CV layout

L

LoneWolf

Expert Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
1,644
Reaction score
12
Location
a country in CRYSIS
hi guys, not sure if this is the correct place for this thread, but i'm giving it a go anyway....

i'm going to apply for a good and decent job in the next week or so, but i'm not sure which CV layout to use ?

is there maybe anyone here that can give some advice or any tips regarding this issue ? ;)
 
LoneWolf said:
hi guys, not sure if this is the correct place for this thread, but i'm giving it a go anyway....

i'm going to apply for a good and decent job in the next week or so, but i'm not sure which CV layout to use ?

is there maybe anyone here that can give some advice or any tips regarding this issue ? ;)
Click to expand...

Do you need a 2 page CV or a full one?
 
The shorter, the better.

The prospective employer does not want to labour through 10 pages of your life history to find out what they really need to know about you.
 
Back in 2003 I did some research and stuff, and I formulated a template for my CV. It has stood me in good stead and has helped others too. It is a short, concise one but it is effective.
 
Turiko said:
Back in 2003 I did some research and stuff, and I formulated a template for my CV. It has stood me in good stead and has helped others too. It is a short, concise one but it is effective.
Click to expand...

o ok...anyway that you can mabe send a template or anything like that??

do i need to make a cover letter?? i havent had so much work experience so my CV will probably be 2 pages max....excl cover letter...
 
With not much work experience you may need to focus on your qualifications. If you don't have much of that, then include both. :) Keep it between 2 and 3 pages, as mentioned.

It's a tricky mix of layout and content that gets you a good CV. One that is easy to skim through, has details (but not too much), and tells the interviewer enough that he/she wants to know more (hence the Interview). Good luck with it. It took me several years to find the right format - and it's now one I stick to.
 
Add in a personal letter of motivation as your front page. You can say more in 200 - 300 words about yourself than in any good formatted CV by doing this. Has always worked for me. Mention your goals in live and why you want to work for the company.

Agree on keeping it 2 - 3 pages anything longer and it will be discarded.

Your CV needs to make an impression and stand out, but it must not look like a KFC flyer - avoid colour.
 
My CV is LOOONNNGG.. thanks for all the advice.. Going to update it asap now.

How do you know what to take out? Do you leave out certain jobs that are not applicable?

When listing the responsibilities/duties of the position, should you write a short paragraph or list them? Do you only include the main duties and then explain in more detail only once you are in the interview?
 
@Natasha H: I usually tailor my CV to each application, and include a short cover letter that motivates my application. Tailoring entails removing non-relevant details, and highlighting the relevant experience.

Wording also helps to grab the reader's attention. Don't use phrases like "Assisted in/with" you either did it, or you didn't. Use words like "Responsible for", and when you have done something that had a positive effect, be sure to add the benefits in! (Eg. Reduced caller wait time by 50%)

There are quite a few sites/articles on the 'net that are worth their weight in gold for this type of thing. As always, due Google-age (TM) is required reading.
 
Raithlin said:
@Natasha H: I usually tailor my CV to each application, and include a short cover letter that motivates my application. Tailoring entails removing non-relevant details, and highlighting the relevant experience.

Wording also helps to grab the reader's attention. Don't use phrases like "Assisted in/with" you either did it, or you didn't. Use words like "Responsible for", and when you have done something that had a positive effect, be sure to add the benefits in! (Eg. Reduced caller wait time by 50%)

There are quite a few sites/articles on the 'net that are worth their weight in gold for this type of thing. As always, due Google-age (TM) is required reading.
Click to expand...

Thank you :) My problem is that i am "Responsible for" millions of things :) Tailoring a CV per application is probably the right way to go, albeit time consuming.. Especially if you are applying via sites like CareerJunction etc..
 
Natasha H said:
Thank you :) My problem is that i am "Responsible for" millions of things :) Tailoring a CV per application is probably the right way to go, albeit time consuming.. Especially if you are applying via sites like CareerJunction etc..
Click to expand...
I also use CareerJunction. :) That's easy - you put in all your details, and when (positive thinking ;)) they contact you, they almost always ask you to bring a copy of your CV with - something to do with the CareerJunction format that interviewers struggle with. That's the one you tailor. :) Oh, and you should take a copy with to the interview anyway, IMO.

Edit: BTW, the best way to customise is to create a master CV with everything - then just remove as needed per position.
 
Last edited:
lol @ positive thinking.. i have heard the careerjunction agents are not that good.. I am going to try Pnet this weekend :)
 
Natasha H said:
lol @ positive thinking.. i have heard the careerjunction agents are not that good.. I am going to try Pnet this weekend :)
Click to expand...
:D The bigger agencies often called me as a result of my CV being found on CJ. Can't be too bad. In fact, when I'm tired and want out, I simply enable my CV on CJ, and wait for the phone calls. Let them come to me, I always say. ;)

Never had a call via Pnet, on the other hand. I guess it depends on the market though - I'm in IT.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X