Are you looking to write your perfect Policy Advisor CV?
A policy advisor’s role is to provide expert guidance and recommendations to influence, shape and implement policies within a specific organisation or government body.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the field or a newcomer seeking your first role, having a well-crafted CV is crucial. It should showcase your qualifications, relevant experience and noteworthy achievements.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to create a brilliant CV that will impress employers and help you land your dream job. Let’s begin!
I am a responsible, articulate and motivated Policy Advisor with a variety of skills and experience ranging from governmental policy-making to business. I have strong written and verbal skills with over two years experience in writing for various purposes, including briefings, minutes, correspondence and legislation. I possess the natural ability to develop good working relationships with others both inside and outside of the organisation that I work for. In my current job at JP Consultancy, I am working directly with government officials to advise them on various matters, allowing me to influence public policy. My career objective is to develop expertise in policy, governance and communications that assists in achieving humanitarian and development outcomes.
Achievements
Working with and supporting officials from the upper echelons of power
Over two years of experience in policy research and consultancy
Education
2011 – 2014
BA Business and Management
University of Reading
Grade achieved: 2:1
Relevant Modules:
Markets, Marketing and Strategy
Business Statistics
Assurance, Governance and Ethics
Introduction to Business Law
Strategic Management of Work and Human Resources
2009 – 2011 Results: Business: A IT: A English: B
A Levels
Hawthorn College
2002 – 2009 Results: 10 GCSEs at Grades A*-C.
GCSEs
Stafford Secondary School
Work experience
Nov 2014 – Present
Policy Advisor JP Consultancy
Main duties performed:
Conducting research and giving advice and recommendations on various topics, including domestic policy, current legislation, politics, taxation, business processes and environmental issues
Drafting, supporting and negotiating corporate and governmental policies
Writing clear and concise reports, statements and formal documents
Producing briefings on UK/EU policy documents and legislative texts
Writing speeches for civil servants
Negotiating agreements between clients and other third-party organisations
Liaising with solicitors, barristers and civil servants face-to-face, by phone and in writing
Booking consultation rooms and organising meetings with clients
Delegating tasks to other members of staff when required
Attending weekly team meetings and contributing ideas
Jan 2014 – Oct 2014
Researcher Info Untangled
Main duties performed:
Performing qualitative research with a specific focus on the financial markets
Writing clear, concise and relevant reports to aid policy development
Presenting of research findings via presentations to a broad range of audiences
Designing and carrying out literature reviews and referencing
Advising on issues related to business methodology and ethics
Qualifications
Effective Policy Making – Civil Service College
Understanding the UK Legal System – CSC
Level 3 Leadership and Management – ILM
Skills
Strategic change: I comprehensively advise on strategic change, policy and reform that result in a positive impact on the government, businesses and individuals.
Drafting policy: I have successfully drafted, supported and negotiated corporate and governmental policies.
Interpersonal skills: I am a credible and diplomatic professional with a proven track record of building productive business relationships using influence and negotiation.
Technical abilities: I am experienced in using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) and web-based analytical programs.
Hobbies and interests
I enjoy spending my spare time keeping up to date with the latest developments in politics, business and current affairs.
Mrs Anna Willingham Consultant, Info Untangled Address: 1 Villa St, London, LO3 8XL Tel: 0770 5661 0004 Email:[email protected]
Preview
What makes this CV good and effective?
Personal details: The candidate’s personal details are prominently placed at the top of the CV, making it effortless for potential employers to reach out to them. Using their name as the main heading of their CV also makes it easier for the employer to identify the owner of the CV, compared to headings such as “CV” or “Curriculum vitae.”
Format and structure: The CV’s format and structure are designed for clarity and professionalism, ensuring that information is presented logically and aesthetically. They have used a professional CV template to achieve this result.
Tailored to the job: The CV is customised to align with the specific requirements of a policy advisor position, effectively demonstrating the candidate’s suitability for the role. They have used industry-specific terminology and phrases as the job advert, improving their chances of standing out from the other candidates.
Ideal length: By adhering to a maximum of two pages, the CV maintains a balance between being comprehensive and concise, ensuring that essential information is not lost.
