Your CV is your ticket to landing one of the best PA jobs in London, but if it's drowning in fluff, you’re doing yourself a disservice. As a PA, your CV is perhaps even more important than in many roles. Your ability to make it sleek, accurate and professional shows how you’ll be on the job. Employers don’t have time to wade through a sea of clichés and vague statements - they want to see substance.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most common CV fluff we see, particularly in PA CVs and, more importantly, how to ditch it.
· Overused Buzzwords
‘Hardworking’, ‘motivated’, ‘team player’ - sound familiar? These words crop up in nearly every CV we see, but they don’t tell an employer anything new. Instead of stuffing your CV with buzzwords, prove those qualities with real examples. Instead of ‘excellent multitasker’, try ‘simultaneously managed complex diaries for three executives, ensuring zero scheduling conflicts over a two-year period’. Show, don’t tell!
· Meaningless Job Titles
We often see PAs trying to make their roles sound more impressive by using vague or jargon-laden job titles. ‘Executive Business Support Specialist’ might sound grand, but if your actual role was a PA to one director, you’re not fooling anyone and actually selling yourself short. Be honest and clear - PA, EA, or Team Assistant are all well-recognised and respected titles that will work in your favour.
· Waffly Job Descriptions
Consultants at any PA recruitment agency will tell you that long-winded job descriptions are a red flag. No one needs a paragraph about how you ‘facilitated interdepartmental communication to streamline administrative processes’. What does that even mean? Instead, get to the point: ‘Managed internal communications, ensuring clear updates between senior leadership and staff.’ Keep it snappy and relevant.
· Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements
It’s not enough to say you ‘managed diaries and arranged travel’. So did every other PA applying for the same job. What did you do that made a real impact? Did you cut travel costs by 20%? Did you introduce a new system that reduced diary clashes? Employers want to see how you’ve added value, not just a list of tasks.
· Personal Statements That Say Nothing
We see far too many CVs with a personal statement that’s a mix of generic phrases: ‘I am an experienced, proactive, and dedicated PA looking to utilise my skills in a dynamic organisation.’ It’s meaningless. Instead, make it specific and personal. Try: ‘As a PA with five years’ experience supporting senior directors, I thrive in fast-paced environments where organisation and discretion are key.’
· Unnecessary Sections
Hobbies and interests? Unless they genuinely add something to your application, leave them out. Your love of yoga or baking is lovely, but unless it directly contributes to your ability to be a great PA, it’s just taking up valuable space. Similarly, you don’t need to list every GCSE - stick to your highest qualifications.
By cutting the fluff and making your CV concise, results-driven, and to the point, you’ll stand out in the competitive world of PA jobs in London. Want help landing the best PA roles? Get in touch on 020 7870 7177.