Please can someone review my CV?

[Energize]

This is my current CV which currently spans 1 and 1/2 pages and I think could do with some improvement, do you think it's worth paying to have it done professionally?

 As an individual with experience working in the IT support and development fields, I have an understanding of the importance of good collaboration between these two areas of an organisation, especially in the medium sized business environment. My experience working at my previous post instilled in me how paramount good customer communication is, and how timing and good IT support is everything when deploying projects for customers.


I am passionate about the software and computing industry and are currently looking to secure a position with an employer whom I can develop a long-standing career with. I enjoy the opportunity to be able to contribute to the success of the business while working in a challenging and engaging environment that affords me the ability to develop my skillset and take on new ideas.

I work well whether in a team or independently and always conduct myself with a polite and courteous manner. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any clarifications. Thank you for your consideration.
 


Key skills & Technologies:
 
•	Web: HTML, CSS, Java, PHP, and SQL
•	Networking: DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, VOIP, etcs
•	Supported Office 365 suite
•	Built, configured, and maintained desktops & laptops
•	Set up networks, configured routers, firewalls, etc
•	Windows Server 2012 including Active Directory and IIS


Career History:
 
September 2016 – Current: xxxxxxxxxxxx – IT Support Engineer

Provided 1st and 2nd line telephone and email support to customers for their web and email hosting services, and internal support for the 120+ staff. Responsible for migrating shared hosting services to new co-location servers utilising Plesk and WHMCS. The migration of the shared hosting services significantly reduced my employer’s monthly expenses.

June 2015 – August 2016: xxxxxxxxxxxx – Software Developer
 
Responsible for developing an Android application called “******” this application utilises NFC functionality and has a PHP backend utilising a MySQL database, which was used for the API. I worked on both the Android application itself using the JAVA language and on the API, utilising the Eclipse IDE and GitHub to collaborate with other developers.
 
May 2013 - ************ – Freelance Work
 
Responsible for creating a LAMP server and developing a MySQL database, which accepts web, form submissions in order to eliminate the extensive amount of paperwork the centre had. Responsible for installing and managing a new IT system, and establishing a VPN server enabling employees to access company resources remotely. Upgraded the network with Ubiquity routers and managed switches, creating a VLAN to isolate VOIP traffic.
 
Education and Certifications:

2015 – Current: Open University:

•	240 credits in Computer Science
  
Modules completed: 
 
•	Information Security
•	Software Engineering
•	Java Programming
•	Web Development
•	Assembly Programming
•	Group Project developing and documenting a Java based GVPS system
•	Dissertation involved designing and developing an application for the Android OS
 
Lancaster Royal Grammar School:
 
•	4 A levels grade A-C, 1 AS level
 
Carnforth High School:
 
•	6 GCSE's grade A-C including Maths and English, Intermediate GNVQ in ICT

 

[kindai]

Is very, underwhelming.

Nothing stands out as "this guy goes the extra mile", just all sounds boring.

Eg: I work well whether in a team or independently and always conduct myself with a polite and courteous manner.

If I read this id be asleep.

Id be looking for the people who bring the coke and hookers to the team meetings.

 

[muon]

The most immediate thing would be explaining the 2008 - 2015 gap.

Even if you did work unrelated with what you want to do, it might be briefly putting in a line.

As for having it done professionally, no.

Also should be able to fit this all on one page.

 

[Quartz]

First off, remove your real name from that post!

For each job in your career, try having a single line with the dates, organisation, and job title. Then 3-5 responsibilities and 1-2 achievements (rule of 7).

Remember that it's the top half of the first page that gets the person looking at your CV to look further. Particularly in IT you want a paragraph at the top with the buzzword bingo stuff, so you should consider having two sections up top as below:

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

o Implemented XYZ, reduced outstanding call tickets by NN% with reduced staff.
o Led team that upgraded DEF at ABC.

KEY SKILLS

o Certifications: Blah blah
o Software used / supported: all Microsoft clients from DOS up to Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Server NT, 2000, 2003, Small Business Server, Home Server. Microsoft Office 95-2010. Exchange Server 2003. Active Directory. Helpdesk systems used include SupportWorks, AHD, USD, Remedy, Quetzal, Heat, and others. I have experience of ICE, iPM, IMPAX, Lotus Notes (client), Arcserve, Adobe Acrobat, Backup Exec, Veritas Netbackup, Wininstall, McAfee, Symantec, Trend, EPO Agent, Cisco VPN client, imaging solutions such as Acronis, PXE, and Ghost, assorted remote access tools, encryption, and many more.
o Hardware used/supported: Dell, HP, and IBM PCs. Canon and Xerox printers and MFDs. HP MFDs, printers, and plotters. Tape drives and tape changers. UPSs. And much more.
o Documentation and review.
o Customer care skills – likened to a butler.
o Conversational French.

