How to write global development CVs if you're new to the sector

While the global development sector remains competitive, with its intimidating array of jargon and vernacular, the ongoing — yet frequently unmet — demand for both universal and specific skills and expertise can open the door for transitioning professionals from diverse backgrounds. Effective CVs for roles in global development differ in many ways from that of other sectors. For those seeking a career move into the sector, we spoke with Kathryn Harper, an expert in professional development writing, during a recent Devex digital event. She offered advice on how to make sure your CV best reflects and positions your expertise and experience through the lens of global development hiring authorities. Here are a few key takeaways from the event, which you can watch in full below. Translate your existing experience and skills In order to transition into the development sector, it’s imperative that you are able to present your existing experience in a way that shows you are qualified for the role. This is key to compensating for the development background that you lack. Harper shared an example of a client she is working with who is a lawyer looking to break into development. “When you hear ‘attorney,’ most people think litigator, they think courtroom, they can think adversarial,” she said. “[But] the vast majority of attorneys never go to court; are not litigators, but they’re advocates, they’re champions, they’re mediators, they’re negotiators, and these are the skills surrounding that profession that we highlight to show a potential employer that those skills are equally important as a chief operating officer.” There’s no golden rule on length In many sectors, the one-page rule is accepted and expected when it comes to CVs and résumés. Some also recommend keeping a development CV to two or three pages. Harper said what should really determine the length is the relevance of your experience and the quality of your narrative. “Your story should be as long as it needs to be as long as it's compelling,” she said, adding that her personal CV is three pages. “The length to me is less material than how well written it is.” Don’t leave recruiters guessing “Don't leave your reader guessing, because they're gonna guess wrong,” Harper said. The way to bulletproof your CV is to harness the power of numbers, she added. “Numbers cannot be argued with — numbers in a job description, or in a résumé and a CV. They convey scope and scale like nothing else.” For example, a pharmacist or medical professional may write on a CV that they worked with doctors and nurses and have administered vaccines. A recruiter might wonder, “how many doctors, how many nurses, how many customers? What size is your vaccine inventory? … these little numbers … can really paint a strong picture of what you do,” Harper said.