Why your CV isn’t getting traction in the indirect tax and VAT job market

In the competitive world of indirect tax and value added tax (VAT), standing out on paper is often more difficult than it seems. Whether you are a junior VAT analyst or a seasoned Head of Indirect Tax, your CV is your first impression. If it is not gaining traction, it may be time to reassess.

This article explores the most common pitfalls in indirect tax CVs, how to quantify your impact, what hiring managers really want to see, and how to craft bullet points that get noticed on platforms like LinkedIn and beyond.

Common mistakes in CVs for in-house indirect tax roles

Even highly qualified tax professionals in related fields such as corporate tax or international tax often make avoidable errors when applying for in-house roles. Here are the most frequent issues:

1. Too much focus on tasks, not outcomes

Many CVs read like job descriptions: “prepared VAT returns,” “reviewed invoices,” “monitored compliance.” While these are important, they do not show the value you added. Instead, focus on what changed because of your work. Did you reduce risk? Improve efficiency? Save money?

2. Lack of business context

Hiring managers want to understand the environment you worked in. Was it a multinational? A fast-growing scale-up? A highly regulated financial services firm? Include company size, industry, and scope of your role. For example: “managed VAT compliance for a £500 million turnover FMCG business operating across 12 EU jurisdictions.”

3. No mention of technology

In-house tax teams increasingly rely on automation, ERP systems, and tax engines. If your CV does not mention tools such as SAP, Oracle, Alteryx, or Vertex, you may appear out of touch. To highlight your value, explain what technology you used in specific circumstances, for example:
“led VAT logic configuration in SAP S/4HANA during global finance transformation.”

4. Generic CVs that are not tailored

A CV that tries to appeal to every role often ends up appealing to none. In-house roles vary widely, with some being compliance-heavy and others more strategic. Tailor your CV to the job description. Highlight relevant experience and mirror the language used in the posting, especially for job titles like Tax Advisor, Tax Manager, Senior Associate, or Tax Senior.

How to quantify impact in indirect tax (even when it feels technical)

Indirect tax roles often feel process-driven, but there are always ways to demonstrate impact. Here is how to bring your achievements to life:

1. Use numbers

Even if your role is technical, numbers help hiring managers understand scale and results.

• “Reduced VAT penalties by 40% through improved controls”
• “Recovered £1.2 million in overpaid VAT across eight jurisdictions”

2. Highlight efficiency gains

Process improvements are highly valued in in-house roles.

• “Cut VAT return preparation time by 30% through automation”
• “Streamlined invoice validation process, reducing errors by 25%”

3. Show risk mitigation

Risk management is a key concern for in-house tax teams.

• “Led internal VAT audit, identifying and correcting £300,000 in exposure”
• “Implemented controls to ensure compliance with new EU e-commerce VAT rules and local tax regulations”

Recruiter insight: what hiring managers really look for at each level

Recruiters and hiring managers have different expectations depending on your level. Here is what they are typically looking for:

Entry-level / analyst

• Attention to detail
• Willingness to learn
• Exposure to VAT or sales tax principles (even academic or internship-based)
• Familiarity with Excel or tax software

Tip: Include coursework, certifications such as ATT or CTA, and any hands-on experience, even if limited.

Mid-level / tax manager

• Ability to manage tax compliance processes independently
• Experience with cross-border VAT or international tax
• Stakeholder communication (e.g. finance, IT, external advisors)
• Some exposure to tax technology

Tip: Show ownership of processes and your role in improving them.

Senior manager / head of indirect tax

• Strategic thinking and leadership
• Experience with audits, litigation, or advisory
• Implementation of tax technology or transformation initiatives
• Business partnering and influencing skills

Tip: Highlight your role in shaping policy, managing teams, and driving change.

Strong vs weak CV bullet points: real examples

Let us look at how to transform weak bullet points into strong, impactful ones.

Final tips for a high-impact indirect tax CV

• Use a professional summary at the top to position yourself clearly
• Tailor your CV for each role, especially when applying for in-house versus advisory positions
• Include keywords from the job description to pass applicant tracking systems
• Keep formatting clean and modern, avoiding dense paragraphs
• Do not forget soft skills such as stakeholder management, communication, and organisational skills
• Mention your availability for full time or hybrid work if relevant
• Demonstrate your understanding of tax laws and tax regulations, especially if you have worked across multiple jurisdictions

How Brewer Morris can help you find your next indirect tax role

Your CV is more than a list of responsibilities, it is your personal marketing tool. In the indirect tax and VAT job market, where roles are technical and nuanced, it is essential to show not just what you did, but how well you did it and what impact it had.

By avoiding common mistakes, quantifying your contributions, and tailoring your CV to the level and role, you will significantly increase your chances of landing interviews and securing the job you want.

If you are looking for new job opportunities in indirect tax, corporate tax, or tax services, check out the latest tax jobs on our website. Whether you are a tax senior, tax advisor, or looking to step into a tax manager position, we can help.

Alternatively, if you are looking to hire a new indirect tax professional, please submit a brief and a member of our team will be in touch.