Import / export coordinator CV example

How to write a CV for an import / export coordinator

It’s common to get stuck when learning how to write a CV for an import / export coordinator. After all, you must cover bundles of information within a tight word count. Luckily, we’re here to help. The following sections explain everything you need to know, including insider tips and answers to some of the most common CV writing questions. Let’s run though:

• Adding contact details to your import / export coordinator CV
• Start your import/export coordinator CV with a personal statement
• How to present your work history on an import / export coordinator CV
• Great skills to add on your import/export coordinator CV
• Outlining education on an import/export coordinator CV

Adding contact details to your import / export coordinator CV

Adding your most up-to-date contact details at the top of your CV might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget. However, this simple mistake can be costly – hiring managers won’t waste their time searching for you online, so you might not receive a call back. Want to boost your chances of an interview invite? Include the following information, preferably in a slightly larger or bolder font:

• Name – first name and surname
• Location – including county and postcode
• Phone number – the best one to reach you on
• Email address – make sure it’s suitable for work

Example of contact section for an import / export coordinator CV

Start your import/export coordinator CV with a personal statement

Want to make an outstanding first impression? The secret is a persuasive personal statement summarising your top talents, achievements, and experience. This introductory paragraph is often the first thing an employer reads when opening your CV, so every word counts. You only have three to four sentences to get your point across. Struggling? Use the below formula for inspiration.

Sentence one covers who you are, including your years of experience and career focus. Sentence two explains what you can achieve, backed up by a jaw-dropping statistic. Finally, sentences three and four underline your unique skills and specialisms. For instance, you might have air freight knowledge or be an expert in ITAR, EAR and Incoterms.

As for the statistic, this should be something that proves your credentials. You could discuss how much money you saved, how many team members you trained, or how many awards you won. Basically, shout about anything that catches the employer’s attention and reels them in!

What else can make or break your statement? Remember the following:

• Stick to the word count – 50 to 100 words is ideal
• Write in the third person to sound more professional
• Be authentic – think about what makes you truly special
• Don’t talk about your career ambitions – save additional and contextual information for the cover letter
• Keep the tone formal, polite, and friendly

Example of personal statement for an import / export coordinator CV

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How to present your work history on an import / export coordinator CV

Arguably, the employment background section is the most crucial part of an import / export coordinator CV. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explain why you’re the best person for the job, backed up by a glittering list of key strengths, achievements, and promotions. Hiring managers will also pay close attention to how long you stay with an organisation. We suggest spending several hours here, fleshing out the most important details.

Start from your current or most recent role and note three to six responsibilities for each. Pay closer attention to newer or more relevant positions that reflect the job you’re applying for. Cover the following:

• Job title
• Employment start and end dates
• Company name
• Company location
• List of responsibilities
• Workplace achievements

Competition is fierce for import / export positions, so how do you stand out from the other applicants? Like the personal statement, we advise supporting your claims with concrete evidence. Otherwise, you’re simply asking the employer to believe you. Let’s say you “translated foreign language documents into English” – can you expand on this? You could mention how many languages you speak or the resources you saved, such as “saving £20,000 on professional translator costs”.

Next, cover as many different duties as possible. If you’ve mentioned “processing invoices” underneath one role, talk about “preparing the necessary paperwork” in another. Hiring managers love multi-talented candidates, so show them the scope of your abilities!

Lastly, uplift the tone with plenty of positive adjectives and action verbs. Our top advice? Keep the adjectives unique and avoid buzzwords – you might be “trustworthy”, “diligent”, and “persuasive”. Action verbs are more powerful alternatives to “responsible for”. Some of our favourites for import / export coordinators include “mobilised”, “navigated”, and “signed”.

Example of work experience for an import / export coordinator CV

Great skills to add on your import/export coordinator CV

Busy hiring managers and ATS software love scannable keywords, which is why the CV skills section is so essential. Spotlighting your most valuable abilities reassures the reader you have the fundamental tools to succeed. Plus, it helps separate the talent from the time wasters. We suggest noting up to 12 skills in total, split equally between hard skills and soft skills.

What’s the difference? Hard skills are technical and learnt on the job or through education. Examples include “completing customs entries”, “knowledge of ocean, road, and air freight”, and “overseeing shipping documentation”. In contrast, soft skills are transferable and personality-based – think “detail-oriented”, “reliable”, and “analytical”.

Many candidates stuff their CVs with technical skills and forget to share more about their character. However, soft skills are equally vital. Hiring managers often prioritise positive and proactive candidates with less experience over highly skilled professionals with bad attitudes. Stuck for ideas? Check out the following lists:

Outlining education on an import/export coordinator CV

Education provides the building blocks for experience and proves you have the basic knowledge to meet the job requirements. You can discuss school, college, and university courses, outside training, and memberships to governing bodies. Ultimately, highlight anything that gives weight to your understanding.

There are a few things to be aware of when completing this section. Firstly, you don’t have to include detail about older, less relevant qualifications – there’s no point mentioning your GCSEs if you’ve completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. It’s also a good idea to leave out bad grades. Hiring managers might not be too impressed by an E in computer science!

How do you become an import / export coordinator? Most candidates complete a university degree in a relevant subject, such as “Transport and Distribution Management”, “Logistics and Supply Chain Management”, or “Foreign Languages with Business Studies”. On top of this, they usually search for an industry placement or a summer internship to complement their studies.

Other routes include an “International Freight Forwarding Advanced Apprenticeship” that combines learning with on-the-job training. Or starting as an admin assistant in a freight forwarding or logistics department and working your way up.

When summarising your education, cover the following:

• Name of school, college, university, or other awarding body
• Study start and end dates
• Subject title
• Qualification level – e.g. undergraduate degree or GCSE
• Qualification result

Example of education for an import / export coordinator CV