How to write a document controller CV (plus an example)

Updated 30 November 2022

A career as a document control expert involves managing and organising important documents for a business. Writing a CV is important for getting a job as a document controller. Knowing how to create an excellent CV for a document controller position can help you get more interviews. In this article, we explain the meaning of a document controller CV, discuss how to write one and share a template, an example and a couple of points of advice to help you write your own.

What is a document controller CV?

A document controller CV is a specialised document that an individual seeking a document control position submits with their job application to potential employers. A document controller manages and organises documents for groups, projects and businesses. As a document controller, you may also be responsible for numbering, arranging, filing and retrieving documents to support a particular project or unit.

How to write a document controller CV

Here are seven steps to follow when creating a CV for a document controller position:

1. Choose the right CV format

There are two primary formats for CVs, namely skill-based and reverse-chronological formats. Choosing the right CV format may depend on your employment history. The reverse-chronological format may be the best if you have many years of document control experience. This format outlines your responsibilities in your previous roles, starting with the most recent one.

You may use the skill-based format if you're applying for document controller jobs with little or no experience. A skill-based CV focuses on your skills and the various assignments you completed using those skills. If you have experience, you can achieve better outcomes using the reverse-chronological format. Many employers may prefer to select candidates based on their years of experience in the profession.

2. Provide your contact details

At the top of your CV, put your name and contact information. Your contact information may allow potential recruiters to contact you and schedule an interview. Include your full name, phone number, email address and location in this section.

3. Create an effective professional summary

A professional summary briefly explains your skills and experience in document control. It gives potential employers a quick insight into your qualifications for the job. Use action verbs and numbers to quantify your achievements to create an effective professional summary. In two or three sentences, create a compelling summary to convince your potential employer of your competence for the role.

Example: Document Controller with over four years of experience creating solutions for organising and securing important documents. Proficient at undertaking specialist projects and collaborating with team members to ensure they record appropriate documentation.

4. Highlight your work experience

Next, create the work experience section. This part of your CV includes your current and past job roles relevant to the position of document controller. Study the job posting carefully. Make a list of the important document controller skill requirements and responsibilities in the posting, and use this information to create a list of examples of these from your work experience. Start with your most recent job, and then list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order. Include the job title, the company name, the duration of your employment and a list of your specific responsibilities.

5. Provide details about your educational qualifications

Although not all employers may require a bachelor's degree for document control jobs, it may be beneficial to include evidence of university education, such as a degree in accounting, business administration or computer science. Some employers might also favour candidates with a diploma or certification from an online training course or a professional development institution. When you mention any of these qualifications, ensure to provide the title and the name and location of the institution that awarded it.

6. Include relevant document control skills

The skills section of your CV is an excellent place to include key phrases from the job description to highlight your abilities as a document controller. Examine the job description to determine the specific skills and abilities the employer requires for this position. Be sure to include the required skills if you possess them. Many recruiting companies may prefer candidates who can handle sensitive data and follow strict instructions. The following are examples of skills that employers may require for the position of a document controller:

Organisation: It's beneficial for document controllers to possess organisation skills because they may frequently sort, file and maintain various document types. This skill may help document control professionals track and store documents securely.
Project management: Document controllers frequently collaborate with project managers to ensure that team members complete the company's projects quickly and on budget. Project management skills may help a document controller collect, distribute and track data effectively.
Communication: Since your role may require you to collaborate with employees in many departments, it's beneficial to possess good oral and written communication skills. This may enable you to communicate technical information accurately.

7. Proofread your CV

One of the most important requirements for a document controller is attention to detail. To demonstrate that you have this skill, before submitting your application double-check your CV for mistakes. Ensure it's free of spelling and grammatical errors. You may also ask a friend or relative to proofread the document. Sometimes it may be challenging to spot errors in something you wrote yourself.

Advice for writing your CV for a document controller position

Below are a couple of points to consider when writing a CV for a document control job:

What are common CV keywords for document controller roles?

Keywords such as document control, compliance, documentation, project management, accuracy, database and communication skills may frequently appear on document control job postings. You may try to include these in your CV in sections such as work experience and skills. This may help you meet the applicant tracking system requirements of the company to which you're submitting your application.

Are there specific experience requirements for a document controller role?

Many employers may require candidates with at least two years of work experience in document or record management for document control jobs. This experience may include the ability to manage and handle sensitive data. If you want to work in a technical company, the employer might require you to have specialist knowledge of documents like blueprints or construction drawings.

CV template for the position of a document controller

Here's a CV template for a document controller role to use as a guide:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable] [Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional].

Experience
(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree and subject], [Name of institution or university]
[City], [State]

Optional
[Certification name], [Host organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

CV example for the position of a document controller

Here's an example of a CV for a document controller:

Mark Smith, BSc
07316 749815 | marksmith@email.com | Didsbury, Manchester

Professional Summary
Document Controller with over six years of experience filing, creating and managing physical and electronic documents. Possess excellent problem-solving and organisational skills. Seeking long-term employment in an organisation to grow professionally and use this experience to ensure the company's growth.

Experience
Document Controller | August 2020–April 2022
Jaycee Inc. | Didsbury, Manchester

reviewed over 50 project documents, including data, for approval
prepared routine documents using spreadsheets and word processors
developed progress reports on several documentation processes
monitored deadlines for filing, distribution and storage of project documents
performed quality control checks on office data

Document Controller | March 2018–July 2020
The Whales | Didsbury, Manchester

collaborated with project managers and team leaders to increase the organisation's productivity by 10%
examined departmental files for proper distribution and filing
ensured the proper maintenance of documents and data registers

Assistant Document Controller | February 2016–January 2018
Jason & Co. | Didsbury, Manchester

researched and updated materials that the firm required
supported the senior document controller in monitoring and tracking many databases
monitored documents before sending to ensure their accuracy

Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Bricks University
Didsbury, Manchester

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.