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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: kris9128 on 05 November 2008, 16:02:53

Title: need a C.V
Post by: kris9128 on 05 November 2008, 16:02:53
is any body capable of writing cv's or know of a cv writing company. got laid off recently and have found out that you need a cv to apply for any job theeses days. have been self employed for 17 years have got my cscs card and various other safey courses. the problem is i havent got a clue how to write a cv. i have never been any good at selling myself, so could really do with getting it done by somebody who knows what they are doing.
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Richie London on 05 November 2008, 17:02:14
im sure you can do one on microsoft works, i did one a few yrs ago and just update it now and then.

i know you can buy a pack in wh smiths to do it
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: tunnie on 05 November 2008, 17:08:01
Quote
im sure you can do one on microsoft works, i did one a few yrs ago and just update it now and then.

i know you can buy a pack in wh smiths to do it

 :o :o :o
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Richie London on 05 November 2008, 17:16:00
Quote
Quote
im sure you can do one on microsoft works, i did one a few yrs ago and just update it now and then.

i know you can buy a pack in wh smiths to do it

 :o :o :o

thats all i had 6yrs ago when i first got my pc, could probably get a cv maker on the internet free now
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: tunnie on 05 November 2008, 17:19:36
keep a CV simple, 2 pages no more really.

First page top, key fact information about you, driving licence any passport holder ect, address, brief list of previous jobs.

Then take the last 2 or even 1, and explain in detail the role, key skill sets, applications used, big up working in a team thats always a bonus.
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 05 November 2008, 17:25:57
[size=14]Simple[/size].

Just do it all on Word, Keep the informative stuff to the 1st page, and dont go more than 2 pages.  Keep it neat, bit of Bold and Undeline in places, just dont make it look like every one elses.

Just remember that if there are a 100 applications for a job, then the person looking at the CV will possibly not read every detail.
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: kris9128 on 05 November 2008, 17:48:53
have tried in microsoft works. the problem is i'm no good at getting the info out of my head and onto paper and it still making sense. have looked at cv sites on the internet but some want a hell of a lot of money. even asked at the job centre but because i refuse to sign on they wont give me any help or advice.
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 05 November 2008, 17:53:52
http://www.laserrec.co.uk/candidate/cv4.aspx

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=cv+layout&btnG=Google+Search&meta=


Have a nosey though these, once you start writing it out you will edit it a few times, you will get there in the end. :y
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Ken T on 05 November 2008, 17:58:23
I think a lot is finding out what jobs you want, are after in the way of experience and mentioning it. I am in a similar position, and just sent off my CV to an agency re a position I am well able to do. He asked if I could expand certain bits, "cause the project manager wasn't that technical, and would basically look for the frequent use of words that she recognised!". I kid you not!. So I have re-written the first few sections using the words "fault finding", "PCB repair", "diagnosis", "system Test" several times.  Its a crazy system, but if you want to play............

Ken
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: waspy on 05 November 2008, 18:05:32
I know how you feel matey. I just had to write one out for the first time & it's a bit daunting. The way i wrote mine out was, i viewed some examples on the internet & then wrote it out free hand with a pencil, this way you can easily amend mistakes, also do it over a couple of days, this way you'll think of things you've missed & better ways to present it.
HTH :y
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 05 November 2008, 18:18:59
I'm afraid 2 pages of limitation not very correct..

In some techie jobs I've seen CVs with many pages..(even like a

book and I wonder who read them ;D)

However,especially if you are going to get a job on project basis you

need to explain the details of your previous finished projects in

time order (new to old)..And these take considerable space ..

At the first page your name,age, marital status, phone numbers ,
email etc etc but important is to give a good clean picture..

Brief of your previous jobs in time order..and their dates..

Then project details..

Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Elite Pete on 05 November 2008, 18:51:38
I've just been to the Job Centre and I have an appointment for the 11th to get my C.V done properly, F.O.C :y
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Leomas on 05 November 2008, 19:45:25
I am currently working through some CVs for a position that has come up where I work and it is scarey. They have already been 'filtered' by an agency but some of them are just full of typos and grammar problems. Makes it very hard to consider someone for a technical position writing code when they can't make their CV make sense.

Would add that the critical part is your last three/four jobs or last three years whichever comes first(?). These need to be clearly explained (and ideally in the third person - nothing irritates more than 'I was then asked', it's a CV and not an essay) and with enough detail to show you can at least talk the talk.

There are two basic types of CV too and you may want to write it both ways to see which you feel more comfortable with. One is the 'traditional' chronological starting with your most recent job and working back from there. The other bullet points your skills and major achievements and then has one/two lines per job.