For your education just put the places and the number of exams, so for you that would be

• Lancaster Royal Grammar School: 4 A levels, 1 AS level.
• Carnforth High School: 6 GCSEs, Intermediate GNVQ in ICT.

Be sure to mention qualifications specifically required by the job.

Do you have a driving license? If so mention it.

 

[HangTime]

-May just look worse due to the code formatting but I would consider bulleting the work experience rather than in paragraphs.
-As mentioned no work history until the age of 25 looks odd
-No date stamp on OU study, it is just listed under 'Current'
-No date stamp on freelance work
-You current position uses 'Provided' i.e. Past tense in relation to what is presumably an on-going activity which looks a bit odd
-The first word listed under key skills is the descriptor 'Basic' which perhaps gives the wrong impression about your competence level, I would go in a bit stronger to start with here - by all means label a smaller number of skills as basic lower down in the list

 

[Martynt74]

-The first word listed under key skills is the descriptor 'Basic' which perhaps gives the wrong impression about your competence level, I would go in a bit stronger to start with here - by all means label a smaller number of skills as basic lower down in the list

Thats the big one which stood out for me.

 

[randomshenans]

Yea, that's actually the first word I read, too.

 

[Quartz]

Key skills & Technologies:

• Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, Java, PHP and SQL
• Experienced supporting users with the Office 365 suite
• Experienced building and maintaining desktop & laptop computer systems
• Experienced in setting up small networks, configuring routers, firewalls etc.
• Familiar with active directory, IIS and the Windows Server 2012 environment
• Good understanding of networking technologies such as DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, VOIP

This needs a lot of tightening up if you are to use it as is

Key skills & technologies:

• Web: HTML, CSS, Java, PHP, and SQL.
• Networking: DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, VOIP, etc.
• Supported Office 365 suite.
• Built, configured, and maintained desktops & laptops.
• Set up networks, configured routers, firewalls, etc.
• Windows Server 2012 including Active Directory and IIS.

See the difference?

 

[Quartz]

As others have noted, you have a honking huge gap in your CV. You need to cover it or be able to demonstrate to a recruitment agent that you have not been in prison. I was asked that question after a break; you too will also be asked.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

Not good in code format. Get it in a document properly and then post that. Layout is key as well.

This needs a lot of tightening up if you are to use it as is



See the difference?

Straight to the point, changes spot on. Easy to read.

 

[Energize]

Is very, underwhelming.

Nothing stands out as "this guy goes the extra mile", just all sounds boring.

Eg: I work well whether in a team or independently and always conduct myself with a polite and courteous manner.

If I read this id be asleep.

Id be looking for the people who bring the coke and hookers to the team meetings.

Yeah that's kind of what I thought, but anytime I seem to come up with something a little more upbeat I think to myself "is this too cliche?" maybe I'm over thinking things.

The most immediate thing would be explaining the 2008 - 2015 gap.

Even if you did work unrelated with what you want to do, it might be briefly putting in a line.

As for having it done professionally, no.

Also should be able to fit this all on one page.

Well originally I went to uni from 2008-2011 but didn't graduate due to chronic illness, then I transferred credit over to OU to finish my degree while I am at work. So not sure how best to word it, I didn't want to draw further attention to it by having two uni's on my cv where it would like I've been studying forever on one degree course. Started working in 2013 really but not full time, I should probably put that on my CV to help shore up the gap. If I don't put the dates I attended high school/6th form then employers seem to assume there is no gap because of how young I look.

First off, remove your real name from that post!

For each job in your career, try having a single line with the dates, organisation, and job title. Then 3-5 responsibilities and 1-2 achievements (rule of 7).

Remember that it's the top half of the first page that gets the person looking at your CV to look further. Particularly in IT you want a paragraph at the top with the buzzword bingo stuff, so you should consider having two sections up top as below:



For your education just put the places and the number of exams, so for you that would be

• Lancaster Royal Grammar School: 4 A levels, 1 AS level.
• Carnforth High School: 6 GCSEs, Intermediate GNVQ in ICT.

Be sure to mention qualifications specifically required by the job.

Do you have a driving license? If so mention it.

Thanks, I was having a hard time thinking of how to cram all the buzzwords in there that recruiters look for while maintaining readability under the job headings.

