CV feedback

[samwilliams]

I'm currently trying (and failing spectacularly!) to persuade people to give me a job, having recently finished studying the Bar Vocational Course. I don't think I'm a horrendously bad candidate so, given the lack of interviews I'm getting, it's about time I have a proper look at my CV and try to sort it out. Hopefully this is where you come in!

The two main issues I have are that, first of all, I have quite a few useful skills that I've developed through being involved in a few expeditions, but I can't seem to get the right balance between underplaying that and sounding like a 10-year old shouting "oooh, look at me, look at what I've done". Secondly, having studied the BVC most people will look at my CV and presume that I'm just looking to fill time before going off to become a barrister. While that may be the case, I'm very aware of the fact that it's possible (maybe even probable) that that won't happen, so I'm also looking to start taking steps towards an alternative (although probably still legal-based) career.

Anyway, sorry for the mini-essay, but if anyone has a few minutes to take a look at my CV and tear it to shreds, that'd be great. I just stuck them at www.atlanticrow2007.com/stuff/cv1.pdf (legal specific) and www.atlanticrow2007.com/stuff/cv2.pdf (more general) if you have a moment.

Thanks

[dontfollowme]

I'd edit your personal details off it as a precaution.

[samwilliams]

dontfollowme said:

I'd edit your personal details off it as a precaution.

Good thinking! (although, having said that, that information is far too easy to find anyway)

[Minel]

so... you're a vet AND a lawyer? bloody hell mate, have you decided what you want to do in life just yet?

Joking apart, I normally start with profile, work experience, qualifications, then languages, IT, etc.

Overall (I don't know how old you are) your career seems a bit disjointed, if you see what I mean. It doesn't seem to flow, to me. As an employer, first thing I'd think would be... "he stays a year then he's off for another adventure around the world..."

Edited by Minel on Thursday 9th September 16:00

[Thurbs]

Minel said:

so... you're a vet AND a lawyer? bloody hell mate, have you decided what you want to do in life just yet?

Joking apart, I normally start with profile, work experience, qualifications, then languages, IT, etc.

Overall (I don't know how old you are) your career seems a bit disjointed, if you see what I mean. It doesn't seem to flow, to me. As an employer, first thing I'd think would be... "he stays a year then he's off for another adventure around the world..."

Edited by Minel on Thursday 9th September 16:00

You missed the best bit!

cv said:

SPORT: While at the Royal Veterinary College, I competed with the 1st VIII and then rowed across the Atlantic Ocean.

[Original Poster]

I'd say that is a bloody good CV personally. I see FAR worse on a daily basis from people much more senior than yourself.

[Puggit]

Minel said:

so... you're a vet AND a lawyer? bloody hell mate, have you decided what you want to do in life just yet?

I suspect this is the problem...

[Planet Claire]

Just looked at the general CV, and I have a couple of points that I was once told, which you may want to take on board:
- Put your name in the header so that it appears on both pages (remove the little bit that says your name and CV) - you want them to remember who you are at every opportunity!
- Put your quals/work first and the dates to the right. The dates aren't as important as your qualification or job title.

[johnfm]

How come you've had the mini-pupillages, but no pupillage? Did they give you feedback?

What type of work are you looking for at the bar? Commercial, criminal, matrimonial?

Are you only looking in London, or have you considered the regions?

[samwilliams]

Thanks for the feedback. Going to try shifting the dates to the other side and see how it looks.

Puggit said:

Minel said:

so... you're a vet AND a lawyer? bloody hell mate, have you decided what you want to do in life just yet?

I suspect this is the problem...

I think it appears more disjointed than it really is, which is perhaps something I should address. Essentially, I wanted to be a vet, went to study vet medicine, realised I didn't actually want to be a vet anymore (should have realised sooner, but when you've been aiming towards something for so long, it's easy to get dragged along by it) and wanted to go into law/barrister. Then the adventures were done alongside the law degree and then between the end of it and the BVC.

johnfm said:

How come you've had the mini-pupillages, but no pupillage? Did they give you feedback?

The mini-pupillages I did were a few years ago, and I'm in the process of arranging some more. I got good feedback from them but, unfortunately, mini-pupillages don't secure you a pupillage as it's ridiculously competitive. One of the places I had an interview with had over 350 applications and interviewed 30 for just two pupillages, and that's far from exceptional.

johnfm said:

What type of work are you looking for at the bar? Commercial, criminal, matrimonial?
Are you only looking in London, or have you considered the regions?

In terms of the bar, I'm looking more down the commercial line. But that is temporarily being pushed to one side as the next opportunity to apply for pupillages will be next spring/summer. I've still got half an eye on it, applying for mini-pupillages and hoping to get work which will support my application, but need to find something that will start me moving in the right direction should that never happen. Even if it does, the earliest I'd realistically start a pupillage would be September 2012.

Original Poster said:

I'd say that is a bloody good CV personally. I see FAR worse on a daily basis from people much more senior than yourself.

Thanks. Maybe I'm just applying for the wrong jobs!

Edited by samwilliams on Friday 10th September 10:48