Discussion
I'm currently creating a CV (thought it was finally time I gave it a proper overhaul as the one I did at school is pants) and am utterly confused as to the correct format for one. The online examples vary so much that I'm getting perplexed.
I want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
I want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
littlegreenfairy said:
I'm currently creating a CV (thought it was finally time I gave it a proper overhaul as the one I did at school is pants) and am utterly confused as to the correct format for one. The online examples vary so much that I'm getting perplexed.
I want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
slip a £50 note in it, that should do itI want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
smilerbaker said:
littlegreenfairy said:
I'm currently creating a CV (thought it was finally time I gave it a proper overhaul as the one I did at school is pants) and am utterly confused as to the correct format for one. The online examples vary so much that I'm getting perplexed.
I want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
slip a £50 note in it, that should do itI want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
littlegreenfairy said:
smilerbaker said:
littlegreenfairy said:
I'm currently creating a CV (thought it was finally time I gave it a proper overhaul as the one I did at school is pants) and am utterly confused as to the correct format for one. The online examples vary so much that I'm getting perplexed.
I want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
slip a £50 note in it, that should do itI want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
smilerbaker said:
littlegreenfairy said:
smilerbaker said:
littlegreenfairy said:
I'm currently creating a CV (thought it was finally time I gave it a proper overhaul as the one I did at school is pants) and am utterly confused as to the correct format for one. The online examples vary so much that I'm getting perplexed.
I want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
slip a £50 note in it, that should do itI want to make a good impression as I really REALLY want the job I'm applying for. And I mean REALLY want it.
Help
Would someone be kind enough to have a look at mine and make some suggestions?
Thanks
Anyone else?
YHM back 
Makes much more sense now!Matt Harper said:
The 'cover letter' is what gets the interview. The CV only demonstrates that you are not an utter moron.
While keeping it short and sweet is nice, it is not always possible, especially if the nature of your job requires constant refresher training and CPDs. Well spaced out information with clear headings across 4 pages is better than loads of information crammed onto two.
Line and a half spacing, verdana, and don't use tables to help you format it -they will show up if you send it via email.
ganglandboss said:
Line and a half spacing, verdana, and don't use tables to help you format it -they will show up if you send it via email.
Not sure about the line spacing, but I agree with the font recommendation. There's something about Times New Roman being the default font in MS Word, and the fact that it looks so jaggedy that makes me instantly repell anything written in this format. Unfortunately all my customers use it, everybody seems to use it, and god I hate it. I'd rather read Arial, but Verdana is a good choice - just don't ask Pidgeon
(click the + next to the hiding drugs linky - he's even got a blog about it somewhere... just can't find it now) for his opinion on Verdana!
LGF - send the cv to me and I will take a look.
As a guide:
1 page only.
Arial 10 point. Avoid anything else - it doesn't scan into the cv database programmes in use by many headhunters.
Name
Address
Phone
e-mail
Professional objective
Most recent job summarised in 10 lines'
Second " " " " "
Third
etc
Qualifications:
eg
Masters in XYZ from University of ABC 1999-2001
Bachelors in EFG from University of HIJ 1996-1999
That's all that they need. They're employing a professional, not a monkey, don't put GCSEs & A levels on unless you got 10 A stars & 3 As respectively.
It needs to be able to be read in 20 seconds, because realistically that is the time it will be glanced over before deciding to read further or file in the bin.
When sending a cover letter it is critically important to address it to somebody eg
Mr J Bloggs,
Sales Director,
UVW plastic packaging,
Teddington,
Middlesex
and have a purpose in the note that suggests you actually bothered to put a modicum of research into it without boring them to death:
Dear Mr Bloggs.
I have 10 years of plastics sales experience in the packaging industry. Last year I sold 20 million of plastics and I am looking to further my career. I would really like to opportunity to meet you to see if I could be of benefit to your company. I can be reached on (cell number) & e-mail xxx@yyy.com. My CV is attached. Thank you for your time.
Yours sincerely,
J Smith.
I would bet that Mr Bloggs might be able to get through that and realise that Smith was qualified and successful. Bloggs might even have his assistant set up an interview.
Do the same for your industry and you stand a chance of getting your foot in the door.
As a guide:
1 page only.
Arial 10 point. Avoid anything else - it doesn't scan into the cv database programmes in use by many headhunters.
Name
Address
Phone
Professional objective
Most recent job summarised in 10 lines'
Second " " " " "
Third
etc
Qualifications:
eg
Masters in XYZ from University of ABC 1999-2001
Bachelors in EFG from University of HIJ 1996-1999
That's all that they need. They're employing a professional, not a monkey, don't put GCSEs & A levels on unless you got 10 A stars & 3 As respectively.
It needs to be able to be read in 20 seconds, because realistically that is the time it will be glanced over before deciding to read further or file in the bin.
When sending a cover letter it is critically important to address it to somebody eg
Mr J Bloggs,
Sales Director,
UVW plastic packaging,
Teddington,
Middlesex
and have a purpose in the note that suggests you actually bothered to put a modicum of research into it without boring them to death:
Dear Mr Bloggs.
I have 10 years of plastics sales experience in the packaging industry. Last year I sold 20 million of plastics and I am looking to further my career. I would really like to opportunity to meet you to see if I could be of benefit to your company. I can be reached on (cell number) & e-mail xxx@yyy.com. My CV is attached. Thank you for your time.
Yours sincerely,
J Smith.
I would bet that Mr Bloggs might be able to get through that and realise that Smith was qualified and successful. Bloggs might even have his assistant set up an interview.
Do the same for your industry and you stand a chance of getting your foot in the door.
XJSJohn said:
what kind of jobs / careers do people have where they can fit thier work experiance, professional and educational qualifications, contact details etc onto one or two pages 
Grad jobs I'm guessing. No point crapping on about how relevant waiting tables/serving drinks whilst at uni is for a job in a law firm.
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