Help with CV..

MrKnifey

MrKnifey

MrKnifey

Soldato
Joined
3 Aug 2008
Posts
3,533
Location
Nelson, South Wales
Hi guys, I'm not the best at writing a CV, let alone one for a job outside of my career. I'm looking to get myself into a 1st line support role or similar so I can start somewhere on my way to network support. Have a look below, obviously name and phone numbers been removed. Also its probably better laid out on word than the forum box here! Rip me apart please :D

PERSONAL STATEMENT
A well organized, self-motivated individual with excellent communication skills at all levels and the ability to work as part of a team or on own initiative as required. Computer literate with knowledge of a vast range of software applications, and willing to undertake further training. I have excellent customer service skills which were put to good use working in the Motor Trade industry. I am honest and hardworking; I always give 100% to any task undertaken. I am currently carrying out a self-study course for my CISCO CCNA Certification which I hope to complete by the end of the year.

EDUCATION
Coed-Y-Lan Comprehensive 1999-2002
GSCE
English Grade C
Mathematics Grade D
Science Grade D
IT Grade C
Music Grade B
Art Grade C

Stephenson College (Volvo Truck and Bus Apprentice Program) 2003-2007
HGV Vehicle Repair and Technology Double Grade Merit Merit
NVQ Level 3 in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Level 1 Key Skills in Information and Communication Technology
Level 2 Key Skills in Application of Number
Level 2 Key Skills in Communication

Volvo Truck and Bus 2003-Present
Master Technician
Frontline Technician
Tachograph License

CAREER HISTORY
Volvo Truck and Bus 2003-Present
Role – Master Technician

Duties
• Diagnostic and Repair of HGV Vehicles
• Role of Supervisor when required
• Training of apprentices to a high level
• Dealing with customers, face to face and on the telephone
• Discuss work progress with workshop controller
• Plan work procedures using charts, manuals and experience
• Maintain high order of health and safety
• Maintain workshop IT systems
• Communicate with 3rd party repairers when required

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
I have a high interest in anything IT related. I have my own home network setup, with a server, media network and various devices which are connected to the network. I like to expand my knowledge in all areas, I will always set myself something new to learn and also improve on previous skills. I like to keep fit by riding my bicycle every weekend and I also have my own track day car which I use as often as I can.
 
Sure you don't fancy staying in your current career,

Lack of well skilled HGV technicians down south.

1st line support would be like becoming the guy who does a bit of shunting and only tops up the screen wash
 
Personal statement starts not in first person but ends in first person. Pick one way and stick with it.

Nobody cares about a list of duties in any role. Employers want to know what *you* bring to the role.

I am currently carrying out a self-study course for my CISCO CCNA Certification which I hope to complete by the end of the year.
Click to expand...
This doesn't belong in personal statement.

I like to expand my knowledge in all areas
Click to expand...
Ridiculous statement is ridiculous.

I have my own home network setup, with a server, media network and various devices which are connected to the network.
Click to expand...
You have a network, with a network, with devices which are on your network? Got it! It needs re-wording. And 'which' should be 'that', but you should drop the whole 'which are connected...' bit anyway since it's redundant.

improve on previous skills
Click to expand...
Previous doesn't make sense here. Previous to what? You mean something like 'improve on my current skills'.


Employment history should come before education since it contains more relevant AND recent information.

You really need to emphasise and expand massively on the Maintain workshop IT systems bullet because that's your only (professional) notable 'foot in the door'. Waffle the **** out of that bad boy.
 
Last edited:
Brave move.

Skilled job to phone monkey tied to a desk for 8-12 hours a day. I tried a desk job once, lasted 2 weeks before I punched the screen and walked out. Not a job for people who like/use to being on their feet.

Also - "I have a high interest in anything IT related. I have my own home network setup, with a server, media network and various devices which are connected to the network."

I can do/have done that and have zero interest in IT. It's not hard and won't impress anyone. Just a little research and some spare time and anyone can do that.

I wish you the best of luck, just don't burn any bridges. Desk jobs aren't for everyone, so you might need to go back there one day.
 
