Why you need numbers on your CV

I admit it – I’m a word person. Words give you the means to express any concept you could dream of and transport your mind to marvellous places. Numbers just sit there glaring at you, being defiantly inflexible and stubbornly right or wrong.

Equally, I have to admit that a good CV needs numbers. Even for those who aren’t in mathematical or financial fields, numbers are a necessity - in some ways, they can add more value than the words! Adding numbers to your CV enables you to upgrade your CV from TELLING your story to SELLING your story. 

Why should I use numbers in my CV?

A recruiter needs to understand exactly what you’ve done, what you’re capable of and where you can benefit an organisation. Using numbers on your CV enables you to back up and quantify statements which may otherwise be too generic or vague. Consider the impact of “managing budgets” against “managing budgets of up to £25million”. 

Numbers can also help a recruiter to understand how you’ve progressed in your career so far – for example, from managing two staff in one department to managing 200 staff in five departments. 

What numbers should I include?

The data you quantify on your CV really depends on your role, but the most common figures include the number of people you managed and your budget. Other figures - such as the number of accounts you manage, the number of sites you work across and the number of projects you’ve completed - may all be relevant depending on your role. The possibilities are endless! Identify the key figures which impact the scope of your role and ensure that they’re included. Be sure not to disclose commercially sensitive information, though. 

As well as helping to describe your responsibilities, numbers can also bring credibility to your achievements. Anyone can claim to have reduced costs, for example, but if you can put a figure to this saving then you’re making it more believable and proving that you can deliver what you claim. Aim to add quantifiable achievements to every role you’ve held in the last 10 years.

Other vital numbers are your phone number (obviously – but unbelievably I see many CVs with no contact details!), dates (of employment, qualifications and courses) and grades (if they’re strong and recent).

What numbers should I not include?

There’s one number that never has a place on a CV and that’s your salary. Past or present, never disclose this on your application. You’re limiting your scope for negotiation and it may be detrimental to your candidacy if the recruiter thinks you’re over- or under-valuing yourself.

You also need to be careful not to disclose any commercially-sensitive information. At best, it makes you look indiscreet and at worst it could land you in hot water with your current employer.

You should also carefully consider which dates you’re including – anything too far back and you may be leaving yourself open to age discrimination (yes, it’s illegal, but that’s not to say it doesn’t happen).

How should I present numbers on my CV?

Personally, I prefer to write numbers on a CV as digits, rather than words. It’s not conventional English, but it’s so much easier to notice and pick out numbers in a sea of words when you’re scanning through a document if they’re written as digits. 

Need more CV help?

To present the strongest application possible, revisit your CV and identify where you could include numbers. It may help to review your original job description, if you still have it, or to compare your role with others with a similar job title. If you need more help presenting your CV in the most compelling way, why not see how CV Shed can help?