CV Advice?

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Avenging
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CV Advice?

Post by Avenging » Wed Sep 02, 2015 9:40 pm

Hi, just wanted to ask you bunch of merry men and women, about CV's

So far i've seen so many that don't conform to a set template/standard.

But i've always been told only 2 pages and a font of 11pt or 12pt, using a Arial type font.

Any Ideas that contribute are mostly welcome.
Last edited by Avenging on Thu Sep 03, 2015 11:49 am, edited 1 time in total.

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__fell
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Re: CV Advice?

Post by __fell » Thu Sep 03, 2015 8:14 am

I was reading the other day that the old 2 pages of A4 doesn't always apply any more (depending on what kind of company you are applying to). Some companies now use automated cv readers that scan through all the applicants looking for keywords and phrases etc
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Re: CV Advice?

Post by dreamachine » Sat Sep 05, 2015 7:38 pm

you can use a template for the layout, but not for the contents. try and keep to 2 pages as well if you can (if you have enough stuff to fill 3 or more pages, fine, just make sure it's all relevant) and dont make the font size too big (11 or 12 is fine, 16 for header/your name is ok too). font type doesnt matter so much as long as it looks serious and professional (ie no comic fucking sans). times new roman (a serif font) is just as good as ariel (a sans serif font).

your personal profile and key skills should be 1st and 2nd (obv after your name, address and contact details). this is what employers are looking for and it NEEDS to stand out from all the bog standard template shite that they're used to seeing. write it out yourself! no-one knows YOU better than YOU! try and make your profile and skills match the job your going for. going for admin, highlight teamwork, communication and problem solving. going for call centre, better ramp up on customer service skills etc. make the skills match the job. try the national careers service to help match what skills go with which jobs. even if youve been a bin man all your life and want to get into admin there are skills that crossover you can draw from. you dont necessarily need to have worked the job you want, to get the job you want.

try and keep more than 1 cv for the kind of job your going for as well, this is my admin cv vs my call centre cv (like i need them anymore)

admin
Spoiler: show
I am currently looking for a position within administration or office work having extensive experience within this area of work, as well as having a Level 2 in Business Administration. I feel that I possess all of the necessary skills, qualities and experience to exceed within this role. I can offer excellent computer skills, communication and customer service, as well as an excellent ability to multi-task, organise and prioritise work. I am a keen, ambitious, self-motivated individual who always strives to achieve a high standard of work in whatever task is undertaken.

Key Skills:

* Take pride in providing excellent customer service.
* A skilled administrator with experience in carrying most admin tasks
* Comfortable in dealing with queries and complaints.
* Can learn to use specialised IT systems quickly and effectively.
* Always willing and eager to learn new things quickly and effectively.
* Business Admin Level 2 qualification.
* Admin experience gained throughout most of my work history.
call center/customer service
Spoiler: show
I am currently looking for a position as a customer service advisor within a call centre environment having gained experience within this area of work in the past I would like to return to this sector. I feel that I possess all of the necessary skills, qualities and experience to exceed within this role. I can offer excellent computer skills, communication both verbal and written, and excellent customer service skills. I have an excellent telephone manner and consider myself to be friendly and helpful with a professional attitude towards any work that I do. I am a keen, ambitious, self-motivated individual who always strives to achieve a high standard of work in whatever task is undertaken.

Key Skills:

* Take pride in providing excellent customer service with a friendly and helpful attitude.
* Comfortable in dealing with queries and complaints.
* Can learn to use specialised IT systems quickly and effectively.
* Always willing and eager to learn new things and can pick them up quickly and efficiently.
* I possess a Business Admin Level 2 qualification where I developed communication skills further.
* An excellent ability to multi-task, organise and prioritise work.
the differences are slight, but they are there. hell, steal some of it if you want. after all that ive got my work history, which again is tailored to which job im going for. for call center, my 1 stint in a call center work is by far the largest entry. on my retail cv my retail jobs are fleshed out and for admin even tho i only worked in 1 place for 2 weeks for no pay is the biggest entry on my work histroy (for that cv). also ive you've worked somewhere for no pay. mention it! employers love it when people work for free, cos if you're gonna go to work for nothing, you#ll sure as hell turn up on time if you're being paid for it.

