A Records Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that an organisation’s information is effectively organised, securely stored, and easily retrievable when needed. This role is not only about keeping paperwork in order but about driving compliance, supporting decision-making, and maintaining operational efficiency across all departments. As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, Records Managers have become essential in shaping how data is managed, from digital archiving to governance and regulatory compliance.
The job description of a Records Manager typically includes responsibilities such as developing and implementing records management policies, overseeing classification systems, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, training staff on records procedures, and coordinating with IT to maintain digital records systems. Salaries in the UK for Records Managers vary depending on experience and sector, but generally range between £30,000 and £55,000 per annum, with senior positions in large organisations or government bodies exceeding £60,000.
With the right cv template and structure, you can create an interview-winning application that showcases your expertise, achievements, and leadership in managing critical business records. As your trusted UK career coach with over 25 years of experience, I’ll walk you through how to build a powerful records manager cv example that gets noticed.
the importance of a professional records manager cv
Your CV is the first impression you make on hiring managers, and in a competitive field such as records management, you need more than just a list of duties. Employers want to see a story of impact—how you improved efficiency, safeguarded compliance, or enhanced retrieval times. An effective cv example for a Records Manager doesn’t just tick boxes; it demonstrates outcomes.
When hiring managers look at your application, they want to see evidence of your ability to balance regulatory requirements with the practical needs of the business. A well-structured cv template will highlight your organisational skills, technical systems expertise, and ability to lead records teams to success.
key skills to highlight in your records manager cv
To truly stand out, your CV should reflect both technical skills and leadership abilities. Here are some essential areas to focus on:
Information governance and compliance expertise
Records lifecycle management (creation to disposal)
Knowledge of electronic document and records management systems (EDRMS)
Understanding of GDPR, FOI, and other UK/EU regulations
Process improvement and workflow optimisation
Staff training and development in records management practices
Strong communication and stakeholder management
Each of these skills should be supported by examples of achievements. For instance, instead of saying “managed digital archives,” you could say “implemented a digital records system that reduced retrieval times by 40% and improved compliance audit outcomes.”
structuring your records manager cv template example
A winning cv example follows a clear, professional structure. I recommend this tried-and-tested layout:
Contact Information – Name, phone, professional email, and LinkedIn profile.
Professional Profile – A punchy, three-to-four line summary highlighting your expertise in records management, leadership, and compliance.
Key Skills Section – Bullet point list of your technical and soft skills tailored to the job.
Professional Experience – Reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements, results, and responsibilities.
Education and Certifications – Degrees, diplomas, or specialist records management qualifications.
Professional Memberships – Such as IRMS (Information and Records Management Society).
Additional Information – Languages, IT systems knowledge, or relevant projects.
Remember, every section should reinforce your suitability for the role and be aligned with the job description.
advice for graduates entering records management
If you’re a graduate looking to enter the profession, don’t worry about a lack of direct experience. Focus on transferable skills from your studies, internships, or part-time roles. Highlight your research abilities, organisation, and any exposure to databases or information systems. Voluntary roles in administration or library settings also provide excellent stepping stones.
Make sure your cv template highlights your willingness to learn, adaptability, and any relevant coursework or projects. Employers often value enthusiasm, curiosity, and the ability to grow within the role.
advice for middle managers in records management
For those at middle management level, your CV should show progression and results. At this stage, employers want evidence of how you have led teams, improved systems, and contributed to wider organisational goals.
Highlight specific projects such as digitisation initiatives, compliance audits, or restructuring records management frameworks. Use metrics wherever possible: for example, “Reduced storage costs by 25% through digitisation project” or “Led a team of 10 records staff to successfully migrate 100,000+ files into a new EDRMS.”
Your cv example should demonstrate not just your records expertise, but also your management, leadership, and problem-solving capabilities.
advice for senior records managers
If you are applying for senior-level positions, employers expect strategic impact. At this level, your CV should demonstrate vision, leadership, and the ability to influence executive decision-making.
Include evidence of board-level presentations, policy creation, and cross-departmental leadership. Show how you have aligned records management with organisational strategy, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation. Use your cv template to showcase achievements such as “Developed enterprise-wide information governance framework adopted across five UK offices” or “Partnered with IT and legal to deliver GDPR compliance programme, mitigating potential £2m in fines.”
the do’s and don’ts of a records manager cv
Do:
Tailor your CV to each job description.
Use strong action verbs and quantify achievements.
Keep formatting clean, professional, and consistent.
Include keywords such as “records lifecycle,” “compliance,” “EDRMS,” and “information governance.”
Ensure spelling, grammar, and punctuation are perfect.
Don’t:
Use generic, copy-paste duties with no achievements.
Overload your CV with technical jargon that clouds readability.
List irrelevant hobbies or outdated IT skills.
Submit more than two pages (unless at director level).
Forget to link your CV with a professional LinkedIn profile.
general tips to make your cv shine
Keep your sentences concise and achievement-focused.
Add context—explain the scale of the organisation, size of records managed, or budget responsibility.
Use white space wisely to make your document easy to read.
Always back up claims with tangible results.
Tailor your professional profile to each role applied for.
A strong records manager cv example is not just about listing experience; it’s about proving your value and impact. Employers need to see how you’ll solve their challenges and add measurable value.
final thoughts and invitation
Crafting an interview-winning CV takes strategy, clarity, and a deep understanding of what hiring managers are truly looking for. Whether you’re just starting your career, moving into management, or aiming for senior leadership, the right cv template tailored to your goals will make all the difference.
If you’re ready to elevate your career prospects, I invite you to work with me personally. With over 25 years of UK-based career coaching expertise, I’ve helped thousands of professionals transform their CVs and LinkedIn profiles into powerful tools that secure interviews and offers.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Book an appointment today to have your CV and LinkedIn profile expertly rewritten, positioned, and optimised for success: Book an appointment now.
