CV tips

Discussion in 'Bulletin Board ARCHIVE' started by Thrappo Tyke, Mar 2, 2009.

  1. Thrappo Tyke

    Thrappo Tyke Well-Known Member

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    I'm having to get myself a decent CV written, and I'm just looking to see if anyone has any advice on what to do and what to avoid when writing a CV</p>

    </p>
     
  2. Spa

    Spartacus Well-Known Member

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    make stuff up to make you sound better

    every facker else does!

    seriously though keep it simple and down to two pages.
     
  3. Terry Nutkins

    Terry Nutkins Well-Known Member

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    Change your CV for each job you go for

    Have a long look at the Job Description of the job you are going for as all the answers you require are there.</p>

    Its important to put your most appropriate examples at the top of the lists that you have in there. Look at what the main aspects of the job are and prioritise your skills.</p>

    I.e if the Job is a management job then at the top of your skills you should give your previous management experience. The employer doesn't want to know about your skills as a toilet cleaner etc.</p>

    Make it as clear as possible and don't go overboard. The person looking at it looks at 100s per day and skims through it. Buzz words and the format goes a long way.</p>
     
  4. D/T

    D/T New Member

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    Use long words to make you sound intellegent. Adjust it to suit the job you are going for. ********. Tick the disabled box on the application form.
     
  5. Con

    Conkotyke Active Member

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    well I saw on TV the other day that recruiters are now keen to see photographs on CVs. However if you are an ugly bugger forget it.
     
  6. funnyfella23

    funnyfella23 Well-Known Member

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    BBC website has plenty of guidance
     
  7. Swi

    Swinton Red New Member

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    I'm no expert but gone for two jobs in 11 years and got both

    but my cv had a massive overhaul when i looked for a new job 2 years ago. Must have been good coz i blagged it into a large Architects in the N.East and haven't got a degree let alone qualifications in Architecture.

    Of the good advice you have received so far, i would agree with most of it although not the two page bit, but then again depends on your job history

    Go with a simple txt such as Arial, have your headers bold and underlined. First page just have your name, contact details, status and qualifications.

    Next page should be you work history.Now mine was easy coz i only had ever had one job so i fitted that all on one page, job title's, description of day to day activities, brief description of what work the company did etc and progression from upstart to senior

    If you are someone who has flitted between jobs all their life then, like Nutkins and someone else said, just detail the jobs you have done which are relevent to the job you are applying for and your most recent.Nothing wrong with not listing your time as a burger flipper or a checkout girl if your applying for an office job, a cv dosen't have to everything, just the right stuff and don't EVER LIE on a cv, you will get found out and its not worth it. I can honestly say there is nothing on my cv that isn't 100% true

    If you have been with a company a while and rose through the ranks i.e from office junior to assistant to team leader whatever, then write what skills and attributes you demonstrated to get that promotion.

    After your job history maybe do what i have done, have a page of Skills and Attributes, Notable Projects etc and list what skills and attributes you have as a person and what you can bring to a job. If your applying for a job that requires you to work alone at times but also pulling together to be a team player when required, list examples of this in previous employment etc. Like Nutkins say's read the 'Job advert' in detail and see exactly what they require and make sure you highlight this, a good way to do this would be in the Opening Letter when applying, always type this NEVER hand write anything.Keep it short and to the point telling them what you can bring to the position.

    Last page just a brief interests and hobbies, and then References 'upon request'

    REMEMBER its not just them interviewing you, you are interviewing them to see whether they are suitable for you.Never fall into trap of thinking they are doing you a favour by seeing you, you are doing them a favour.But don't be arrogant or too overconfident.

    For interview type up a page of questions (internet is good for this) to ask and slip them in as the interview is ongoing if you feel the time is right.My last interview was a 2nd interview with the MD of the company after 10mins of quizzing me he noticed i had a list of questions laid out in front of me and asked me what they were.For the next 30mins i quizzed him and his company, at the end he said he wished more people would ask questions like that and said he enjoyed it.Needless to say the job was in the bag by that point.
     
  8. Thrappo Tyke

    Thrappo Tyke Well-Known Member

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    RE: I'm no expert but gone for two jobs in 11 years and got both

    Thanks for that</p>

    I think I have most of the information I need, it's just getting it together in the best way. As it stand, the only thing I haven't written is a 'personal statement', I'm not so good at bigging myself up.</p>

    My work history is also quite easy, I'm 22 but have only had 2 jobs - the co-op when I was 17 and then working for the family after finishing uni</p>

    At the moment, I'm looking for any sort of work in reality, so I guess I'll have to ammend my CV quite often depending on the role, though it seems most of the jobs going where I live are either real basic stuff - data entry, call centre work, or jobs with experience needed that I don't have yet
    </p>
     
  9. Dan

    Dan Well-Known Member

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    I'd second that about the questions

    it shows your interested, but more importantly have done your research. Dont be afraid to have anything written down - shows you again have taken your time.

    Dependant on the job, your ability face to face will be as important to any employer as whats written on your C.V.

    Dont be afraid to ask for the job there and then. If they say they have other people to see ask them what someone else would have to show them that you havent. Do not ever leave an interview with anything left to question, on your part or theirs. Its likely if you do those questions will go unanswered.
     
  10. M1 Tyke

    M1 Tyke New Member

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    My advice would be

    work hard at school and go to university

    Work hard some more and get a good qualifiication.

    Get into a good accountancy firm and become a "partner"

    Take up lots of interesting hobbies and taht.


    If you write everything down including your swimming badges you will have a fantastic CV.

    Or have I missed teh point.
     
  11. Gue

    Guest Guest

    ManagerTools.com

    Go to their website and there is a specific podcast about writing your CV which is quite good. I think its called My Resume Stinks(!), if you can get past the Americanisums there is some good advice.
     
  12. Spe

    Spectemur Agendo New Member

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    PG Tips

    cracking cup o' tea
     
  13. dreamboy3000

    dreamboy3000 Well-Known Member

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    Burger Nips

    Can't go wrong.
     

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