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[omegod]

Filling out one for the first time in my life in the hunt for a new career and I'm really struggling with the "personal statement" at the start that is reccomended to sell yourself. I'm quite a modest persion and to me I just sound like a complete tw*t. Any tips anyone?

Does anybody pay any attention to CV's these days anyway?

[Varche]

I am afraid the answer is yes they do pay attention.

I worked for Reed employment recruiting people for a while and if you have have one job and a hundred applicants of which 50 might be "perfect" for the job then the CV paper sift is the first step. The ones that are messy, with spelling mistakes, obviously bulled up (e.g. After being an astronaut I designed the latest Ferrari), incomplete history of employment just got binned.

having got an interview you can expect greater scrutiny of your CV and depending on the job the employer might follow up your detail (e.g. take up references or check you actually were an astronaut 2003-2006).

Having said that it is a great way for you to stand out. Do a strengths and weaknesses analysis of yourself and then match your strengths to the things the employer is looking for. Give examples of your achievements. sell yourself. If you don't there will be others that will. I would say be honest as a good interviewer will catch a person out who is lying , if they want to.

There are tons of web sites offering help. Here is the first one I opened.

http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/cvs-and-applications/successful-cv     

If you are really struggling you could knock something up and pop in to a Recruitment Agency and ask to speak to one of their recruiters. Say you are looking for work and could they cast an eye over your CV and offer suggestions. Bit of a cheek BUT they may take you on their books. It is in their interest(financially) to get you placed. You could always decline their offer to try and place you and just use their CV tips!.

One final thought  "in the hunt for a new career". Do not go scatter gun at each and every job that you see. What you really need to do is think what it is that you would like to do and would you be good at it, then find that job- preferably before it is advertised. e.g. Astronaut adviser at Leicester Space Centre. Drop your CV off and ask to be considered for any jobs coming up as you have heard they are expanding.

HTH

[Lizzie_Zoom]

I am afraid the answer is yes they do pay attention.

I worked for Reed employment recruiting people for a while and if you have have one job and a hundred applicants of which 50 might be "perfect" for the job then the CV paper sift is the first step. The ones that are messy, with spelling mistakes, obviously bulled up (e.g. After being an astronaut I designed the latest Ferrari), incomplete history of employment just got binned.

having got an interview you can expect greater scrutiny of your CV and depending on the job the employer might follow up your detail (e.g. take up references or check you actually were an astronaut 2003-2006).

Having said that it is a great way for you to stand out. Do a strengths and weaknesses analysis of yourself and then match your strengths to the things the employer is looking for. Give examples of your achievements. sell yourself. If you don't there will be others that will. I would say be honest as a good interviewer will catch a person out who is lying , if they want to.

There are tons of web sites offering help. Here is the first one I opened.

http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/cvs-and-applications/successful-cv     

If you are really struggling you could knock something up and pop in to a Recruitment Agency and ask to speak to one of their recruiters. Say you are looking for work and could they cast an eye over your CV and offer suggestions. Bit of a cheek BUT they may take you on their books. It is in their interest(financially) to get you placed. You could always decline their offer to try and place you and just use their CV tips!.

One final thought  "in the hunt for a new career". Do not go scatter gun at each and every job that you see. What you really need to do is think what it is that you would like to do and would you be good at it, then find that job- preferably before it is advertised. e.g. Astronaut adviser at Leicester Space Centre. Drop your CV off and ask to be considered for any jobs coming up as you have heard they are expanding.

HTH

......as Varche wisely states, plus keep your CV to 3 pages......no more..........no interviewer has time to read a book for every applicant.  Modify each CV to suit the position/job you are applying for (use your PC to cut. paste, add, and subtract as required)............make it seem as though you were made and developed for that job. Construct your CV to a high professional standard that makes it stand out of the hundreds the interviewers way have to wade through; been there, done it, and worn the tee-shirt, and it is amazing how poor some CV's are even from those applying for managerial level positions.

But, make sure you tell the truth in every regard, and be yourself at interview after carrying out full research on the potential employer.

PS Also make sure all spelling and grammar is fully checked!

[Marks DTM Calib]

Actually, the modern thoughts are to keep it to two pages. 

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Actually, the modern thoughts are to keep it to two pages. 

