What Hiring Managers Really Look for in Part-Qualified Candidates
If you're part-qualified and actively seeking your next opportunity, you might be wondering: What actually makes a difference to hiring managers? What gets a CV noticed? What helps a candidate stand out in interviews? And is there a right way to present yourself?
The short answer is yes.
After working with hundreds of finance professionals over the past two years, I've seen first-hand what makes one candidate progress while another gets overlooked. From your CV to the interview, here’s what hiring managers really want to see.
1. Start With the CV
Your CV is your first impression — and it needs to land.
Keep it clear, professional and focused:
- Spelling and grammar must be perfect.
- Layout should be clean and easy to follow.
- You don’t need two pages, quality trumps quantity.
- Avoid long descriptions of irrelevant roles (e.g. duties from a non-accountancy job).
🚫 No AI-Generated CVs
Tempting as it might be, don’t use ChatGPT to write your CV.
AI-written CVs read as generic, and hiring managers can spot them immediately. Your CV needs to reflect your voice, your experience.
✅ Personal Statement
Include a short, sharp personal statement at the top of your CV. One or two lines is enough:
- Who you are
- What you’re working towards
- What kind of role you’re targeting
Avoid clichés and buzzwords.
✅ Qualifications
Be specific:
- State where you are in your studies.
- Include expected qualification dates.
- If you passed all exams first time, say so! It demonstrates consistency and commitment.
✅ Duties
Use the job spec as your guide. Break down your role into:
- Daily tasks
- Monthly cycles
- Quarterly/annual processes
Accountancy is cyclical. Show how you contribute across the full cycle.
✅ Achievement-Focused Content
This is what separates a good CV from an average one. Instead of just listing responsibilities, highlight impact:
- What did you improve, save, solve or deliver?
- Examples:
- Reduced month-end reporting time
- Supported system implementations
- Improved budget-holder reporting
2. Before the Interview
Preparation sets you apart. It shows professionalism and respect for the opportunity.
Know Your CV
Be ready to walk through every role confidently, what you did and why it mattered. Hiring managers want to know you understand your own impact.
Check Your LinkedIn
Ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV:
- Dates
- Job titles
- Qualifications
Even minor discrepancies can raise red flags.
Research the Company
Show genuine interest by understanding:
- What the company does
- Who their clients are
- Where the business is heading
Check team structures, recent news, and your interviewers' backgrounds. It’s not about memorising facts, it’s about showing you care.
3. During the Interview
This is your chance to bring your CV to life.
Be Honest
Don’t exaggerate your skills, especially with systems or technical knowledge. If you’re not sure, say so — and show willingness to learn.
Integrity is everything in finance. Employers need people they can trust.
Structure Your Answers
When asked about achievements, use a simple framework:
- What you did
- How you did it
- What the outcome was
Avoid vague phrases like “I was involved in…” Focus on ownership and results.
Ask Smart Questions
Show curiosity and assess fit by asking about:
- Company culture
- Development opportunities
- Team structure
This demonstrates you’re thinking beyond the job description.
Final Thoughts
There’s no magic formula for getting hired, but there are clear, consistent patterns in what works.
Hiring managers want:
- Clear, well-presented CVs
- Candidates who are self-aware and prepared
- Honest communication and visible integrity
- A focus on achievement, not just responsibility
If you're part-qualified and ready for your next move:
- Get your CV right
- Showcase your impact
- Be selective and strategic
- Prepare thoroughly for every interview
The right opportunity is out there. And when you’re ready - we’re here to help.