CV straw poll

[Sussex]

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

[Don Rogers Shop]

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

[@MacPhlea]

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...  

[jonny72]

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.

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.

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

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".

[LucienSanchez]

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

[Simon Pieman]

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.

[herthab]

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

Whatever you do, don't do this.

Imagine how you'd appear.

[Iffy's Onion Bhaji]

What's everyone's thoughts on the 'Profile' section on 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.

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.

[sonicyouth]

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  

[Simon Pieman]

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

[herthab]

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  

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

[jonny72]

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.

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."

[BANGKOK RED]

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

[Simon Pieman]

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

[ibelieveinmrreeves]

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

Cunt.