A couple of CV questions

[anonymous-user]

Hi there PH.

First question I have is in regards to the job that I left about a month ago. Long story short the position just wasn't suitable for me and all in all I was only there for 6 weeks before handing in my notice. Should I mention that I worked there or not?

If I don't put this last job down I'm going to have a 3 month gap on my CV between that and my former placement which lasted 3 and a half years. Most people have told me not to mention it but I'm paranoid of it causing problems when I have to provide my P45 which obviously isn't going to tally up date wise if I do not mention it.

My second question is what should I do in regards to my CV considering I'm applying for completely different jobs as to what I am trained in. I'm a mechanic but ideally I no longer want to work in the trade and am looking at retail/warehouse sort of work instead. At the moment I've cut out a lot of technical jargon and some of the qualifications I have, but left in the fact that I am a trained mechanic and explained what that entailed as a job as well as chucking in a few bits and pieces that I did which would help me in a more customer focused role.

Can anyone suggest what to put in to limit the damage that will be caused by not having relative experience in the areas that I'm looking into? Other than my age (21) I haven't got an awful lot going for me, Or should I bite the bullet and go back to working on cars? .

Cheers

[rog007]

Include it; it’s how you articulate it that reduces any negative connotations.

Applying for roles in different sectors is not unusual. The trick is to describe on your CV and in your covering letter why you’re suitable via highlighting your core competencies and articulating any skills that are transferable from your current sector.

Good luck!

[anonymous-user]

rog007 said:

Include it; it’s how you articulate it that reduces any negative connotations.

Applying for roles in different sectors is not unusual. The trick is to describe on your CV and in your covering letter why you’re suitable via highlighting your core competencies and articulating any skills that are transferable from your current sector.

Good luck!

Thanks!

I think the reasons I have are fairly decent. First was distance, it was 25 miles away and I'm not currently driving, so that's nearly 2 hours each way on a train!. The second was that the working practices just weren't what I was used to. I came from a very prestigious Brand working on six figure cars where I was able to take time and care in my work. I then ended up in a 'mainstream' dealership where getting the car out of the door ASAP came above actually fixing it correctly! If I were to end up in the trade again I'd certainly be sticking to a prestige brand so HOPEFULLY they'd be able to understand.

I'm still on the fence so any further input is welcome

[otherman]

279 said:

rog007 said:

Include it; it’s how you articulate it that reduces any negative connotations.

Applying for roles in different sectors is not unusual. The trick is to describe on your CV and in your covering letter why you’re suitable via highlighting your core competencies and articulating any skills that are transferable from your current sector.

Good luck!

Thanks!

I think the reasons I have are fairly decent. First was distance, it was 25 miles away and I'm not currently driving, so that's nearly 2 hours each way on a train!. The second was that the working practices just weren't what I was used to. I came from a very prestigious Brand working on six figure cars where I was able to take time and care in my work. I then ended up in a 'mainstream' dealership where getting the car out of the door ASAP came above actually fixing it correctly! If I were to end up in the trade again I'd certainly be sticking to a prestige brand so HOPEFULLY they'd be able to understand.

I'm still on the fence so any further input is welcome

Good advice from rog007. I think you should stick to saying why you DO want the new job, and forget about reasons why you didn't like the old one. I interview people a lot and I'm not really interested in gripes about your old employer, and it can soon turn into that. That makes me think, do I want someone who complains about his crap job. Better to say you liked it but its time to move on because you can't see staying in that sector all your life, for whatever reasons.
And don't worry about the CV gap, just extend the leaving date of the one before. No-ones going to pick that up.

[anonymous-user]

279 said:

me personally would leave it out. I find it makes things simpler as employers are always looking for commitment and leaving a role could hinder a job potential and 6 weeks is nothing. But as for each job you apply for the cv should be tailed to suit.

The p45 , if in doubt just complete a p46 form and don't hand a p45 in. I have done this a few times for salary increase/ privacy.