That has been the case for some time, but for an individual with a longish career three can be needed;

1st page - Profile /Disciplines

2nd page - Employment history

3rd page - Qualifications / Professional Development / Education

 

[cleggy]

As Varche states, bit of a mine field so use the internet for templates and tips.
From a personal point of view when recruiting staff I preferred a short concise employment history and personal attributes, far too busy to read an essay. I always took notice of good quality paper for a typed concise CV, with a hand written covering letter in fountain pen stating personal attributes for the job and in an A4 envelope ( easier to read without having to unfold) . Don't lie  or bullshit, at interview it will be noticed because you don't act normal.
Good Luck 

[cem_devecioglu]

Actually, the modern thoughts are to keep it to two pages. 

That has been the case for some time, but for an individual with a longish career three can be needed;

1st page - Profile /Disciplines

2nd page - Employment history

3rd page - Qualifications / Professional Development / Education

 

thats an important part that employers read and decide...

[RobG]

Does anybody pay any attention to CV's these days

Depends if it gets past the software installed to auto-delete CV`s that do not include (or exclude) certain words, phrases, fonts etc

[tigers_gonads]

Actually, the modern thoughts are to keep it to two pages. 

That has been the case for some time, but for an individual with a longish career three can be needed;

1st page - Profile /Disciplines

2nd page - Employment history

3rd page - Qualifications / Professional Development / Education

 

You are wrong Lizzie

2 pages MAX or it will go straight in the bin 

If like me, you have done shed loads, keep it brief and simple.

As for the personnel statement, this is mine 

It may be total bullshit but it will get you noticed which is the point.
Feel free to use it 

I class myself as a highly motivated, loyal and hardworking individual who is perfectly happy working as a part of a team, leading a team or on my own initiative.
I am physically fit and not afraid to get my hands dirty to complete any task given to me.
I spent over 20 years interacting with my customers on a 1 to 1 level, either face to face or over the telephone, planning jobs and executing these jobs.
I am computer literate with experience in computer build.
I also have very good experience of Microsoft Office.
I have always taken pride in working to a high standard and with precision in all tasks.
I am hoping to work in an environment where I am rewarded and respected for what I can bring to the table.

As for job history, it should be in chronological order.
Keep it brief BUT expand on the skills depending on what job your after 

Stick something after the job history like ................  A more complete breakdown of job descriptions is available on request 
Make the last statement, bold type but keep the font size the same 

Also, I don't know how old you are but if your approaching middle age like me    leave your date of birth OFF the CV.
That way, its not binned straight away and IF you get a interview it gives you a chance of blagging it "face to face" 

I've had mine totally re done in the last 2 months by TIR training were I am at the moment.
If I can help, pm me.

Good luck 

[humbucker]

(e.g. After being an astronaut I designed the latest Ferrari)

Ah well, I'm glad somebody took time to read it anyway 

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Actually, the modern thoughts are to keep it to two pages. 

That has been the case for some time, but for an individual with a longish career three can be needed;

1st page - Profile /Disciplines

2nd page - Employment history

3rd page - Qualifications / Professional Development / Education

 

You are wrong Lizzie

2 pages MAX or it will go straight in the bin 

If like me, you have done shed loads, keep it brief and simple.

As for the personnel statement, this is mine 

It may be total bullshit but it will get you noticed which is the point.
Feel free to use it 

I class myself as a highly motivated, loyal and hardworking individual who is perfectly happy working as a part of a team, leading a team or on my own initiative.
I am physically fit and not afraid to get my hands dirty to complete any task given to me.
I spent over 20 years interacting with my customers on a 1 to 1 level, either face to face or over the telephone, planning jobs and executing these jobs.
I am computer literate with experience in computer build.
I also have very good experience of Microsoft Office.
I have always taken pride in working to a high standard and with precision in all tasks.
I am hoping to work in an environment where I am rewarded and respected for what I can bring to the table.

As for job history, it should be in chronological order.
Keep it brief BUT expand on the skills depending on what job your after 

Stick something after the job history like ................  A more complete breakdown of job descriptions is available on request 
Make the last statement, bold type but keep the font size the same 

Also, I don't know how old you are but if your approaching middle age like me    leave your date of birth OFF the CV.
That way, its not binned straight away and IF you get a interview it gives you a chance of blagging it "face to face" 

I've had mine totally re done in the last 2 months by TIR training were I am at the moment.
If I can help, pm me.

