Thetownend.com

When writing about specific jobs on a CV, is it best to use bullet points or full sentences and a couple of paragraphs?

I always use sentences as you can fit more in.

I'd go with bullet points. Just try to keep it simple and give them "at a glance" information.

I was thinking that sentences would be too detailed to describe the shitty jobs I've had so bullet points would be more effective but would make my already empty CV look even more threadbare.

Yeah, go with bullet points (says he who's been applying for jobs for over a year).

Meaty bullets... not just one-liners.

Go bullet points, but instead of just using round points, go with stars or smiley faces. Show some initiative.

Obviously it all depends on how big your cv is. Don't forget that it shouldn't be more than two pages.

Bullet points it is.

I'm going to use small cocks for bullet points though, thanks Ben

boo

I use :: instead of bullets. HOW MENTAL IS THAT!

General rule of thumb is for skills based jobs (i.e. where you just reel off a list of skills) use bullet points, if it's a unique role and you need to explain more use short sentences.

You're looking for IT jobs, right? If so, definitely go with bullet points.

Apparently, that isn't entirely accurate any more according to the 'experts' i had to see when i was on the dole... it's important these days to get the important stuff across with enough detail, even if it means stretching to 3 or even 4 pages, especially if you have a lengthy career in something like IT, where detail is important.

[url width=20 height=20]http://www.gamesmuseum.uwaterloo.ca/Archives/Culin/Hawaii1899/graphics/cock3.jpg[/url] Experience in using jazzy bullet points.

I'm looking for anything, desperation has taken hold...

The other problem I have is big gaps in my employment history due to health problems (which I obviously don't want to mention on my CV) and the fact I spent a lot of last year travelling back and forth

I've got a big one of those. 'freelance' covers most gaps..

Just say you worked for someone self employed put my name down as reference i will tell them for you.

I used the method of providing a one page bullet summary highlighting key experience pertinent to the role with an expanded experience profile behind it - provides and instant "I can do what you are looking for" followed by a 'This is how I did it' if they want more information.

Recruiters make a first pass  binning CV's that don't look right without even reading the content - I reckon you've got to catch there attention and tell them what they want to see in the first 20 seconds... then they'll spend time looking at the rest.

Of course if you shoot rats and steal cars CV advice is second nature...  :)

Never heard a single "expert" say 3 or 4 pages and I've talked to a good few though I've heard some say 1 page is enough. Recruiters will look at the first page and if that doesn't grab them your CV will go straight in the bin.

My CV (I work in IT) has been through the hands of a few "experts", it's 2 pages with most of the first page taken up by a profile and key skills. Job descriptions are all pretty short and just half a dozen or so bullet points on specific achievements, job specifics and so on.

For something like IT, your profile on LinkedIn is getting more and more important. You want to make sure that is as good as it can be as a lot of companies and recruiters will look you up, or actively recruit though it.


Gaps in your CV are a problem, gaps in employment aren't. A year out to go travelling, a career break or something similar isn't an issue. Just make sure you won't be caught out with any "stretching of the truth".

Ah, well... it worked for my last two IT contracting jobs.

What's everyone's thoughts on the 'Profile' section of the CV? I've currently got one and have avoided any guff about skills and whatnot within it but have given an overview of my background.

I'd like to add a brief bit (probably just a single sentence) about the type of role/position I am looking for - is it acceptable to do this or a major faux pas?

Previously I've done covering letters for every job I've applied for but most of the jobs I've looked at seem to be through agencies so I can see this being a bit of a problem.

Whatever you do, don't do this.

Imagine how you'd appear.

I had a brief bit about what sort of job/role I was looking for on my CV when applying for jobs in the past. Didn't do me any harm.

I ditched my profile/personal statement in my CV's previous incarnation but everyone I asked for advice said a personal statement is fairly important, although it hasn't helped me much - I've been rejected by McDonalds and Game since I took people's advice on here  :)

I think I want to be a midget porn star may shock a few potential employers though.

There's always Blockbusters, they'll take anyone on.

You want the profile to be a few sentences or so, basically a covering letter condensed and just about you. Something like:

"An experienced midget porn star with an extremely expressive length vs height ratio. A veteran of 50 midget on midget films with numerous industry awards to my name. More than happy to take one for the team when required. Now looking to broaden my horizons and move in to more challenging roles."

It would appear as thought you have put some thought into it jonny

You may laugh, but I've now finished it and it sounds remarkably like that.

Cunt.

Having just gone through the process of recruiting someone you should certainly not go beyond 2 pages, it takes too long to read and if they like you that is what the interview is for.

Basic bullets need to be expanded to show the employer how you can do the job - what did you achieve, be specific with an example.  Listing your job responsibilities will make you less employable because that's the minimum expectation anyway - that you can do the basics of the job.

I had a 12 page one, I can honestly say 8 pages of it remain unread.

You should really tweak it for each job.  Find something on their list of requirements and explain what you have done before that will make them want to get in the front door to talk to them.

I interviewed 2 people out of 50 applications.  People think the one size fits all is good enough - make them think you actually want their job.

Most companies will usually post or email a job description and I’ve always found that a good place to start building your CV.
If it’s via a job or recruitment agency then keep it simple.  Two pages and jobs, skills and responsibilities in bullet points with dates and why you left the role.
If applying for a specific role then I usually write a couple of sentences and supplement that with bullets detailing key responsibilities.  But I’d have to agree going beyond two pages is a recipe for disaster.   Most employers are still of the mindset that anything over two pages is waffle and I’ve seen incredibly skilled and experienced people completely get completely discarded off the back of a long CV. 
As for the absences I always used travelling or studying, I think I once quoted that I was an advocate of life long education (shudder) and I spent a period of time out studying some crap that I passed off as an interest at the same time.
Sussex sent me a cracker of a CV template a couple of years ago that got me the job.

When writing a CV I find it useful to ask myself "What if this CV was actually a film directed by Stanley Kubrick?"

How's that working for you Ben?

Not well. But don't worry, there's a new strategy! I've decided to fill all the gaps in my CV with the "What was David Bowie doing 25 years ago" method.

In 1985 you have a choice of:

Loving The Alien (Re-mixed Version)
Hang On To Yourself
Dancing In The Street

I think I'd pay to see that CV Ben.

On the advice of the TEF, I used bullet points. I had two interviews today and have another next week. That's more than I've had since I moved here :)

Go team TEF!

Wahey! Nice one Sonic.

Well in, my friend

Linked In is damn useful.....provided you can be bothered to update all the sections properly.  Got my current job via it and had several offers since.

CV wise, mine has always been 2 pages (with small writing mind) and I've always done ok.  I'm not sure there is necessarily a 'rule of thumb' but more how the CV is written and formatted. 

Only trouble is they are to be someone's bitch  :)

Nah, that's what I do in my spare time.

Thanks to the wonder and majesty of TEF advice, I've got a job starting Monday.

Cheers for the advice all!

gay

Whats the job Yoof?