring your CV is essential to improve your chances of securing an interview.
Review the job description and align your experience, skills and achievements with the requirements of the role. Highlight relevant experience, use appropriate keywords and demonstrate how you add value.
A tailored CV shows genuine interest and ensures your application stands out.
What keywords should I include on my CV?
Including relevant keywords helps your CV align with job descriptions and improves visibility in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Focus on role-specific skills, qualifications and terminology commonly used in your sector. For example, legal professionals may include practice areas, case types or technical expertise.
Always ensure keywords are used naturally and supported by real experience.
Will my CV pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?
To improve your chances of passing ATS screening:
- Use a clear, simple format
- Include relevant keywords from the job description
- Avoid overly complex graphics or formatting
- Use standard headings such as “Work Experience” and “Education”
A well-structured, keyword-optimised CV increases the likelihood of reaching a hiring manager.
Should I include billings and client wins on my CV?
Yes – including billings, financial performance and client wins can significantly strengthen your CV.
Quantifiable achievements provide clear evidence of your impact. For example:
- “Generated £250k in new business from 8 clients”
- “Managed a caseload delivering £500k annual billings”
- Billing circa £12.5k per month working 4 days a week (£149k annually)
These metrics demonstrate commercial awareness and help differentiate you from other candidates. Always present figures clearly and ensure they are accurate and appropriate. In addition, remembering client confidentiality is a must. Avoid disclosing sensitive or identifiable information. Instead, generalise your clients:
- “A leading UK retail brand”.
- “A FTSE 100 client”.
- “A high-net-worth individual”.
If necessary, use approximate figures rather than exact numbers.
For more guidance, read: https://www.eventusrecruitmentgroup.com/cv/should-you-include-billings-and-client-wins-on-your-cv/
How should I present achievements on my CV?
When presenting achievements:
- Use numbers and data where possible
- Provide context (e.g. caseload size, type of clients)
- Show consistency (monthly or annual performance)
- Keep statements clear and concise
For example, rather than saying “handled clients”, explain the scale and outcomes of your work.
What if my role doesn’t involve billings?
Not all roles are measured by billings. In these cases, focus on:
- Client relationships and retention
- Case complexity or volume
- Business development contributions
- Process improvements or efficiencies
Tailor your achievements to reflect what success looks like in your specific area of law or profession.
How do I demonstrate commercial awareness on my CV?
You can demonstrate commercial awareness by including measurable achievements and business impact.
This may include billings, client wins, business development activity or contributions to firm growth. Even if your role is not directly revenue-generating, you can highlight efficiency improvements, client retention or process enhancements.
Clear, evidence-based examples help differentiate your CV and show the value you bring to an organisation.
How do I explain gaps in my CV?
Gaps in your CV are common and not necessarily a concern. The key is to be honest and clear.
When explaining gaps:
- Briefly state the reason (e.g. career break, study, travel)
- Highlight any skills or experience gained during that time
- Focus on how the experience has added value
For example, volunteering, further education or personal development can all demonstrate transferable skills.
Should I include hobbies and interests on my CV?
Yes – hobbies and interests can help your CV stand out, particularly if they:
- Demonstrate transferable skills (e.g. teamwork, leadership)
- Show personality and individuality
- Are unique or relevant to the role
However, keep this section concise and professional.
Can I use AI to write my CV?
AI can be a useful tool to support CV writing, but it should not replace your own input.
Use AI to help structure your CV or refine wording, but ensure the content accurately reflects your experience, achievements and personality. Employers value authenticity and clarity, so your CV should always feel genuine and tailored.
Can Eventus Recruitment Group help with my CV?
Yes. At Eventus Recruitment Group, we provide tailored CV support as part of our consultative and ethical recruitment service.
We work closely with candidates to:
- Refine and enhance CVs
- Highlight key strengths and achievements
- Position you effectively in the job market
Our aim is to help you present your experience in the best possible way and secure the right opportunity.
Legal CV Writing FAQs
What makes a strong legal CV?
A strong legal CV clearly demonstrates your expertise, experience and commercial impact.
This includes outlining your practice areas, case types, caseload size, client exposure and key achievements. Where appropriate, include measurable results such as billings or client wins.
Employers are looking for evidence of both technical ability and commercial awareness.
Should I include case types or caseload details on my CV?
Yes, including case types and caseload details helps provide context to your experience.
For example, outlining the volume, complexity or value of your caseload demonstrates your capability and level of responsibility. This is particularly important in legal roles where practical experience is key.
What skills should I include on a legal CV?
Key skills that employers look for in legal professionals include:
- Research and analytical skills
- Problem solving and critical thinking
- Adaptability and resilience
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Business development and networking
Including these skills, supported by real examples, will help strengthen your application.
Learn more about key legal CV skills: https://www.eventusrecruitmentgroup.com/cv/key-legal-skills-to-include-on-your-cv/
Need help with your CV?
If you are looking to improve your CV or explore new opportunities within the legal, finance or financial services sectors, our specialist consultants are here to help.
Get in touch with the Eventus Recruitment Group today for expert, personalised support.