CV gimmicks

SexyGreyFox · 28 May 2009 at 08:09

I've easily read over 500 applications/CVs this year and interviewed over 70 people and if that had come through the post I would definitely have read it but I don't like the 'hello'.
What is most important to me is that you cover every or most of the job & person specification.
In your additional information I want to see other things you may have done and if you like getting drunk on a friday evening (and it doesn't impact on work) I want to know you're normal.
I also like to see good spelling & grammar so get a couple of people to proof read it.

Just seen the 'Hi There' - no

Just put - 'Please find enclosed my CV' and underneath in a slightly larger font put your name

pingwing · 28 May 2009 at 08:48

~J~ said:
Nicked the idea from New Order's Blue Monday, so can't take much credit

Possably the only way to make a cool sounding CV even more awesome!

I think the op will benifit in tea staining his CV to give it that authentic look that its really ment somethign to get it to the job....

bloodiedathame · 28 May 2009 at 09:37

Employers are always looking for someone who is professional, smart, polite, punctual, team player. Every employer wants this. It's not even worth them saying it really. Noticing this made me very tempted to make a tongue in cheek CV that makes me look like an awful person for any job. I mean who would want an unprofessional, layabout who always came into work late and drunk, unshaven with a bit of vom down the front of the shirt?

LordSplodge · 28 May 2009 at 09:50

shifty_uk said:
Sure. Email in trust?

Can I request a copy too?

Sin_Chase · 28 May 2009 at 10:21

I like it, but I would be weary where you hand it in. As has been noted, if its anything creative/design/marketing/advertising it would be perfect but for anything but the receiving party may well substitute "My name is"... for "I am a...."

intellix · 28 May 2009 at 16:06

from a design point of view, I always wanted to add like... a little graphic in the top right hand corner of my CV, just to kick it ahead of the rest

But i'm not sure why I shouldn't... just know I never did

shifty_uk · 22 Jun 2009 at 11:58

Well most of you probably seen my last thread about my hours being cut and bullying within the work place. So, I've had enough of retail and I'm upping my game a little. Here's the profile off my new CV that I'd like the go-ahead on? If you please.

Obviously my old CV was aimed at retail so I'm trying to get it away from that.

Profile
I am a highly ambitious University student with excellent experience working within both the retail and interactive design industries. My previous roles have included helping companies communicate more effectively online, coordinate and run departments and give a continual high degree of service within a fast paced environment.

Whilst studying it is my intent to continue working, developing and learning within a professional and results driven environment.

Raumarik · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:01

It's great, the postman will know he has everything he needs in that one envelope to steal your identity

shifty_uk · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:03

Kami said:
It's great, the postman will know he has everything he needs in that one envelope to steal your identity

I was using the gimmick for retail jobs which meant I would personally hand the CV over. I handed out 4, heard nothing but as I said, I've had enough of retail. I need something better.

mac1st3 · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:05

should have in bold "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

Odhran · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:11

I think it's pretty cool and you should be applying for a role in the media industry ... replace the 'HELLO' with your name.

xxalxx · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:11

mac1st3 said:
should have in bold "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

class film

Simi · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:20

using quality coloured paper (a light colour, obviously

like yellow etc ) instead of bog standard white works really well.
Also keeping it brief is good, maximum 2 pages (preferably 1)
I'm in retail management and hate reading pages and pages of 1 cv

mac1st3 · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:26

i work in retail and sit at the front of teh store, so i get all cvs handed to me, and as such, my managers have given me exclusive veto power. so when i get a cv, if it's been handed in by a parent or girlfrien/boyfriend, it generally gets a bad mark straight away. and also the big red pen comes out for any typos etc, it's fun and makes me feel like a teacher for a small while

shifty_uk · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:46

mac1st3 said:
i work in retail and sit at the front of teh store, so i get all cvs handed to me, and as such, my managers have given me exclusive veto power. so when i get a cv, if it's been handed in by a parent or girlfrien/boyfriend, it generally gets a bad mark straight away. and also the big red pen comes out for any typos etc, it's fun and makes me feel like a teacher for a small while

It's generally myself and the concession staff that tear into CVs when I'm left running the shop.

I had a 4th year Law student have his mother come in twice, firstly to hand in his CV and secondly to ask why the hell he hasn't been contacted! I was gob smacked.

mac1st3 · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:48

shifty_uk said:
It's generally myself and the concession staff that tear into CVs when I'm left running the shop. I had a 4th year Law student have his mother come in twice, firstly to hand in his CV and secondly to ask why the hell he hasn't been contacted! I was gob smacked.

...

we've got staff here who get their parents to call in sick for them, it's incredible, had one guy who was 26 get his mum to call in for him.
we ripped the ****out of him for months after that

manic111 · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:54

LordSplodge said:
Can I request a copy too?

Sorry to jump on the bandwagon, but can I as well?!

The layout etc of my CV needs some serious work, so it's always nice to see what somebody creative has done with theirs.

If you're looking for a creative marketing/advertising role that "gimmick" looks great. As others have said, though, make sure you tailor it to the role. That said, give it a go for a retail job - it will make you stand out!

Logsi · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:54

electric ant said:
Well I dont not like it.. its different I guess, if your going for the media/advertising type jobs.

Heres another

^ It all makes sense now...

I'm a bit slow but i got there in the end!

Glaucus · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:55

avoid they get hung up on the wall and laughed at. Most big companies have ways of scoring cv's and it makes no difference what it looks like.

manic111 · 22 Jun 2009 at 12:57

AcidHell2 said:
avoid they get hung up on the wall and laughed at. Most big companies have ways of scoring cv's and it makes no difference what it looks like.

Guess it depends on the company though; if you're going for a creative, independent organisation it could be spot on. If you're after a retail role for Whittard's Tea then maybe not!