Make your CV speak for you
For legal consultants, your CV is more than just a career summary — it’s often the first (and sometimes only) chance you get to make an impression.
Unlike permanent roles, interim and consulting opportunities often move quickly, and hiring managers don’t have time to unpick lengthy documents. That’s why presenting your best self clearly and concisely is essential.
At Obelisk we have spoken to a lot of clients about their perspectives on what makes a CV stand out. Their advice? Keep it relevant, keep it focused, and always think about the value you bring.
1. Length and relevance matter most
Hiring managers review dozens of CVs. The quickest way to lose their attention? A document that’s too long or unfocused.
Our golden rules:
- Aim for 2–3 pages max. Any more feels like a slog.
- Focus on what’s directly relevant to the role you’re applying for.
- Cut down or remove older roles unless they demonstrate a skill you still want to highlight. Think of your CV as a showcase, not a storage archive.
Keeping a CV concise shows an ability to prioritise what matters most — something employers in the legal sector notice immediately. A clear, focused application is often far more impactful than an overly detailed one.
2. Show you can “slot in”
For interim and consultancy roles, clients want someone who can hit the ground running. That means proving not only that you have the technical skills, but also that you can adapt quickly to new teams and cultures.
If you’ve worked across multiple interim positions, say so — and highlight how you integrated smoothly. It’s a valuable skill in itself.
3. Tailor your CV like IKEA furniture
We like to compare the best CVs to an IKEA kit: modular and adaptable. Rather than rewriting from scratch each time, build a base CV that you can tweak depending on the role.
That might mean moving certain experience higher up, swapping in different case studies, or trimming irrelevant sections. With practice, you’ll create a system that lets you tailor quickly without endless rework.
4. Structure and storytelling
Chronological CVs are usually easiest for clients to read. They show progression and context. But within that structure, you can bring your story to life by focusing on impact, not just tasks.
Instead of writing:
“Led a compliance training programme.”
Try:
“Led a compliance training programme that increased policy awareness across the organisation by 40%.”
It’s the value you delivered that will resonate with clients.
pages for a CV is still the UK standard
5. Cover letters and bios: do they matter?
Cover letters can divide opinion. Some hiring managers read them, others don’t. Our advice: ask your Obelisk liaison whether the client expects one.
But don’t underestimate the power of a short bio or profile summary at the top of your CV. This acts as your elevator pitch — a chance to grab attention and frame the rest of your experience. You’ll need this for your Obelisk profile anyway, so it’s worth spending some time on to make it stand out.
6. Personal details: relevant or redundant?
What about hobbies and personal interests? Our opinion: only include them if they add value or are truly distinctive.
- “Travel and cooking” probably won’t add much.
- But being a school governor or chair of a community group could demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or governance experience.
Always ask: Why should a client care about this detail?
7. Career breaks: Explain them with confidence
For consultants and returners, career gaps are common. Don’t hide them. Instead, briefly explain what you were doing and, where possible, the skills you developed.
You are a different person at the end of that experience than you were at the beginning. Don’t dismiss that growth.
Even if the break wasn’t “professional,” resilience, problem-solving, and advocacy are transferable skills worth highlighting.
8. Final touches: Interviews and follow-ups
A strong CV should lead to interviews — but preparing well is just as important. Our tips:
- Prepare answers to common questions, but don’t script them.
- Highlight value consistently across your answers.
- Ask thoughtful questions at the end to show genuine interest.
And once the interview is done? A short thank-you note never hurts. It reinforces the connection you’ve made.
Key takeaway
Your CV is not just a list of jobs — it’s your professional story, designed to show a client why you’re the right person to step in and deliver. Keep it concise, keep it relevant, and focus on the value you add.
At Obelisk Support, we’re here to help our consultants present their best selves — and connect with clients who value their skills and experience. To find out more about working with Obelisk get in touch!
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