How to Create the Perfect CV for Business Support Roles in London

CV Advice for Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, Office Managers and Business Support Professionals

The London Business Support market is highly competitive, particularly across sectors such as finance, professional services, property, technology, private equity and luxury brands. Whether you are applying for a Personal Assistant (PA), Executive Assistant (EA), Office Manager, Team Assistant or wider Business Support role, your CV needs to immediately demonstrate professionalism, organisation and commercial awareness.

At Joyce Guiness, we specialise in recruiting Business Support professionals across London and review hundreds of CVs every month. We understand what London employers are looking for and how candidates can position themselves successfully within this fast-paced market.

This guide outlines the key elements of a strong Business Support CV and how to ensure your application stands out to London employers and recruiters.

What London Employers Look for in a Business Support CV

Business Support professionals are essential to the smooth running of London businesses. Employers are often looking for candidates who can work efficiently in fast-paced environments, support senior stakeholders and manage multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion.

Your CV should demonstrate:

• Strong organisational skills
• Excellent communication abilities
• Diary and travel management experience
• Attention to detail
• Confidentiality and professionalism
• Ability to multitask under pressure
• Stakeholder management
• Experience working in corporate or fast-paced environments
• Technical and administrative proficiency

In the London market particularly, employers value candidates who are proactive, polished and confident supporting senior leadership teams.

How to Structure Your CV

A clear, professional and easy-to-read format is essential. Recruiters often review CVs quickly, so presentation matters.  personal details such as date of birth or full address are not necessary.

1. Contact Information

Include:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address & LinkedIn profile (if relevant)
• General London location or commuting area
• For example:
  • Central London
  • South West London
  • Canary Wharf
  • Hampshire with London commute

2. Professional Profile

Your professional profile should provide a concise overview of your experience, industry background and strengths.

Example
Highly organised Executive Assistant with over 6 years’ experience supporting senior leadership teams within fast-paced London-based professional services firm. Skilled in complex diary management, international travel coordination, stakeholder communication and event organisation, with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.

Keep this section:

• Concise and tailored to the role
• Professional and achievement-focused

3. Key Skills

A skills section helps recruiters quickly identify your expertise and improves visibility within Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Common Business Support Skills

• Executive Support
• Diary Management
• Office Management
• International Travel Coordination
• Event Planning
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Stakeholder Management
• Team Coordination
• Board Support
• Minute Taking
• HR Administration
• Project Support

Tailor your skills to the specific role and industry you are applying for.

4. Professional Experience

List your experience in reverse chronological order.

For each role include:

• Dates of employment
• Job title and company name
• Key responsibilities
• Achievements and outcomes

Example CV

Tailoring Your CV according to Business Support Roles

Different positions require different strengths. Tailoring your CV for each application can significantly improve your chances of securing interviews.

Personal Assistant (PA) – highlight:

• Diary management
• Administrative support
• Client communication
• Scheduling and coordination
• Relationship management

Executive Assistant (EA) – focus on:

• Supporting C-suite executives
• Board-level coordination
• Confidentiality
• Strategic support
• Fast-paced corporate experience

Office Manager – demonstrate:

• Team supervision
• Office operations
• Supplier management
• Facilities coordination
• Budget management
• Process improvement

Team Assistant – showcase:

• Team coordination
• Administrative support
• Adaptability
• Organisation
• Communication skills

Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

Spelling and Grammar Errors; Attention to detail is particularly important in Business Support recruitment. Always proofread your CV carefully.

Too Much Information: Keep your CV concise and relevant. Most Business Support CVs should be between one and two pages.

Listing Duties Without Achievements: Employers want to understand the impact you made in previous roles.

Instead of: “Managed diaries.” Try: “Managed complex diaries for four senior executives across multiple international time zones.”

Using the Same CV for Every Role: Tailor your CV to each role, industry and employer.

CV Formatting Tips

Presentation is especially important for PA, EA, Office Manager and Business positions.

We recommend:

• Using a professional font such as Calibri or Arial
• Keeping font size between 10 and 12
• Using bullet points for readability
• Leaving sufficient white space
• Saving your CV as a PDF unless instructed otherwise

Your CV should reflect the professionalism expected within the London corporate market.

Should You Include a Cover Letter?

The cover letter is less important when dealing with a Business Support recruitment agency such as Joyce Guiness, as we speak to every candidate we recommend, so will create a personalised candidate summary profile for each client.  However, a tailored cover letter can help explain:

• Why you are interested in the role
• Your relevant experience
• Your industry background
• What makes you a strong fit for the company

Final Thoughts

The London Business Support market is competitive, but a strong, professional and tailored CV can significantly improve your chances of securing interviews.

By clearly showcasing your skills, achievements and experience, you can position yourself strongly for opportunities across London’s Business Support sector.