How do i write a decent CV?

[the.fee.fairy]

I need a new job quite desperately - they've changed my hours at this one, and i cant get home on the bus anymore, so i need a new job before i leave.

The problem is that i got a new computer a couple of years ago and it seems that the only thing that didn;t transfer is my CV...
So, i'm taking the opportunity to write a new one.

How do i do so decently?

[lsm1066]

I just got a job (!) and was told by the agency that my cv was a good one, so if you want me to e-mail it to you as an example, I'm more than happy to. Alternatively, have a look at any employment agency's website. Most of them will have details on how to put your cv together.

Hope that helps
Lynne

[invisiblepiper]

Google it - there are great online templates.
Good tip is to keep it simple and relevant - two single sides is recommended - as folk won't read more than that.
Best of luck!

[becks77]

My other half is a recruitment consultant and has to deal with literally hundreds of CVs every day, make it memorable in a good way, perhaps a subtle but different coloured paper, someone once used pink paper and from then on was remembered as "you know the pink one" but they got loads of interviews and a new job

[the.fee.fairy]

All good plans. LSM - what employment agency are you with?

[Thomzo]

Whatever you do, make sure the English is absolutely perfect. Get someone to proof read it as you won't spot your own typing mistakes.

If you've had a number of jobs then put more information about the recent ones and a lot less about the older ones.

Don't be afraid to produce more than one. If you are applying for a job that asks for certain skills, then tailor your CV to that job. Not so easy if you use an agency as they tend to like one CV that they can send out to all their clients.

If you are applying direct, then send a letter with the CV where you can outline skills that are specific to that role.

For the more recent roles, highlight any improvements or changes that you initiated, including the work you did to make your office more environmentally friendly. It shows that you are adaptable.

Good luck with the job hunting.

Zoe

[lsm1066]

All good plans. LSM - what employment agency are you with?

Hays. I gave them my cv, did copy typing and data entry tests and that was it.

[flora]

Oh great!

Glad I spotted this.

I'm moving from Bristol to Devon soon and will be giving up my Job here and looking for employment.

I've had the same job for over 18 years now, so have to get back in the swing of CV, interviews etc.

[Cloud]

I'm currently reading CVs at the moment. This is what I'm looking for in a CV...

A pink CV would not impress me. Short, succinct, relevant ones do. I'm most interested about recent experience, not hobbies, not school exam results beyond number of passes (unless within the last 5 years). Bad grammar and spelling, or lots of abbreviations don't help.

Best CVs are the one that give me less work. Customised ones generally help as they tend to focus on the skill I'm looking for.

Start with your skills you have that are directly relevant to the job. I don't always look at page two if you've not sold on page one.

Don't mention your age - it not relevant. Or things like having a clean driving licence. I might need to know, but it's not going to get you the interview. I'll ask if I need to know. Keep the CV for things that get you to the interview. Same with pets, marital status, number of children, favourite football team - all not relevant.

Do remember to say how they can contact you, and when you are available for work (notice period if already in employment).

Keep it neat and tidy. Single font (Times is okay). Bold maybe for titles. Remember to give it some structure. Keep it 'professional', but it does not have to be rigidly formal. A natural relaxed is okay. Easy to read is most important.

Remember, a CV has one job - to get you to the interview.

Edit: Just had to get that off my chest. Having read lots of CVs I'm really frustrated by how bad many of them are. I'm sure I've discarded good people for the job, just because they've had bad CV.

[Mal]

Just had to get that off my chest. Having read lots of CVs I'm really frustrated by how bad many of them are. I'm sure I've discarded good people for the job, just because they've had bad CV.

Totally agree, I've looked at loads over the last year as we had a real peak of taking on contractors. Here's some thoughts.

- No more than 2 pages - if you use an agency they'll add a cover sheet as well which will take you up to 3, which is more than enough. Choose a readable font - I like Trebuchet, Calibri is lovely if you have it (Office 2007 has it). Don't put too much bold. I've seen CVs which is virtually all bold text. Horrible.

- Agree also about irrelevant information. Name, Location (which your agency will remove), Contact details - phone and email (ditto). That'll do it, the rest is or should be unnecessary.

- I've always hated the profile section that people put at the top of their CV. Why? It always says the same thing. Self starting team player are you? Blow me down with a feather, so were the last five people.

- On to jobs. Each section should be Job Title, Company, Dates (I always check for big gaps - make sure you can explain them). Brief overview paragraph about company and work (I will check their websites as well). Then responsibilities and achievements, about which be prepared to justify everything and anything. Don't write buzzwords down because you heard them in the office one day, someone's bound to ask you about them.

- As someone said, Lots about the last job, decreasing amounts about the rest, don't mention your paper round, I just don't care. Education section with any relevant qualifications or courses, brief bit about degrees, a-levels, o-levels.

- Hobbies and interests - I've heard varying opinions, I would generally say leave it off these days, it's either eccentric (collecting sumerian pottery), or boring (reading, travelling, going out with friends? You don't say.).

- References - don't forget them. Make one of them from your current job or they will wonder why it's not there.

That's me done.

[eccentric_emma]

Having looked at CV's handed in where I work, my pet hate is people putting the title 'CV' or 'Curriculum Vitae' at the top....it's not necessary.....

[the.fee.fairy]

Well...i think my CV's rubbish! But...it has got me the prospect of a new job.
I had an interview today, and i was offered the job. Not sure if i want it. It looks like it'll be boring. However, it is a day job, Monday to Friday.

Argh! Decisions Decisions!

[Thomzo]

Congratulations on the job offer. I think you said somewhere that you are taking it. Think about the advantages. Once you're in, see if you can add some more interesting work or move into a different role with the same company.

A change is as good as a rest so good luck.

Zoe

[scallywag]

I interview people as part of my job. My opinions...

The purpose of your cv is to get you an interview, that's all.

Customise your cv for the job, if you don't make the effort to make a serious effort why should they make the effort to interview you?

Go through the job ad, make sure that your cv ticks every single "essential" criteria. If you can do this convincingly you will probably get the interview (that's the next challenge). Tick off as many desirable's as possible too. Don't tell any major porkies.

Good luck!

[CyberPaddy66]

Don't tell any major porkies.

I've been told by many a college tutor that when constructing a CV you should always 'bend' the truth to suit the job ;) but never to make something up as you will probably get found out and lose your job at a later date for not being 'honest'.

It's a fine line between bending and lying so just be careful out there people