for education obv put school, college uni, etc, but also put any little thing you can think of down, ive even got my 1st aid course the dole sent me on back in 2006, was only valid for 3 years, but i put

2006 - Obtained 1st Aid Certificate
Obtained via Jobcentre Plus. Now void, but would like to refresh myself if the opportunity arrives again.

makes it look you you want to do extra, not only for yourself but to help others and it all looks good. oh and work from latest 1st working back to the oldest (ie school)

hobbies and interests can also be tinkered with depending on the job (so ive been told), but i just stick with:
Spoiler: show
I have always been a keen enthusiast in computers and IT but since I studied music technology in college my interest and knowledge has only grown. I learned to play piano/keyboard during secondary school and in my time without work I have also learnt to play bass guitar, whilst also keeping myself up-to-date with my music production skills by working with friends, local bands and my own music. I also like to go cycling and regularly travel the Coast 2 Coast route.
doesnt matter that my keyboard hasnt worked in about 3 years, they dont know that! doesnt matter than i cant play bass for shit, they dont know that! you can lie, but within reason. also im always told never to mention video games, but this has always been said by older people who are non-gamers. if an employer made it to the bottom of your cv you'll [probs] get an interview. most read the perosnal profile and key skills and then decide whether to chuck it in the bin or not) and if you can an interview it's something else to mention. i always say i like adventure games (which i do), because they puzzles and they make you think (which they do). and as fun as playing tf2 and singing karaoke with a bunch of stoners is, it might not go down well with an employer. so only say thing that you can turn into positives for them. doesnt matter than when i was on the dole i sat on my arse constantly, but thtas why i added in the bit about having a bike (which hasnt worked in 2 years, but they dont know that!) so it looks like i kept active (which i did, until the bike broke down)

once you get past the factual stuff (your work history, education etc) try and make everything sound positive to them, make it stand out. like i said, most employers, if they read a bog stand, copy/pasted intro and key skills, will bin the cv, but if they like that bit and its different, the rest doesn't really matter as much. make the start of the CV the focus and hold off on enough stuff after (ie hobbies) so you have something to talk about at the interview. you never know, you interviewer might be a TF2 fan
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Re: CV Advice?

Post by Fester » Tue Sep 08, 2015 9:58 am

Brilliant advice Dream,

Just to add, Technical CV's are more focused and snappy, using words rather than sentences. "I have experience in building and deploying with Widows deployment 2012" translates to "Windows Deployment 2012" With a high number of CV's to review a person will appreciate getting an over view without reading the life story! the story is for the interview, talk all day long about setting up the development server and the triggers you used in an interview but on paper just bring it to their attention that you have experience

Every industry has a different preferred format and its worth finding out what works best for the job you're applying to. Speak with a recruiter to find out what format, for what job. As Dream mentioned Multiple CV's are needed, I know you might have to send out 15 CV's on a day but if you're lazy and just have a general CV this will come across and an interview may not happen. If there is a job you really want take the 20minutes/30mintues to include and exclude what you feel is relevant to the position.

I have an electrical background, I will mention this in two ways. if I'm looking at jobs that are onsite IT service role so the employer knows I can plug something in and have experience in it, If applying to a support desk role I will barley mention it as electrical work is physical and I wont be rewiring a plug over the phone, however it would show an employer I might be able to spot electrical fault over PSU fault.

Plenty of waffle above but even the little things that you think are not important can be very important to your employer, just need to try and predict what they want! If going for technical jobs mention projects you may work on at home, Rasberry PI's or whatever it maybe, this supports the fact that you have an interest in tech and not just another "I got into IT cause everyone is doing it in collage" type people!

also working is for losers, I just cant find away to avoid it :P
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Re: CV Advice?

Post by CAMBO » Fri Sep 11, 2015 8:27 am

WOW Dream - WOW

And I agree with Fester too.

Never had a CV myself - any job I had I just walked into and told the owner I was going to work for them, and somehow got away with it.
And as an employee never looked at a CV ever, had quite a few staff in some of my businesses and just employed them on face value.
For you Rich if you are still planning to work in my industry your CV is not too relevant either - your work ( portfolio ) is your CV - if good enough you can work wherever you want.

