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My World of Work

Meet Sarah, returning to work after some time off

After taking some time away from work, Sarah had decided she was ready to return. Having worked in finance for many years, she already had qualifications and experience that are desirable to many employers.

But she wasn't sure how to explain the gap in her CV and was worried this would put off recruiters. After attending an appointment with a careers adviser, Sarah applied for the Women Returners Programme to build her confidence. Now, Sarah is confident her CV highlights the effort she's made to refamiliarise herself with the labour market.

Sarah's CV

Take a look at Sarah's CV and use our tips to get back into the workplace.

View CV in full

Sarah Ferguson

Phone number07836994288
Emails.ferguson@email.co.uk
Address4 Deemount Terrace, Aberdeen, AB11 7RX

Personal details

Your personal information is key as it's how an employer will get in touch with you. Give them a few ways to contact you, like a phone number, email address or LinkedIn account.

Personal summary

Experienced in the financial services sector, I have a top-class understanding of accounting principles, financial record keeping and transaction management. I've educated myself on sector developments through formal and informal learning opportunities. I'm a highly-motivated professional who is very organised with good attention to detail.

Personal summary

This is your chance to give a little background about yourself. As you're looking to get back into work, you could say why you took a break and what sort of role you'd like now. Remember - keep it brief! Employers can read your CV for full details.

Skills

  • Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
  • Fast and accurate when dealing with figures
  • Able to work well as part of a team
  • Honest and dependable
  • Excellent communication and people skills
  • Good IT skills: Word, Excel, Sage
  • Well-developed customer care skills

Skills

Use this section as an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. What skills do you have that make you the best person for this role?

Sell your skills by using positive describing words. You could also give specific examples from previous roles to show you know what the job's all about. Either way, sell yourself!

Achievements

06/22

Nominated for a Scottish Financial Services Award in the 'Net Zero' category

I was nominated for my work at Impact Bank. In this role, I streamlined the invoicing process, making it entirely paperless which helped reduce carbon emissions. This work was recognised as having a significant positive impact toward the company’s green strategy.

Achievements

Ever been given an award for great work?

This is your chance to shine. Whether you earned this award as part of a previous job or education, employers want to know all about the recognition you've earned.

During your job interview, an employer may want to hear more about what you've achieved. So, prepare to elaborate on why you're wonderful.

Work experience

11/19 to 12/22

Accounts Assistant at Impact Bank

Processing purchase invoices in the Sage 200 accounting system. Ensuring 3-way matching electronically of purchase orders, receipts and purchase invoices. Validating outstanding purchase orders and invoice queries. Carrying out supplier statement reconciliations. Resolving invoice complaints and queries with suppliers. Making sure all invoices are authorised. Performing regular housekeeping checks and making sure ledgers are tidy. Dealing with auditor requests.

09/17 to 11/19

Trainee Accounts Assistant at Jack Smith Motor Group, Aberdeen

01/12 to 09/17

Teller/Clerical Officer (Voluntary) at Credit Union Limited, Aberdeen

05/10 to 01/12

Trainee Accounts Assistant at Jack Smith Motor Group, Aberdeen

Work experience

Before your time out, you'll have spent some time working and building a career. Therefore, you'll have lots of experience to chat about. However, keep this section relevant to the role you're applying for.

Employers want to hear about your previous jobs or volunteering positions, who you worked for and for how long. A short overview of your duties in each role is a great way to show how much responsibility you had too.

Education and training

09/23 to Present

Return to Financial Services Programme at Lochside Training

    08/16 to 06/17

    HNC Accounting (with Financial Services) at North East Scotland College

      Education and training

      If the employer is asking for specific qualifications or certificates, mention these first. Show them you've got what they're looking for.

      You don't need to include all the learning and training you've ever done. Highlighting your most relevant and recent qualifications is enough.

      Additional information

      I'm a swimming coach at West Amateur Swim Club. In July 2022, I achieved a UKCC Level 1 Award Coaching Swimming. Having raced for the club myself as a teenager, I love mentoring and coaching the young swimmers

      Additional information

      Chat a little about things you do in your spare time. This could be walking, watching films or listening to music.

      View CV in full

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      Cv Example

      Sarah Ferguson
      Phone number07836994288
      Emails.ferguson@email.co.uk
      Address4 Deemount Terrace, Aberdeen, AB11 7RX

      Experienced in the financial services sector, I have a top-class understanding of accounting principles, financial record keeping and transaction management. I've educated myself on sector developments through formal and informal learning opportunities. I'm a highly-motivated professional who is very organised with good attention to detail.

      Skills

      • Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
      • Fast and accurate when dealing with figures
      • Able to work well as part of a team
      • Honest and dependable
      • Excellent communication and people skills
      • Good IT skills: Word, Excel, Sage
      • Well-developed customer care skills

      Achievements

      06/22

      Nominated for a Scottish Financial Services Award in the 'Net Zero' category

      I was nominated for my work at Impact Bank. In this role, I streamlined the invoicing process, making it entirely paperless which helped reduce carbon emissions. This work was recognised as having a significant positive impact toward the company’s green strategy.

      Work experience

      11/19 to 12/22

      Accounts Assistant at Impact Bank

      Processing purchase invoices in the Sage 200 accounting system. Ensuring 3-way matching electronically of purchase orders, receipts and purchase invoices. Validating outstanding purchase orders and invoice queries. Carrying out supplier statement reconciliations. Resolving invoice complaints and queries with suppliers. Making sure all invoices are authorised. Performing regular housekeeping checks and making sure ledgers are tidy. Dealing with auditor requests.

      09/17 to 11/19

      Trainee Accounts Assistant at Jack Smith Motor Group, Aberdeen

      01/12 to 09/17

      Teller/Clerical Officer (Voluntary) at Credit Union Limited, Aberdeen

      05/10 to 01/12

      Trainee Accounts Assistant at Jack Smith Motor Group, Aberdeen

      Education and training

      09/23 to Present

      Return to Financial Services Programme at Lochside Training

        08/16 to 06/17

        HNC Accounting (with Financial Services) at North East Scotland College

          Additional information

          I'm a swimming coach at West Amateur Swim Club. In July 2022, I achieved a UKCC Level 1 Award Coaching Swimming. Having raced for the club myself as a teenager, I love mentoring and coaching the young swimmers