Have you considered a change of scene within your own profession? There are quite a few options open to you.

Moving to 1st line support doesn't necessarily mean decent progression in IT. Chances are you will become frustrated and disillusioned before you make it beyond 2nd line. A lot of people confuse enjoying IT and having it as a hobby to transferring this to an enjoyable career.

When you see the difference between the real IT architect, technical development/programmer and project management roles to the 1st/2nd/3rd line support roles you would aspire to the former group. To break through into those from 1st line or lesser IT roles within any reasonable time-frame is not a fun task.
 
Problem is while im doing my CISCO CCENT, no one is going to employ me without ANY IT work experience..

My current profession is also very poorly paid. I mean I could work in a supermarket stacking shelf in the same crap hours I do for a little less money!
 
crankbro said:
Problem is while im doing my CISCO CCENT, no one is going to employ me without ANY IT work experience..

My current profession is also very poorly paid. I mean I could work in a supermarket stacking shelf in the same crap hours I do for a little less money!
Click to expand...

And you wont have any more experience after that cisco cert, either.
 
Its debatable if hobbies should be put on a CV. If you were a black belt martial artist who taught self defense classes or a public speaker at technical conferences then they may be useful things to point out but having fun with your home network, riding a bike and having a track day car isnt really useful to them. Just highlights to me you dont have anything better to fill your CV with.
 
crankbro said:
So im wrong in trying to get a start somewhere then? What would you recommend?
Click to expand...

No you are not wrong to want to make a start but without demonstrable experience or a mountain of qualifications + experience you have a large barrier to entry.

There is a huge pool of low skilled 1st/2nd line support workers available to the industry and that you will have to compete against. If you don't mind spending 3-5 years plus gaining experience, paying for your own qualifications including up to Prince2 etc.

For the what I would call the interesting technical IT jobs you need to be looking at a decent computer sci/eng degree with a year in industry then entry onto a graduate programme at a suitable company.

Just being in the IT industry wont necessarily guarantee you progressive experience either. Think of it as 1 year x 5 times in support roles rather than 5 years real experience that you would get doing proper networking / architect / development roles.
 
I just wanted to clarify that although I may be coming across as brutal, which incidently I do mean to be, you are highly skilled in what you do already. A master technician at VT&B would be equivalent to an architect / developer role in the IT industry; which would require the same dedication and time to training only in IT to achieve again. There is also no guarantee you would have the ability. I assume you would want to reach the equivalent in IT as you are now.

The big difference being though ideally you would need a degree to achieve it really in IT in any reasonable time frame unless you have very competent skills and qualifications already for example in programming.
 
In my mind im thinking more long term to achieve what I call a decent job. Ideally I want to be a network admin/device support at some small business local to where I am. Just when I asked about best places to start in my CCENT thread, people suggested getting started in 1st line support.
 
I'm looking at doing the same, need a career change. I'm currently earning a fairly decent wage but the hours and stress isn't worth it. I'm lucky I have a GF who is a saint and extremely supportive. I wish I got into IT before uni really but I had different career aspirations 10 years ago.
 
Amleto said:
How complex are your workshop IT systems as mentioned in OP? If you could leverage that it would be good...
Click to expand...

We have the costing centre, workshop and parts dept. It all goes to our server room. Network wise I've had to fix the wireless system, run new network cables to new pcs and connect them. I've done nothing with the switches and routers in the server room. I've backed data up, reinstalled pc's, connected up VNC remote to our laptops to use the brake tester from the laptop. Also done software issues, which I've had to contact our help desk to resolve with patches (more our truck diagnostic software side). I know it doesn't sound major stuff to a hardened IT guy, but being as im just technically a spanner monkey I shouldn't be doing this stuff anyways. Its not my job.

I guess I sound insane wanting to quit my job where im classed as quite high up in the tree, however im lowly paid for what I do. Im on the same money as a newly qualified tech, so no extra money for master tech, I also work utterly crap hours which I hate (16:00-00:30).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom