Critique my CV

There are very, very few people who can effectively fill more than 3 pages and I'd hope the content of the OP's CV is not lost on those proclaiming that 7 pages is in any way normal because it is far from normal, certain niche roles and branches of work/research excluded.
 
Most of the jobs I've got have been off the back of providing a few examples of times I've used creative problem solving (coding/statistical modelling) along with stating my out of work interesting (art/music/some game modding).

Don't undervalue some of the 'fluff' just make sure it's relevant fluff (creativity, organisational skills & problem solving are like gold-dust for some jobs).
 
Canary Wundaboy said:
+1 for leaving graduation date on there.

Would also say you don't "upsell customers". You upsell TO customers. The whole document needs a thorough proofread (e.g. "tasks performed WAND making the patients").

I would definately include full name, address, and a short paragraph as an introduction (very important at your age, as you have less experience etc to fill space). That's not me talking down, I'm only 25. ;)

If you're looking for IT work it may be worth going into a bit more detail on the IT sections, including what aspects of IT interest you, where you gained experience with Linux (which ones?) etc etc.
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Yes, it does need another read through. I was pressured for time when I was doing it (I had to go out, in fact, the last part I did later), but at least I know I came closer to the ideal style/format/content required.
Beren said:
Not a bad effort, I was able to take everything in very rapidly and there are no really obvious things that I would bin your CV for.

The one thing I tell everyone about a CV is to remember what you are trying to do with it. If it generates a meeting with a hiring manager it is great, anything else is just opinion.

If you are looking for experience there are a few other things you can do that would impress me.
1) Create a linked in profile which has the information on.
2) Research local firms which you would be interested in working for.
3) Perform a google x-ray search through linked in to find the person who would hire you at those companies
4) Call them and ask if there are any proof of ability concept pieces you could do for them which would prove your ability.
5) If you get the opportunity make the most of it.

In most IT businesses there are grunt work operations that can be very easily broken down and given out as a proof of ability. If you do some of it for them then they will be both grateful and likely pay you for it. Keep doing it and you have a contracting job :)
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Quite an improvement I think :p:D

I already have a small idea where I want to apply. In a few days, I am going to apply at an IT shop, which isn't really IT related, but they desperately need people and they have called me already (I had applied over a year ago :p). Their pay is quite good too.

I will expand on the personal details part. I felt that I needed some contact information, but the CV I based mine on (it was e-mailed to me by rogan) didn't have any.

I'm sure there is room for improvement, but at least I know that I am getting there. :)
 
I've cut half my career history off mine for IT contract roles it's not really applicable at all.

Mine is longer than 2 pages though, just about. I don't care. It's amazing, like me.

 
"On a more top level responsibilities..." does not even make sense. It is not English, it is words pretending to be English and whilst they might look like English and may even be in English they are meaningless.

However, I've just remembered that we've had this or a similar conversation before so sure, let's do kissing time.
 
One thing I'd say is that make sure your spelling grammar are perfect

There's a random "wand" in there and "customers as serve them" which are off putting.

Also would suggest that you explain your education. O-levels (is the in Malta?) is a bit different and people might not know if they are like GCSEs or A levels?
 
chanjy said:
One thing I'd say is that make sure your spelling grammar are perfect

There's a random "wand" in there and "customers as serve them" which are off putting.

Also would suggest that you explain your education. O-levels (is the in Malta?) is a bit different and people might not know if they are like GCSEs or A levels?
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O-Levels = GCSEs yes. We refer to them like that here.

For A-Levels, we have to do 2 subjects at A-Level and 3 subjects at Intermediate Level, then Systems of Knowledge (SOK) at intermediate level (this is obligatory). There are different categories from where to chose from, and some other rules, but essentially, GCSE = O Levels and A-Levels/Intermediate = A-Levels.

I will go over the spelling and stuff. i didn't proof read it myself either.
 
Yeah employers might get a bit confused about the O levels and think you went to school in the 1980s ;)

Would be worth a quick footnote to explain and also what the grading system is (numbers rather than letters, but is higher better or worse? :p)
 
Summer 2013 - Taught how to deal with customers as serve them with a degree of professionalism
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Firstly the 'as' should be an 'and', also saying 'with a degree of professionalism' sort of makes it sound like you were only slightly professional with them, which isn't great.
 
chanjy said:
Yeah employers might get a bit confused about the O levels and think you went to school in the 1980s ;)

Would be worth a quick footnote to explain and also what the grading system is (numbers rather than letters, but is higher better or worse? :p)
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While I understand what you mean, I don't feel its too necessary. Reason being we still call them O-Levels, everyone does. All the official papers say O-Levels, not GCSE. Same for the ranking system. 1 = highest. I'll consider it, although I feel its not essential. I'll see how it looks when I edit it in.
 
Latest attempt.

I feel its good. I proof read it myself, and I didn't notice anything wrong. Need to get it proof read by others though.

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I left out the opening paragraph, because I couldn't decide on one I liked. From what I read, it is not really necessary, but it would look 'nice.' I'd rather have nothing than have something which might be 'meh' and off-putting.

I didn't add dates to the education section because I feel they are somewhat irrelevant, as if you completed it, its irrelevant when exactly you finished. I did add the expected graduation time though. The job experience is different. It might make a difference if you had a job for 1 month or 11 months, so a year doesn't say everything.
 
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The__Malteser said:
Latest attempt.

I feel its good. I proof read it myself, and I think it was all right. Need to get it proof read by others though.
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A few things:

  • You've removed your opening statement, rather than improving it. Was this intentional? (Edit: ah, I see that it was. I still think you should include one, especially as your CV may be read without its covering letter.)
  • "graduating date" should be "graduation date"
  • I agree that quoting O-Level results with numerical grades could be confusing to employers - you could include a short note explaining this?
  • You're inconsistent throughout with use of personal pronoun "I" (see bullet points under Jul-Sep 2013, and both Skills sections). This isn't a major issue but it doesn't read very well. I think being consistent is better; either use "I" or don't.
 
Without reading it at all - will get to that later:

Increase the font size. It makes it much more readable and gets rid of the unwanted whitespace, making it look more full at a glance.
Make you name bigger at the top, and centre it in the page. They're reading YOUR CV, and they should know it.
 
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