EquiLead in collaboration with Arthan, recently hosted a workshop, CV Essentials for Mid-Career Women Professionals, tailored specifically for women with 5–8 years of experience in the social impact sector. This session was designed to empower participants in articulating their leadership journeys and translating their achievements into impactful CVs. Facilitated by Harleen Kaur, Team Principal, Arthan and Janhvi Singh, Manager - Strategic Talent Acquisition, Arthan, this collaborative effort aimed to equip participants with essential tools to craft resumes that not only reflect their skills but also align with their aspirations in the sector.
1. Be Clear, Concise, and Transparent
As emphasized in the workshop, clarity and transparency are the foundation of an impactful CV. Harleen and Janhvi stressed the importance of a well-structured resume—one that highlights key achievements without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details. A succinct CV tailored to the job at hand can make all the difference, signaling to potential employers that you’ve taken the time to align your experience with the role’s specific requirements. Avoid jargon and opt for straightforward language that communicates your professional journey effectively.
2. Highlight Achievements with Action-Oriented Language
A major takeaway from the workshop was the power of action verbs in conveying impact. Whether it’s “led,” “managed,” or “created,” using strong, action-driven language can make your CV stand out.
Harleen guided the group through the process of identifying key achievements in each role, and how to frame those in terms of leadership and impact. For instance, rather than simply stating responsibilities, it’s important to show the tangible results you’ve achieved, whether it’s through community impact, program outcomes, or organizational growth.
3. Tailor Your CV for Each Role
The workshop underscored the importance of tailoring your CV to each position you apply for. By understanding the specific needs of a role and highlighting the skills most relevant to that position, you can make a compelling case for why you’re the ideal candidate. Harleen and Janhvi shared practical examples of how to rearrange sections, adjust wording, and highlight achievements that resonate with the job description. Customizing your CV isn’t just about listing skills—it’s about showcasing how your unique qualifications align with the organization's mission and goals.
4. Leadership and Impact: How to Showcase Both
Leadership is crucial for those seeking to move into senior roles in the social impact sector. One of the workshop’s key activities encouraged participants to reflect on their leadership styles and how these could be communicated through their CV. Janhvi guided the group in identifying their personal leadership philosophy, drawing on the metaphor of leadership traits represented by different creatures, and discussing how these characteristics could shape a CV.
It’s essential to showcase not just leadership roles, but also the tangible impact of your leadership. Think about how you’ve inspired teams, driven change, or innovated solutions. This can be framed in a CV by focusing on results and leadership philosophy, which can set you apart in a competitive field.
5. Quantify Your Impact
A critical session of the workshop focused on the importance of numbers in demonstrating your impact. Harleen emphasized the formula: Numbers + Actions = Impact. Numbers add credibility to your experience and show the real-world results of your work. Whether it's the number of people served, funds raised, or projects led, quantifying your achievements provides clear evidence of your effectiveness in previous roles. In the social impact sector, metrics matter—whether you’re increasing program reach, improving outcomes, or advocating for a cause, demonstrating measurable success can significantly enhance your CV.
Through this interactive workshop, participants walked away not only with practical CV tips but also with a clearer sense of their leadership journey and how to effectively communicate their impact. The session was a powerful reminder that a strong CV is more than just a list of jobs—it’s a story of how you’ve shaped your career and contributed to the larger mission of the social impact sector.
For women with 5–8 years of experience in the social impact sector, this workshop served as a vital step in building a standout CV and preparing for the next stage of leadership in their careers.