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Re: CV Advice?

Post by Avenging » Fri Sep 11, 2015 9:03 pm

Thanks for the input dream had a cuppa whilst read it!
and also fester and Cambo.

With reagrds to a Web Designer/developer CV, I've seen people put them on a html page or PDF, listing the websites they have either contributed to or designed with a link and or screenshot depending if the site is live.
Also listed are the design packages they use i.e. Dreamweaver; programming and even frameworks, programming languages, some even state if they have foundation/intermediate/advanced or scale 1-5 with regarding to experience to specific skills.

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Re: CV Advice?

Post by Avenging » Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:30 pm

*UPDATE*

General CV
I've taken out teh contact details
====================================================================================================================================================

PERSONAL STATEMENT
I am a positive, enthusiastic individual with a methodical approach to my work and a good knowledge of administrative office procedures and I.T. Systems. I am quick to learn and adaptable; able to absorb new ideas, take on new challenges and meet deadlines. I am able to work collaboratively on team projects, although can also work independently using my own initiative. I have a keen desire to continually update my knowledge and skills and am committed to working to the highest possible standards.

KEY SKILLS
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Word, Access, Excel, Frontpage, Powerpoint, Publisher, Outlook.
• Proven administrative skills
• Good interpersonal skills and natural customer focus

EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY
Aug 2015 – present BGSW CRC (formerly Wiltshire Probation Trust) Work Placement – Case Administrator
My current role provides administrative support to the Community Payback team. Responsibilities include:
• General administrative tasks - filing, scanning, uploading, photocopying, e-mailing, data entry and telephone queries
• Maintaining non-disclosure of information in line with company Data Protection policy
• Collating and evaluating data
• Setting-up and maintaining new database records
• Using bespoke in-house software to record service user activity

Sept 2009 – Dec 2014 City Link
Contract– 1st & 2nd line I.T. Help Desk Support
This role involved carrying out diagnostics and troubleshooting. Responsibilities included:
Logging and prioritising incidents and keeping customers informed
• Delivering a high level 1st & 2nd line resolution and escalating to 3rd line support where required
• Booking technicians for site visits for PC hardware/software maintenance & installations
• Delivering technical knowledge to both non-technical and technical staff members & clients

Nov 2008 – Jan 2009 TW International Ltd
Voluntary – Front End Developer/Designer | Client: www.twinternational.com
This was a voluntary work placement giving me the opportunity to design and develop their company website.

QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

2015 National Delius Training Certificate BGSW CRC
Emergency First Aid at Work HABC Level 2 Wiltshire College
Extended Award in Employability Skills Wiltshire College

2002 – 2005 BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology (2:2) Bucks New University
Cisco Systems Networking Academy - CCNA Networking Basics Level 1
1999 – 2002 Edexcel Advanced (Double Award) ICT A,A Swindon College
Edexcel BTEC Intermediate GNVQ I.T. (Distinction)
The British Computer Society ECDL Certificate
Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (C)

INTERESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
In my spare time I enjoy website design, LAN events and online gaming. Other activities include carp fishing, football, garden maintenance and attending live music events. Whilst at Swindon College I received the award for best over 19 student.

REFERENCES
Personal and professional references available upon request.

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Re: CV Advice?

Post by Avenging » Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:31 pm

CV 2 Degree*

============================================================================================================================

PERSONAL PROFILE

A graduate multimedia designer with a broad portfolio of non-commercial work , supporting strong technical skills and a methodical approach to Website design and development. I have a keen focus on balance between creativity; functionality accessibility and usability. I work to high standards and have an eye for detail with skills in creative design; web development and responsive media content.