Choose a mainstream and professional font: Opt for a legible font like Arial, Calibri, Verdana or Times New Roman in a 10-12 point size to enhance readability. Employers are used to seeing these fonts on CVs so it won’t distract their attention from the content of the CV.
Set clear headings: Create clear, bold headings for each section, including “Professional Profile”, “Work Experience” and “Education.” Clear headings not only enhance the overall visual appeal of your CV but also aid recruiters in quickly locating the information they need, ensuring a seamless reading experience.
Use bullet points instead of paragraphs: In the work experience and achievements sections, use bullet points to highlight key responsibilities and accomplishments, making it easy for recruiters to scan your achievements.
Highlight training: If you’ve undergone specialised policy advisor training or workshops, create a section dedicated to this training and certifications.
Proofread and edit: Before submission, carefully proofread your CV for grammar, spelling and consistency, and consider having it reviewed by a trusted colleague or professional. The last thing an employer expects to see on a policy advisor’s CV are spelling and grammar mistakes!
Your CV’s personal details section is where you provide essential information about yourself to help potential employers contact you.
It should include your full name, phone number, professional email address and your address. However, it’s worth noting that in today’s digital age, your full address is not always necessary; you can simply include your city or region to maintain your privacy while still giving employers an idea of your location.
Your CV’s personal profile is like your introduction to potential employers. It’s a brief but crucial section where you tell them about yourself, your skills and your career goals.
Tips:
Be concise: Keep it brief, ideally within 3-4 lines, focusing on the essentials.
Highlight your key skills: Mention your most relevant skills and strengths.
Share your experience: Give a snapshot of your career experience and achievements.
Use a positive tone: Keep it upbeat and professional to leave a good impression.
Tailor it: Adjust your personal profile to match the job you’re applying for, emphasising skills and goals relevant to that role.
A highly experienced Policy Advisor with a track record of shaping government policies to drive positive change. Skilled in conducting in-depth research and analysis, I have successfully influenced policy decisions, such as implementing a cost-saving initiative that reduced public expenditure by 15%. Committed to making a lasting impact through evidence-based policy recommendations.
Achievements
In this section, you can include achievements from both your professional and personal life, offering a well-rounded perspective of your skills, dedication and accomplishments.
Achieved First-Class Honours in Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford.
Successfully lobbied for a policy change that resulted in a 15% reduction in carbon emissions for a previous employer.
Co-authored a white paper on education reform, which was endorsed by a government ministry.
Worked as a volunteer policy consultant for a wildlife conservation organisation, contributing to the protection of endangered species.
Employment history
When crafting the employment section of your CV, focus on showcasing your value to prospective employers. Highlight your key responsibilities and achievements in each role, ensuring they directly relate to the job you’re applying for.
October 2018 – Present
Policy Advisor Ministry of Policy and Planning, UK Government.
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Conduct in-depth research to analyse and formulate evidence-based policies.
Provide policy recommendations to address complex socio-economic challenges.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement government policies.
Present policy proposals to senior officials and stakeholders for review and approval.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies, making data-driven adjustments.
Prepare comprehensive policy reports and briefings for high-level government meetings.
Achievement:
Successfully led a policy initiative resulting in a 20% reduction in youth unemployment rates, improving the livelihoods of thousands.
Conducting in-depth policy research to identify emerging socio-economic trends and issues.
Providing evidence-based policy recommendations to address complex challenges.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement government policies.
Presenting policy proposals to senior officials and stakeholders for review and approval.
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies and making data-driven adjustments.
Preparing comprehensive policy reports and briefings for high-level government meetings.
Conducting impact assessments to determine the outcomes and potential risks of proposed policies.
Engaging in stakeholder consultations and public outreach to gather input on policy initiatives.
Analysing legislative changes and ensuring policy compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Staying up-to-date with policy developments and contributing to the strategic planning of policy objectives.
Educational background
The educational background section of your CV should be structured in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent qualifications and working backwards.
Include a wide range of qualifications such as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, A-Levels, diplomas or any other relevant educational achievements.
2011 – 2013 Results: Politics: A, Economics: A, History: B .
