CV - Help me dramatically improve this

Styles

Styles

Styles

Soldato
Joined
16 Mar 2005
Posts
2,889
Location
UK
Hi,
This is my CV. I'm sure there is more I need to add in and some thing I just don't need in there. If anyone could add any comments and help me on way that would be excellent. I am useless at writing these because I just simply do not know what's expected.

Thanks in advance

Adam

http://www.filesurge.net/coh/CV_test.doc
 
Hello Adam,

You've got a good starting point there. Firstly you should tailor the C.V. towards the job you want or the area in which you are interested.

So tell us what type of job you are wanting.

It can be vague to list software and applications. Real world examples of where you've used this in a professional / home environment show your competency with the software.

I would personally move your D.O.B, marital status and Driving licence towards the bottom of the C.V.

I would add some location information to the companies you worked for to give them more of an identity e.g. No Frills DIY, Swindon, Wilts. This could also show where you've travelled or what areas you know well.

I would tend to add to each 'Job Details' as well as what you did, what you achieved or personal achievements and any good things that happened i.e. you put someone on the straight and narrow about their metabolism. :p

For example:
Job Details: Job consisted largely of serving customers at the tills, getting large objects for customers from the warehouse and replenishing stock.

Or expand it a little without bs-ing too much:
I provided many roles for this company including processing sales transactions , replenishing stock and customer service and assistance with large items. I had a strong feeling of customer satisfaction. I really enjoyed organising the staff party last Christmas.

Let us know what you think.

regards

Andrew.
 
Thank you very much for the reply :)

I like the sound of what you've said so far. Well basically there are two areas that I am applying in. The first is administration jobs, so basically office jobs but I'm unsure of my chances given that all my experience has come outside of paid work.

The second would be the main one for which I am interested. It's a trainee Architectural Engineer. Now again, I don't have much relevant expereince (but this is not required) so I'd like to tailor the CV towards those two positions if I can.

When you say move the DOB, marital status where abouts would you mean? I mean, after everything else, right at the end of the doc or before that?

I'm going to look into expanding the previous employment section now and adding locations.

And the metabolism point gave me a laugh :p
 
Some good points from Andrew/bluetonic, I would add:-

1. Don't put Curriculum Vitae at the top, or indeed anywhere else. Just put your name, it will be obvious what it is.

2. I'm fairly sure you don't have to put your date of birth, or your marital status on a CV.

3. Make the box lines invisible.

edit: how about:-

Adam_CV.jpg


can e-mail the word doc if you want.
 
Last edited:
Styles said:
Thank you very much for the reply :)

I like the sound of what you've said so far. Well basically there are two areas that I am applying in. The first is administration jobs, so basically office jobs but I'm unsure of my chances given that all my experience has come outside of paid work.
Click to expand...

With administration jobs you need to get your foot in the door. Once you're in, then prove what you can do. Then you'll gain commercial experience.

Also, if you have done any other relevant work with proof, such as designing a website for a charity or local event or helping 'senior surfers' get on the internet these all help.

Styles said:
The second would be the main one for which I am interested. It's a trainee Architectural Engineer. Now again, I don't have much relevant expereince (but this is not required) so I'd like to tailor the CV towards those two positions if I can.
Click to expand...

I know nothing of this field. I'm sure someone will be along shortly to assist. It's getting the terminology, writing style and presentation right for the job type.


Styles said:
When you say move the DOB, marital status where abouts would you mean? I mean, after everything else, right at the end of the doc or before that?
Click to expand...

It's a personal thing here. On my CV, this information is right at the bottom. I'm sure legally companies aren't allowed to ask you your D.O.B any more. It would be interesting to hear other p.o.v on this one.

Styles said:
I'm going to look into expanding the previous employment section now and adding locations.
Click to expand...

Keep tailoring, keep posting.
 
Adam

There is no set way to lay out a CV, but the majority of CV's I look at have the name and address and contact details of the candidate at the top, and then you either have the personal statement giving the reader a little insight into what you do or the candidates qualifications.

Generall you get the work experience after that. Depending on how much work experience you've had depends on how much you put down. You dont have to put down everything, so if you have to cut some jobs out, then include just the relevant ones. Give a little insight to your role, and what you did whilst there.

Then put your personal statement here, if you didnt do it at the top, before adding your activities and interests. Dont just list them, put a little information down.

Rather than just putting computers, put I have a keen interest in computers, I taught myself how to build a PC from scratch and how to maintain it. (word this differently, just an example)

Dont forget to put your references at the bottom.
 
Some excellent suggestions there, thank you :)

With the referees at the bottom, I presume one is last employer and what could the other one be? Would I use the employer before that?
 
melbourne720 said:
Some good points from Andrew/bluetonic, I would add:-

1. Don't put Curriculum Vitae at the top, or indeed anywhere else. Just put your name, it will be obvious what it is.

2. I'm fairly sure you don't have to put your date of birth, or your marital status on a CV.

3. Make the box lines invisible.

edit: how about:-

Adam_CV.jpg


can e-mail the word doc if you want.
Click to expand...

How do you add the greys boxes around the text in word?
 
Hello,

Good changes from OP.

No more off putting boxes, removed DOB and marital status, shrank to 1 page instead of filling one and a quarter pages.

One million times better looking, shows you've put thought into the layout which in itself is a good quality that they look for.

Sent you an email with my CV to give you an alternative layout and heading design.

Stu
 
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