Good luck with the search.
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Bandit127 on 05 November 2008, 19:48:40
Quote
I'm afraid 2 pages of limitation not very correct..

In some techie jobs I've seen CVs with many pages..(even like a

book and I wonder who read them ;D)

However,especially if you are going to get a job on project basis you

need to explain the details of your previous finished projects in

time order (new to old)..And these take considerable space ..

At the first page your name,age, marital status, phone numbers ,
email etc etc but important is to give a good clean picture..

Brief of your previous jobs in time order..and their dates..

Then project details..


Sorry CEM, but I have to disagree with the highlighted bit. We need to be clear - the purpose of the CV is to get an interview, not a job.

You will naturally be asked to expand on your brief CV during the interview. This is when you (hopefully) get the job.
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Golfbuddy on 05 November 2008, 20:15:45
Kris9128, applying for and getting a job is a full time job. Writing your CV is something you should do yourself, if it takes 8 hours a day for a week, then so be it.

Why not get yourself down to the local library and have a look at some books on CV writing, there are plenty out there.

I read CVs and application forms most weeks and I'm amazed at the sloppy way most of them are compiled and presented. My opinion is, if someone can't be bothered to take time over their application, what are they going to be like if I employ them?

The 'bottom line' is, they have about 30 seconds, if they're lucky, to make the right impression. If they pass that test, I will put them in the pile that I read again. I will then slim that down to a maximum of 6 to invite for interview. Interviewing takes a huge amount of time and is a very costly business so I just won't 'take a chance' on someone who presents a poorly constructed application.

My advice, for what it's worth, is to spend as much time as it takes to compile the best CV you can. Also, if you send your CV to a company and you don't get an interview, call the person to whom you've sent the application and ask them for feedback on why you didn't get an interview. I am only too pleased to spend a couple of minutes helping someone who has bothered to pick up the phone and ask.
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: waspy on 05 November 2008, 20:23:17
Quote
I've just been to the Job Centre and I have an appointment for the 11th to get my C.V done properly, F.O.C :y

How did you manage that you jammy sod :-? When i asked, all i got was "we don't do that here" :(
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 05 November 2008, 20:23:50
Quote
Kris9128, applying for and getting a job is a full time job. Writing your CV is something you should do yourself, if it takes 8 hours a day for a week, then so be it.

Why not get yourself down to the local library and have a look at some books on CV writing, there are plenty out there.

I read CVs and application forms most weeks and I'm amazed at the sloppy way most of them are compiled and presented. My opinion is, if someone can't be bothered to take time over their application, what are they going to be like if I employ them?

The 'bottom line' is, they have about 30 seconds, if they're lucky, to make the right impression. If they pass that test, I will put them in the pile that I read again. I will then slim that down to a maximum of 6 to invite for interview. Interviewing takes a huge amount of time and is a very costly business so I just won't 'take a chance' on someone who presents a poorly constructed application.

My advice, for what it's worth, is to spend as much time as it takes to compile the best CV you can. Also, if you send your CV to a company and you don't get an interview, call the person to whom you've sent the application and ask them for feedback on why you didn't get an interview. I am only too pleased to spend a couple of minutes helping someone who has bothered to pick up the phone and ask.

A real gentleman... :y
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 05 November 2008, 20:29:08
Quote
Quote
I'm afraid 2 pages of limitation not very correct..

In some techie jobs I've seen CVs with many pages..(even like a

book and I wonder who read them ;D)

However,especially if you are going to get a job on project basis you

need to explain the details of your previous finished projects in

time order (new to old)..And these take considerable space ..

At the first page your name,age, marital status, phone numbers ,
email etc etc but important is to give a good clean picture..

Brief of your previous jobs in time order..and their dates..

Then project details..


Sorry CEM, but I have to disagree with the highlighted bit. We need to be clear - the purpose of the CV is to get an interview, not a job.

You will naturally be asked to expand on your brief CV during the interview. This is when you (hopefully) get the job.

yep...exactly..

but problem is between hundreds or thousands of CVs if you want be interviewed you must catch their attention..I believe some technical details about a specific project can do this ..Which I think I have succeeded a few times.. :y

Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Jay w on 05 November 2008, 21:21:24
i have about 5 or 6 of them, all laid out in different formats....

One thing i have learnt is just because you have a CV don't sit back and let it do the talking for you, change the CV to highlight the strengths you have for THAT job, this will help you get you foot in the door.

The contract i have just landed is writing a lot of training material, for this i looked at all the jobs i have done and took all the instances of me being involved in writing material and put them to the top each job role.