Good luck 

If I am in this new age Tigers then I'm afraid a potential employer of a middle or senior manager is not getting the full gist on who the person is and what they can do. A trick or two can be missed, and believe me agencies of various types can do that as they are constantly putting time and money first, not what the quality is and right for your company. As a company manager interviewing for staff to enter your company your objective is to obtain quality, and not thinking about what commission you will get. A good personnel manager of experience can very speedily sort the quality from the trash when going through CV's, no matter how big the pile is, focusing on key factors. If the CV is less than 2 pages, and ideally 3, then the experienced managerial applicant may well miss out vital information that is crucial to your decision making.

Perhaps with unemployment falling there will be less applicants and interviewers, like myself not that long ago, will be able to again spend just a few seconds more on digesting a good CV. It is only a few seconds more, and if you are interviewing someone for certainly a managerial position you need that information before wasting your time drawing up a short list of the wrong applicants who at interview fall down.  You then are retracing your step, rearranging new short lists and interviews. Then you lose the best applicants to your competitors.

If the CV and interviewing standards have declined to such a weak level it is no wonder this country is still losing companies that fail to manage their affairs and stay profitable by having square pegs in round holes.


 

[tigers_gonads]

Actually, the modern thoughts are to keep it to two pages. 

That has been the case for some time, but for an individual with a longish career three can be needed;

1st page - Profile /Disciplines

2nd page - Employment history

3rd page - Qualifications / Professional Development / Education

 

You are wrong Lizzie

2 pages MAX or it will go straight in the bin 

If like me, you have done shed loads, keep it brief and simple.

As for the personnel statement, this is mine 

It may be total bullshit but it will get you noticed which is the point.
Feel free to use it 

I class myself as a highly motivated, loyal and hardworking individual who is perfectly happy working as a part of a team, leading a team or on my own initiative.
I am physically fit and not afraid to get my hands dirty to complete any task given to me.
I spent over 20 years interacting with my customers on a 1 to 1 level, either face to face or over the telephone, planning jobs and executing these jobs.
I am computer literate with experience in computer build.
I also have very good experience of Microsoft Office.
I have always taken pride in working to a high standard and with precision in all tasks.
I am hoping to work in an environment where I am rewarded and respected for what I can bring to the table.

As for job history, it should be in chronological order.
Keep it brief BUT expand on the skills depending on what job your after 

Stick something after the job history like ................  A more complete breakdown of job descriptions is available on request 
Make the last statement, bold type but keep the font size the same 

Also, I don't know how old you are but if your approaching middle age like me    leave your date of birth OFF the CV.
That way, its not binned straight away and IF you get a interview it gives you a chance of blagging it "face to face" 

I've had mine totally re done in the last 2 months by TIR training were I am at the moment.
If I can help, pm me.

Good luck 

If I am in this new age Tigers then I'm afraid a potential employer of a middle or senior manager is not getting the full gist on who the person is and what they can do. A trick or two can be missed, and believe me agencies of various types can do that as they are constantly putting time and money first, not what the quality is and right for your company. As a company manager interviewing for staff to enter your company your objective is to obtain quality, and not thinking about what commission you will get. A good personnel manager of experience can very speedily sort the quality from the trash when going through CV's, no matter how big the pile is, focusing on key factors. If the CV is less than 2 pages, and ideally 3, then the experienced managerial applicant may well miss out vital information that is crucial to your decision making.

Perhaps with unemployment falling there will be less applicants and interviewers, like myself not that long ago, will be able to again spend just a few seconds more on digesting a good CV. It is only a few seconds more, and if you are interviewing someone for certainly a managerial position you need that information before wasting your time drawing up a short list of the wrong applicants who at interview fall down.  You then are retracing your step, rearranging new short lists and interviews. Then you lose the best applicants to your competitors.

If the CV and interviewing standards have declined to such a weak level it is no wonder this country is still losing companies that fail to manage their affairs and stay profitable by having square pegs in round holes.

I understand where you are coming from Liz 

Just a couple of points though

If we are talking about top to middle management then those who initially sort through the mountains of applications will have a set brief on what to look for, hence the part about expanding on certain skills and experience depending on the job.
After that, comes the potential interview.  That's the time for the applicant to sell himself to the persons across the table with all the research that he has carried out about "said company" and what he can bring to the table.

As for the unemployment figures, take a close look at how they are compiled and what tricks the DWP / government uses to, shall we say "massage" those figures for the media 
As for jobs, yes the corner has been turned but up in the north its still pretty bad unless you have a specialist trade.

