Unsolicited CVs

[oldbanger]

The plan is to drop a CV and cover letter off at a local employer who I think might be hiring soon (they are definitely looking for entry level temps in my current field). How should I follow this up? I have the head of department's name thanks to some extensive research and this is whom I'm intending to write to, but how would someone like that view a followup telephone call about a week later? Too pushy?

Edited by oldbanger on Sunday 25th July 12:11

[Original Poster]

After a week is fine, it shows you are keen at the end of the day.

[FraserLFA]

A follow up call isn't out of order at all. Deffinitely do it. The eagerness and the research you've done prove you're keen so why not. People like to employ keep, hard working people.

[oldbanger]

Cheers, now all I need to do is write my CV.

[oldbanger]

Argh still struggling to write my CV. Am doing a combo type - mostly functional.

If taking the whole first page (of 2) for personal statement and key skills/achievements, would bullet points or full sentences/paragraphs be best.

[TotalControl]

Bullet points. Whole paragraphs are a bit too much.

[Original Poster]

oldbanger said:

Argh still struggling to write my CV. Am doing a combo type - mostly functional.

If taking the whole first page (of 2) for personal statement and key skills/achievements, would bullet points or full sentences/paragraphs be best.

Bullet points

Clear, short and concise.

[TEKNOPUG]

Don't forget to staple a £50 note to your CV before putting in the envelope

[Arese]

Have you got an email address for the head of department. They might not appreciate a call out of the blue, so maybe drop them an email a few days later. If they don't respond to that after a few days, then call them?

[oldbanger]

Arese said:

Have you got an email address for the head of department. They might not appreciate a call out of the blue, so maybe drop them an email a few days later. If they don't respond to that after a few days, then call them?

Unfortunately, I have no email for them. Actually, I have no phone no either, but I reckon I can possibly manage to get through to at least a secretary via a general customer no (eventually).

[Four Cofffee]

oldbanger said:

Argh still struggling to write my CV. Am doing a combo type - mostly functional.

If taking the whole first page (of 2) for personal statement and key skills/achievements, would bullet points or full sentences/paragraphs be best.

I don't read the personal statement bit, it is often just the usual tripe about being a good team player, good communication skills etc. Universities teach students to write them, they are often all very similar and they are pretty meaningles when you are trying to short list.

I am interested in seeing achievements (which I alos take with a pinch of salt until I see or hear the evidence about exactly what role they played) , experience and qualifications: things that can be verified.

[oldbanger]

Four Cofffee said:

oldbanger said:

Argh still struggling to write my CV. Am doing a combo type - mostly functional.

If taking the whole first page (of 2) for personal statement and key skills/achievements, would bullet points or full sentences/paragraphs be best.

I don't read the personal statement bit, it is often just the usual tripe about being a good team player, good communication skills etc. Universities teach students to write them, they are often all very similar and they are pretty meaningles when you are trying to short list.

I am interested in seeing achievements (which I alos take with a pinch of salt until I see or hear the evidence about exactly what role they played) , experience and qualifications: things that can be verified.

Hmm, it's difficult then if you're forced to understate as you're contractually not allowed to discuss what work you've done, especially not to competitors.

[Four Cofffee]

oldbanger said:

Four Cofffee said:

oldbanger said:

Argh still struggling to write my CV. Am doing a combo type - mostly functional.

If taking the whole first page (of 2) for personal statement and key skills/achievements, would bullet points or full sentences/paragraphs be best.

I don't read the personal statement bit, it is often just the usual tripe about being a good team player, good communication skills etc. Universities teach students to write them, they are often all very similar and they are pretty meaningles when you are trying to short list.

I am interested in seeing achievements (which I alos take with a pinch of salt until I see or hear the evidence about exactly what role they played) , experience and qualifications: things that can be verified.

Hmm, it's difficult then if you're forced to understate as you're contractually not allowed to discuss what work you've done, especially not to competitors.

Its not understating thats the problem its the over-states! When you look at what they claim to have achieved or been responsible for, it bears no resemblance to reality (when you test it out). For example one guy claimed to have been reponsible for the implementation of a new national company anti- bureacracy project. Turned out he's taken the minutes at the meetings. Anotrher claimed to have suggested a new method which led to significant improvemnnets in custoemr service. Turned out all they did was act as the go-between for the committee who were considering changes and the practioners who were having to feedback what they thought of committee ideas.