What makes a good CV?
Discussion
While I've got some time to myself - before the next contract comes along - I've been thinking of rewriting my CV. For a long time I've been using one based on MS Words 'Professional' CV template. For good or bad it's not really held me back, but I figure the CV could do with a refresh and rewrite more in keeping with a 35yr old (well, almost) with a decent chunk of experience behind him.
So what constitutes a good CV in the eyes of the P&P?
So what constitutes a good CV in the eyes of the P&P?
ipwn said:
Ah, thanks for that. You know it never crossed my mind to Google something when I could ask for opinions on here instead.
trooperiziz said:
DangerousMike said:
comic sans
Remember to add a photo of yourself, highlight your reading and watching DVD hobbies and print it out on coloured paper.Seriously, 2 pages showing your career history without gaps and including notable achievements, and emphasising what you have done in the last 2-3 years that is relevant to what you want to do next. By notable achievements I mean, if you're a Project Manager, emphasise the projects you have delivered, if you're in sales how much revenue you generated etc.
Remember the point is to get you an interview, not to tell them your life story or to negate the need for an interview. It's ok to be brief but not too vague.
Remember that especially at the moment, a recruiter/hiring manager is probably looking through lots of CV's. You need to make it obvious at a relatively quick glance that you're a good fit, and that your details are worth more detailed scrutiny.
A good way to do this (IMO) is to have a succinct summary (no more than a few lines) followed by clear (probably bulleted) explanation of your most recent role, followed by clear explanations of any other roles you've had in the past four or five years. Don't go into detail any further back than that.
The advice from a previous poster about tailoring your CV to the role you're replying to is very good. You will get much further with targeted approaches to relevant roles rather than using one CV to make a blanket approach to loads.
Hope that helps. Also a good, experienced recruitment consultant in your market should be happy to provide more specific advice to you.
A good way to do this (IMO) is to have a succinct summary (no more than a few lines) followed by clear (probably bulleted) explanation of your most recent role, followed by clear explanations of any other roles you've had in the past four or five years. Don't go into detail any further back than that.
The advice from a previous poster about tailoring your CV to the role you're replying to is very good. You will get much further with targeted approaches to relevant roles rather than using one CV to make a blanket approach to loads.
Hope that helps. Also a good, experienced recruitment consultant in your market should be happy to provide more specific advice to you.
jaymodunn said:
get friendly with a HR or recruitment person, so that they can give you real world advice.
You'll get a different opinion with each one you speak to.Expectations of CV format and presentation will differ with specific sectors and organisation types.
But there are key things like clear and concise writing, good layout so that the reader can easily find the key info that makes you interviewable... and NO spelling mistakes that you need to address on whatever 'subjective' format you decide upon...!
I agree, there are lots of different opinions.
Mine is that you should keep it within three pages, with a personal description/statement (i.e. who you are) and key achievements (i.e. what you've done) on the first page. If they're still interested after that, they can look at your list of work and education history, etc. on the subsequent pages.
Don't bother with personal interests, no-one gives a toss if you like to cook Thai food or paint watercolours.
Mine is that you should keep it within three pages, with a personal description/statement (i.e. who you are) and key achievements (i.e. what you've done) on the first page. If they're still interested after that, they can look at your list of work and education history, etc. on the subsequent pages.
Don't bother with personal interests, no-one gives a toss if you like to cook Thai food or paint watercolours.
Edited by MarkoTVR on Friday 10th April 11:28
bad company said:
I run a recruitment agency. My advice is to keep it short and to the point. Many senior executives manage with one page.
Good point... three certainly used to be the standard but now it is more likely to be 1 or 2.I think is equally important thing is to do your research well. The more you know about the company you are applying to, the role and the sector, the better you can tweak your CV + cover letter to suit.
jaymodunn said:
There are loads of tips on the internet for CV's but the best advise I can give. Is to get friendly with a HR or recruitment person, so that they can give you real world advice.
Also every CV for ever job should be different, tailioring it specifically..That is my 10p
I change my CV for every job so that all the things mentioned in the advert are in the first half of the first page.Also every CV for ever job should be different, tailioring it specifically..That is my 10p
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