CV straw poll

[RobertT]

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.

[Dazzza]

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.

[flammableBen]

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

[herthab]

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?

[flammableBen]

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.

[Dazzza]

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.

[sonicyouth]

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!

[Sussex]

Wahey! Nice one Sonic.

[LucienSanchez]

Well in, my friend

[Luci]

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. 

[Power to people]

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!

Only trouble is they are to be someone's bitch 

[sonicyouth]

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

[sonicyouth]

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

Cheers for the advice all!

[flammableBen]

gay

[ibelieveinmrreeves]

Whats the job Yoof?