LFW - CV Advice

Author
Discussion

Jacs

Original Poster:

153 posts

225 months

Monday 31st December 2007
quotequote all
I am due to graduate uni in June and am starting to send my CV to prospective employers. Have included all the usual info, education, qualifications, hobbies, etc but want to make my CV really stand out.

As I will be applying for jobs in motor & related industries, I was thinking of designing my CV to look like a racing grid but am not sure if this would look 'unprofessional'.

What do you think? Any ideas on what to include (and leave out) & how to make my CV stand out?

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

240 months

Tuesday 1st January 2008
quotequote all
Keep your CV plain and simple.

No amount of fancy design on your CV will get you a job. Present the info in a straightforward manner starting with all your personal details first, detailed education in chronological order, profile, and then interests and hobbies.

Just make sure you list your qualifications in full with details of modules/content and project work completed. If you gained any merits for outstanding work or have any notable acheivements you should list those down as well. Don't forget that after your Ed/Quals you should have a profile to explain a bit about you and where you are coming from. Something about your current goals would be good and the type of role you are looking for. Also any work experience in connection with the type of role you're looking for is essential, but for christs sake don't put down you worked at a supermarket stacking shelves or worked somewhere sweeping up as i have seen far too many young grads put that crap on their CV, and it gets them nowhere!!!

Baring in mind you are a fresh grad you won't have much life or work info/experience to list so a reasonably beefed up CV with 'ALL' the relevant details is what you need. Equally if you know anyone that owns a business ask them to do you a favour and interview you. You'll need the practice, and don't forget to go to every interview suited and booted in your best sober bib and tucker!! Navy Blue suit, white or pale blue shirt is always good. whether you are female or male this will apply everytime biggrin

N.B. Don't be tempted to go down the fancy CV design crap it will not do you any good!!! Keep it simple!! wink

How do i know all this....i have been in electronics recruitment for almost 20yrs and have been running my own consultancy for the last 3yrs so do yourself a favour, follow the above and you'll be just fine.

Keep us informed as i for one will be interested in how you get on. Good luck in your search!! thumbup

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Tuesday 1st January 14:16

Jacs

Original Poster:

153 posts

225 months

Tuesday 1st January 2008
quotequote all
ScoobieWRX said:
Keep your CV plain and simple.

No amount of fancy design on your CV will get you a job. Present the info in a straightforward manner starting with all your personal details first, detailed education in chronological order, profile, and then interests and hobbies.

Just make sure you list your qualifications in full with details of modules/content and project work completed. If you gained any merits for outstanding work or have any notable acheivements you should list those down as well. Don't forget that after your Ed/Quals you should have a profile to explain a bit about you and where you are coming from. Something about your current goals would be good and the type of role you are looking for. Also any work experience in connection with the type of role you're looking for is essential, but for christs sake don't put down you worked at a supermarket stacking shelves or worked somewhere sweeping up as i have seen far too many young grads put that crap on their CV, and it gets them nowhere!!!

Baring in mind you are a fresh grad you won't have much life or work info/experience to list so a reasonably beefed up CV with 'ALL' the relevant details is what you need. Equally if you know anyone that owns a business ask them to do you a favour and interview you. You'll need the practice, and don't forget to go to every interview suited and booted in your best sober bib and tucker!! Navy Blue suit, white or pale blue shirt is always good. whether you are female or male this will apply everytime biggrin

N.B. Don't be tempted to go down the fancy CV design crap it will not do you any good!!! Keep it simple!! wink

How do i know all this....i have been in electronics recruitment for almost 20yrs and have been running my own consultancy for the last 3yrs so do yourself a favour, follow the above and you'll be just fine.

Keep us informed as i for one will be interested in how you get on. Good luck in your search!! thumbup

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Tuesday 1st January 14:16
Thanks, that's great advice. Will be following it closely.

Have already been out and bought a smart (black) suit in the sales. After all, you never know when that interview for the 'dream job' is to going come and I want to be ready.

As part of my course I have done a fair bit of project work, all of which I have got 2_1's and above for. Would it be a good idea to make this in to a portfolio to bring along to interviews?


Edited by Jacs on Tuesday 1st January 17:40

ScoobieWRX

4,863 posts

240 months

Wednesday 2nd January 2008
quotequote all
That's the way to do it biggrinthumbup