Describing yourself on your CV?
Discussion
Is this normal? I often see CVs with a description of the person on them and think it could be quite beneficial for me. My CV is a little dry and whilst it sells my computing experience it doesn't really get across that I'm not a computer geek in the traditional sense and I'm quite a people person really.
It's something I think could interest any companies interested in employees with a bit of potential and eager to develop themselves.
Mine would probably say:
"I am a very motivated and conscientious person and believe in finding the correct work/life balance to be able to perform to my best at work. I have a lifelong interest in computers but enjoy working with people"
Something like that? You're welcome to tell me it's horrifically cheesey. But I think it tells you a lot that you couldn't get from reading a list of jobs. I might get the word 'proactive' in there too.
It's something I think could interest any companies interested in employees with a bit of potential and eager to develop themselves.
Mine would probably say:
"I am a very motivated and conscientious person and believe in finding the correct work/life balance to be able to perform to my best at work. I have a lifelong interest in computers but enjoy working with people"
Something like that? You're welcome to tell me it's horrifically cheesey. But I think it tells you a lot that you couldn't get from reading a list of jobs. I might get the word 'proactive' in there too.
I've just rewritten my CV, with help from a friend who is a recruitment consultant, and he recommended putting in a short 'Personal Statement' or 'Professional Profile' (max 1 side of A4, best to print it on the reverse of your 1 side CV) to inject some character. It is very difficult to say much about your strenghts and experience with job titles or single line descriptions so this will supply some detail about yourself and what you've been doing.
Remember that the application process is as much about you gaining information about the company and position as it is for them to see if you are suitable to join their team. If you tell the truth and they don't think you'll fit in, then at least you won't be forcing yourself to be someone you're not at work and eventually hating it.
Remember that the application process is as much about you gaining information about the company and position as it is for them to see if you are suitable to join their team. If you tell the truth and they don't think you'll fit in, then at least you won't be forcing yourself to be someone you're not at work and eventually hating it.
I think it's quite hard to do this.
I had a professionally written cv that did exactly that and spent some time in the 'intro' section talking about being self motivated, team player and loads of stuff. It's uncomfortable reading it, but if it's about right, it does introduce you.
My last recruitment was for enforcers for an organisation. It would always attract ex-police, military etc and I know their capabilities. What I don't know is what they are like, can they fit with my team (whatever that may be), will they obey orders, can they act on their own initiative etc. Some of this you may be able to glean from a personal statement.
You have to 'sell' yourself as best you can. If you think it's a good idea, go for it. If you're uncomfortable, ask a good (honest) friend to do it for you and then tailor their comments.
Hope that helps a bit.
I had a professionally written cv that did exactly that and spent some time in the 'intro' section talking about being self motivated, team player and loads of stuff. It's uncomfortable reading it, but if it's about right, it does introduce you.
My last recruitment was for enforcers for an organisation. It would always attract ex-police, military etc and I know their capabilities. What I don't know is what they are like, can they fit with my team (whatever that may be), will they obey orders, can they act on their own initiative etc. Some of this you may be able to glean from a personal statement.
You have to 'sell' yourself as best you can. If you think it's a good idea, go for it. If you're uncomfortable, ask a good (honest) friend to do it for you and then tailor their comments.
Hope that helps a bit.
Remember to tailor your CV to suit the role you're applying for; if you believe a personal statement would help, include one. If not, don't.
I have a short personal statement on mine which summarises what I believe are my key strengths. Don't over-do it though, and try to keep it non-generic. I don't think many recruiters actually bother to read very much given the conversations I've had with them. They see some big names and just put in a call whilst I'm sat here answering questions that are clearly on stated on my CV thinking, "You haven't even read it, mush...!" Sometimes I've failed to bite my tongue and said as much; after all, if they're that sloppy and lazy, do I trust that they're going to find me the right career move..?
I have a short personal statement on mine which summarises what I believe are my key strengths. Don't over-do it though, and try to keep it non-generic. I don't think many recruiters actually bother to read very much given the conversations I've had with them. They see some big names and just put in a call whilst I'm sat here answering questions that are clearly on stated on my CV thinking, "You haven't even read it, mush...!" Sometimes I've failed to bite my tongue and said as much; after all, if they're that sloppy and lazy, do I trust that they're going to find me the right career move..?
I keep mine up to date for inclusion in pitches, aside from the facts of where I've worked the description is more about what I've done. If you've spent 5 yrs as part of a project team it's a pretty safe bet you're able to work with others, by the same token if you've been promoted you're likely to be motivated. I'd also include a photo.
No-one is ever going to write a statement saying ' My main goal in life is to earn as much money as possible doing as little as possible, I frequently fall out with members of my team and will use my full statuatory allocation of sick days.'
No-one is ever going to write a statement saying ' My main goal in life is to earn as much money as possible doing as little as possible, I frequently fall out with members of my team and will use my full statuatory allocation of sick days.'
Noel said:
No-one is ever going to write a statement saying ' My main goal in life is to earn as much money as possible doing as little as possible, I frequently fall out with members of my team and will use my full statuatory allocation of sick days.'
Perhaps that's where I've been going wrong... 
Very good point about the experience rather than the job though - mine's the same, it details key successes within the role in a quantifiable way.
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