CAREER ASPIRATION

To enter a graduate training program or junior position in multimedia, preferably in the new-media sector where my creative initiative, ideas and a genuine enthusiasm would allow me to progress. Completing my course projects has taught me to provide originality and quality whilst successfully meeting deadlines.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

National Delius Training Certificate BGSW CRC 2015
Emergency First Aid at Work HABC Level 2 Award Wiltshire College 2015
Entry Level Extended Award in Employability (Level 3) Wiltshire College 2015
B.S.c. (Hons) Multimedia Technology (2:2) Buckinghamshire New University 2006
CCNA Networking Basics Level 1 Certificate Buckinghamshire New University 2003
Edexcel Advanced (Double Award) VCE I.C.T. A,A(aa) Swindon College 2002
The British Computer Society ECDL Certificate Swindon College 2001
Edexcel BTEC Intermediate GNVQ I.T. (Distinction) Swindon College 2000

KEY PERSONAL SKILLS

Highly competent IT specialist with strengths covering design, operation and trouble-shooting. Able to manage and fix office systems. Design skills cover all areas of electronic and printed media, and I also have the ability to create integrated work that spans several media types. Enthusiastic, positive and collaborative team-worker, keen to learn and willing to share skills and information with others. Good interpersonal skills and natural customer focus. Able to manage multiple tasks under pressure, reliable at meeting deadlines, and generally results oriented.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Case Administrator | BGSW CRC (Formally Wiltshire Probation Trust) Aug 2015 – Present

• Providing efficient and concise administrative support to the Community Payback Team.
• Responsible for administrative tasks such as filing, scanning, photocopying, data entry, e-mails and
telephone queries.
• Maintaining non-disclosure agreement (NDA) of information and adhering to company policy
regarding Data Protection.
• Proficiently operating I.T. applications and equipment, including MS word, national databases, MS
Excel spreadsheets, internal (Lotus Notes) e-mail system.
• Responsible for an e-mail box, collating data and evaluating cost effectiveness of e-mails.
• Set-up and maintained new database records via case files and updated records regularly.
• Extracted information from questionnaires and updated collated information onto a spreadsheet.
• Allotted hours for training and unpaid work for service users using bespoke in-house software.
• Disseminated information and passed communications accurately and quickly.


2nd Line I.T. Help Desk Support | City Link Sept 2009 – Dec 2014

• Monitored an I.T. ticketing system and problem solved technical incidents raised using e-mails,
phone, remote support to 8000 end-users (Companies included - Amazon, Marks & Spencer’s n and smaller businesses).
• Pro-actively maintained the SLA and escalated support to 3rd line I.T. support where required.
• Booked technicians for site visits for hardware/software maintenance & installations.
• Conversed precisely and accurately to all levels of management and technical staff.
• Managed and prioritised work load in accordance to company compliance standards.
• Communicated technical solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Front End Developer/Designer | TW International Nov 2008 – Jan 2009
Client: http://www.twinternational.com

• Updated database with new products & prices including VAT percentages
• W3C Web standard Compliant
• CCS 2.0 styling
• HTML
• CSS

I.T. SKILLSET

Web Development
• Programming Languages (HTML, CSS 2.0, PHP, Javascript, Pascal & ASP)
• Content Management Systems (Wordpress)
• Google API, Google Analytics', Adwords
• Social Media Implementation and brand marketing
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
• JQuery plug-in

Software
• 3D Animation and Modeling (3D Studio Max, Maya, Bryce)
• Adobe Creative Suite 6 (Photoshop, Flash, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Fireworks & Premier)
• Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher and Outlook)
• UK Government Probation Management Systems (nDelius & OASys)

PC Installation & Maintenance
• Microsoft DOS; XP; Windows 98; Windows 7 and 10 and Linux (Open Source)
• PC Installation; Configuration and Maintenance.

INTERESTS & ACHIEVEMENTS

In my spare time I enjoy website design, LAN events and online gaming. Other activities include carp fishing, football, garden maintenance and attending live music events. Whilst at Swindon College I received the award for best over 19 student.

REFERENCES
Personal and professional references available upon request.

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Re: CV Advice?

Post by Fester » Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:53 pm

Looks decent fella!! hopefully they will bring you some gainful employment!

Have you applied anywhere with them yet?! anyone biting?
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Re: CV Advice?

Post by Avenging » Sat Nov 21, 2015 2:21 pm

well went to see a chap at Reed Recruitment, he said the degree cv is better but you need to move things about and have one cv with bits from the one page general cv on the degree cv.

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