I have no doubt recruiters know this goes on, but if it gets my foot in the door then so be it....

I have a few old CV's you are more that welcome to have as templates or examples, PM me with your email addy if you want  :y

also have a look here

http://www.cvtips.com/
http://www.cv-service.org/cv_example_sales.html (there are a number of different examples, you may be able to make one work for you)
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/stellent/groups/jcp/documents/websitecontent/dev_015509.pdf (this one has some good advice and a couple of templates as well)

Good luck  :y
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Vamps on 05 November 2008, 22:30:53
Quote
keep a CV simple, 2 pages no more really.

First page top, key fact information about you, driving licence any passport holder ect, address, brief list of previous jobs.

Then take the last 2 or even 1, and explain in detail the role, key skill sets, applications used, big up working in a team thats always a bonus.
[/highlight]

Agreed, but you also need to be able to work on your own initiative as well... :y
A lot of jobs still ask for an application form to be completed.
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: kris9128 on 06 November 2008, 06:42:45
many thanks guys. some great advice and links. looks like i'm gonna be busy for a little while getting a cv done. jayw pm sent cheers mate  :y :y
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Elite Pete on 06 November 2008, 08:30:30
Quote
Quote
I've just been to the Job Centre and I have an appointment for the 11th to get my C.V done properly, F.O.C :y

How did you manage that you jammy sod :-? When i asked, all i got was "we don't do that here" :(
My local Job Centre has someone that comes in once a week. He will have a look at your existing CV and tell you how to improve it :y
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 November 2008, 08:43:50
I have some guide notes I could possibly scan in for you.

Key thing is that you write a core CV.

Then for every job you tailer the CV to the job advert and keep a copy of hat tailored CV clearly marked (idealy stapled to) the job details so if you get called for interview then you have the reference CV

I.e.

Here is an advert at my local council.

Job Vacancies: Customer Services Centre
Position 1: Receptionists £11,962 to £15,717 (pro rata)
Position 2: Customer Service Advisors £16,038 to £17,223.
Closing date: 21 November 2008.

Rushcliffe Borough Council is an excellent council, one of a handful of boroughs judged by the Audit Commission to be performing at this top level. Our residents also think we are excellent, voting us top for resident satisfaction in the last national survey. This exciting role is key to maintaining our status as an excellent provider of essential services to residents in Rushcliffe.

We are looking for enthusiastic, committed and customer focused individuals to be part of a dynamic customer service team, delivering a high quality services in person, over the telephone and electronically. With previous experience of front line service delivery within the public or private sector, you will have an excellent understanding of the principles of customer service excellence, and a willingness to learn new skills.

We are holding two open events at the Customer Services Centre, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Civic Centre, Pavilion Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5FE. This is your opportunity to meet staff, ask questions and find out more about these exciting opportunities:

Tuesday 11 November 2008 between 2.00pm and 6.00pm and
Wednesday 12 November 2008 between 10.00am and 2.00pm
 

So, reading through the above (only quickly as part of this example), they are looking for a number of key attributes:

They are looking for the following behaviours and buzz words:

And the following must haves:

So, for your tailored CV, you need to be mentioning the behaviours (listed as key attributes) and also giving examples of the must haves in past employment/qualifications.

Remember that the CV will be examined by an agency/HR and possibly even a computer before it even arrives at the person selecting for interview!

Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: kris9128 on 06 November 2008, 08:49:18
cheers mark, starting to understand a bit clearer now.  :y :y :y
Title: Re: need a C.V
Post by: SteveMJ on 06 November 2008, 18:34:55
to reinforce some of what is said here:  keep the CV simple and concise.  personal information first and an outline of you recent experience.  I add a small section about who I am what I do (I do electronic and system design).  Remember that it must say to the reader 'pay for me' in a only a few seconds.

There must be no spelling or gramatical errors, nothing too technical, no TLAs (ha, ha).  Never be disparaging about previous employers/clients.

Get someone else to read and ask them to tbe critical, then repeat this.  Re-view it again after.  If this doesn't bring in work or interviews re-visit its content and presentation.  Look for holes and gaps - try to interpret it as someone who has never met you.  Try to put a positive spin on aspects - no BS though, don't over sell yourself either.

Your best points can be you worst points too - so be careful emphasisng something that another person may not want.  E.g attention to detail - may mean that someone takes a long time and doesn't get tasks finished.

If it helps, I have recently found that the recession means that clients are unwilling to take on permenent staff, but are seemingly keen to take on a 'contractor' who they feel they can dismiss at short notice.

Good luck.

Steve