A-Levels
Sheffield City College
Qualifications
The professional training and qualifications section should contain a list of any additional courses, certifications or training you’ve completed that are relevant to the job, showcasing your commitment to ongoing professional development.
Example:
Master of Public Policy – University of Edinburgh
Level 5 Diploma in Policy and Strategy – Institute of Policy Studies
Advanced Certificate in Negotiation Skills – Chartered Institute of Policy Advisors
Certificate in Data Analysis for Policy – London School of Economics
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Public Administration – Open University
Skills and abilities
This section of your CV is a critical area where you highlight your specific competencies and qualities relevant to the role. It should provide a concise overview of what you can bring to the table, showcasing your suitability for the position.
You should include skills such as policy analysis, research, stakeholder engagement, data interpretation and strategic thinking, demonstrating your ability to navigate complex policy issues and make informed recommendations.
Policy analysis: Proficient in conducting comprehensive policy research, data analysis and impact assessments. For instance, I led a team to analyse the implications of new environmental regulations, resulting in a 15% reduction in compliance costs for our organization.
Stakeholder engagement: Skilled in building strong relationships with government officials, industry representatives and community leaders. I successfully negotiated a policy change with local authorities, resulting in improved infrastructure investment in the region.
Legislation interpretation: Experienced in interpreting and applying complex legislation. I played a key role in the development of a new healthcare policy, ensuring its alignment with existing laws, which received unanimous approval from the regulatory body.
Data-driven decision making: Using data and analytics to inform policy recommendations.
Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for policy briefs and presentations.
Public speaking: Confidence in presenting and advocating for policy proposals.
Project management: Leading policy projects from conception to implementation.
Negotiation skills: Effectively negotiating with stakeholders to achieve policy objectives.
Research skills: Conducting comprehensive policy research and data analysis.
Interdepartmental coordination: Coordinating efforts across different government departments for policy implementation.
Risk assessment: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with policy changes.
Social impact analysis: Assessing the societal impact of policies, including equality and inclusion considerations.
Conflict resolution: Mediating disputes and conflicts related to policy issues.
Hobbies and interests (optional)
The hobbies and interests section of a CV provides a brief insight into your personal activities and pastimes outside of work, showcasing your well-rounded personality and potentially shared interests with the employer.
Only include hobbies and interests that are relevant, highlight positive qualities, or demonstrate skills that could be beneficial to the job or demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth.
For example, you could include hobbies such as active participation in public policy discussion groups, involvement in political activism or engagement in economic research and analysis to demonstrate your deep interest in and commitment to the field.
Example:
Passionate about public policy, I actively engage in discussions on contemporary political issues, stay updated on economic trends, and participate in local political campaigns. My commitment to community welfare is reflected in my volunteer work with a local charity, where I contribute to social initiatives and policies that positively impact our region.
Professional references
The professional references section of your CV is where you provide the names and contact details of individuals who can vouch for your professional abilities, character and suitability for the job.
Referees can include former managers, colleagues or supervisors who have worked closely with you, as well as academic tutors if you are a recent graduate.
See the example below on what details to include for each one of your referees.
Example:
Mr. Richard Davies Policy Analyst, Britannia Policy Institute Address: 42 Suffolk Street, London, SW1A 2AB Tel: +44 20 1234 5678 Email:[email protected]
Ms. Hannah Smith Director of Policy Development, UK Governance Group Address: 8 Birch Avenue, Manchester, M1 3CD Tel: +44 161 9876 5432 Email:[email protected]
Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”
Use powerful language Begin each bullet point with dynamic verbs like “implemented”, “analysed” or “crafted” to showcase your accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying “Responsible for policy research”, say “Conducted comprehensive policy research.”
Show continuous learning: Include any relevant certifications, training or workshops you’ve attended to demonstrate your commitment to staying up-to-date with policy trends and best practices.
Keep your CV short: Keep your CV concise and focused. Avoid overly long paragraphs and aim for clarity in your writing. Employers appreciate brevity because it makes their lives much easier.
Include relevant publications: If you’ve published articles, reports or research papers related to policy, include them as part of your CV to showcase your expertise in the field.
Follow up: After submitting your CV, follow up with a polite email to express your continued interest in the position. This demonstrates your proactive approach to the application process.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