Can't speak for Liverpool but around here, (note the official choice of words here  )  Unemployment and receiving benefit is still running at around 12% 

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Actually, the modern thoughts are to keep it to two pages. 

That has been the case for some time, but for an individual with a longish career three can be needed;

1st page - Profile /Disciplines

2nd page - Employment history

3rd page - Qualifications / Professional Development / Education

 

You are wrong Lizzie

2 pages MAX or it will go straight in the bin 

If like me, you have done shed loads, keep it brief and simple.

As for the personnel statement, this is mine 

It may be total bullshit but it will get you noticed which is the point.
Feel free to use it 

I class myself as a highly motivated, loyal and hardworking individual who is perfectly happy working as a part of a team, leading a team or on my own initiative.
I am physically fit and not afraid to get my hands dirty to complete any task given to me.
I spent over 20 years interacting with my customers on a 1 to 1 level, either face to face or over the telephone, planning jobs and executing these jobs.
I am computer literate with experience in computer build.
I also have very good experience of Microsoft Office.
I have always taken pride in working to a high standard and with precision in all tasks.
I am hoping to work in an environment where I am rewarded and respected for what I can bring to the table.

As for job history, it should be in chronological order.
Keep it brief BUT expand on the skills depending on what job your after 

Stick something after the job history like ................  A more complete breakdown of job descriptions is available on request 
Make the last statement, bold type but keep the font size the same 

Also, I don't know how old you are but if your approaching middle age like me    leave your date of birth OFF the CV.
That way, its not binned straight away and IF you get a interview it gives you a chance of blagging it "face to face" 

I've had mine totally re done in the last 2 months by TIR training were I am at the moment.
If I can help, pm me.

Good luck 

If I am in this new age Tigers then I'm afraid a potential employer of a middle or senior manager is not getting the full gist on who the person is and what they can do. A trick or two can be missed, and believe me agencies of various types can do that as they are constantly putting time and money first, not what the quality is and right for your company. As a company manager interviewing for staff to enter your company your objective is to obtain quality, and not thinking about what commission you will get. A good personnel manager of experience can very speedily sort the quality from the trash when going through CV's, no matter how big the pile is, focusing on key factors. If the CV is less than 2 pages, and ideally 3, then the experienced managerial applicant may well miss out vital information that is crucial to your decision making.

Perhaps with unemployment falling there will be less applicants and interviewers, like myself not that long ago, will be able to again spend just a few seconds more on digesting a good CV. It is only a few seconds more, and if you are interviewing someone for certainly a managerial position you need that information before wasting your time drawing up a short list of the wrong applicants who at interview fall down.  You then are retracing your step, rearranging new short lists and interviews. Then you lose the best applicants to your competitors.

If the CV and interviewing standards have declined to such a weak level it is no wonder this country is still losing companies that fail to manage their affairs and stay profitable by having square pegs in round holes.

I understand where you are coming from Liz 

Just a couple of points though

If we are talking about top to middle management then those who initially sort through the mountains of applications will have a set brief on what to look for, hence the part about expanding on certain skills and experience depending on the job.
After that, comes the potential interview.  That's the time for the applicant to sell himself to the persons across the table with all the research that he has carried out about "said company" and what he can bring to the table.

As for the unemployment figures, take a close look at how they are compiled and what tricks the DWP / government uses to, shall we say "massage" those figures for the media 
As for jobs, yes the corner has been turned but up in the north its still pretty bad unless you have a specialist trade.

Can't speak for Liverpool but around here, (note the official choice of words here  )  Unemployment and receiving benefit is still running at around 12% 

Good points Tigers

[omegod]

Kinell people I'm only after a bin mans job  no seriously I'm coming from a project  managerial background in healthcare and hoping to transfer skills to a different sector so the advice is very helpful, I've never been out of work and all my jobs have basically been handed to me through promotion so hence the rustiness ! Again much appreciated 

[tigers_gonads]

Kinell people I'm only after a bin mans job  no seriously I'm coming from a project  managerial background in healthcare and hoping to transfer skills to a different sector so the advice is very helpful, I've never been out of work and all my jobs have basically been handed to me through promotion so hence the rustiness ! Again much appreciated 

Shiny arse who never gets his hands dirty then   

Good luck mate