-May just look worse due to the code formatting but I would consider bulleting the work experience rather than in paragraphs.
-As mentioned no work history until the age of 25 looks odd
-No date stamp on OU study, it is just listed under 'Current'
-No date stamp on freelance work
-You current position uses 'Provided' i.e. Past tense in relation to what is presumably an on-going activity which looks a bit odd
-The first word listed under key skills is the descriptor 'Basic' which perhaps gives the wrong impression about your competence level, I would go in a bit stronger to start with here - by all means label a smaller number of skills as basic lower down in the list

Good point, hadn't thought to date the freelance work. I suppose I might as well date the OU stuff as I'm in my 3rd year there anyway now.

Ok, yes will definitely move the basic stuff further down.

This needs a lot of tightening up if you are to use it as is



See the difference?

Cheers, yeah looks a lot more concise like that, I can have a habit of being too verbose I guess.

 

[Gandalf87]

This is my current CV which currently spans 1 and 1/2 pages and I think could do with some improvement, do you think it's worth paying to have it done professionally?

          	                                 Mobile: xxxxxxxxxxxx    E-mail: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
				

As an individual with experience working in the IT support and development fields, I have an understanding of the importance of good collaboration between these two areas of an organisation, especially in the medium sized business environment. My experience working at my previous post instilled in me how paramount good customer communication is, and how timing and good IT support is everything when deploying projects for customers.


I am passionate about the software and computing industry and are currently looking to secure a position with an employer whom I can develop a long-standing career with. I enjoy the opportunity to be able to contribute to the success of the business while working in a challenging and engaging environment that affords me the ability to develop my skillset and take on new ideas.

I work well whether in a team or independently and always conduct myself with a polite and courteous manner. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any clarifications. Thank you for your consideration.
 


Key skills & Technologies:
 
•	Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, Java, PHP and SQL
•	Experienced supporting users with the Office 365 suite
•	Experienced building and maintaining desktop & laptop computer systems
•	Experienced in setting up small networks, configuring routers, firewalls etc.
•	Familiar with active directory, IIS and the Windows Server 2012 environment
•	Good understanding of networking technologies such as DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, VOIP


Career History:
 
September 2016 – Current: xxxxxxxxxxxx – IT Support Engineer

Provided 1st and 2nd line telephone and email support to customers for their web and email hosting services, and internal support for the 120+ staff. Responsible for migrating shared hosting services to new co-location servers utilising Plesk and WHMCS. The migration of the shared hosting services significantly reduced my employer’s monthly expenses.

June 2015 – August 2016: xxxxxxxxxxxx – Software Developer
 
Responsible for developing an Android application called “xxxxxx” this application utilises NFC functionality and has a PHP backend utilising a MySQL database, which was used for the API. I worked on both the Android application itself using the JAVA language and on the API, utilising the Eclipse IDE and GitHub to collaborate with other developers.
 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx – Freelance Work
 
Responsible for creating a LAMP server and developing a MySQL database, which accepts web, form submissions in order to eliminate the extensive amount of paperwork the centre had. Responsible for installing and managing a new IT system, and establishing a VPN server enabling employees to access company resources remotely. Upgraded the network with Ubiquity routers and managed switches, creating a VLAN to isolate VOIP traffic.
 
Education and Certifications:

Current:

Open University:

•	240 credits in Computer Science BSc
  
Modules completed: 
 
•	Information Security
•	Software Engineering
•	Java Programming
•	Web Development
•	Assembly Programming
•	Group Project developing and documenting a Java based GVPS system
•	Dissertation involved designing and developing an application for the Android OS
 
2006-2008: Lancaster Royal Grammar School:
 
•	A levels: Physics, Biology, Computing, General Studies
•	AS levels: Business Studies
 
2001-2006: Carnforth High School:
 
•	6 GCSE's grade A-C including Maths and English
•	Intermediate GNVQ in ICT

You achievements stand out but your presentation does not. Download samples from template sites or use google images to look for decent formats. You just need to make facts more, how do you say, presentable. Also, make sure you stand out by rephrasing the initial lines about you. oh, and create a linedin profile, nurture it, make friends, and then add a permalink of that profile in your cv so employers know wher to find you online and get more info on you anytime you like.

 

[Basher]

Do you have the job spec that you're applying for so we can determine if/how it should be changed?

 

[Energize]

You achievements stand out but your presentation does not. Download samples from template sites or use google images to look for decent formats. You just need to make facts more, how do you say, presentable. Also, make sure you stand out by rephrasing the initial lines about you. oh, and create a linedin profile, nurture it, make friends, and then add a permalink of that profile in your cv so employers know wher to find you online and get more info on you anytime you like.

How does one create a good linked in profile? I've got one and I'm connected to a few of my colleagues from my place of work, but I don't know how to use it effectively.

Do you have the job spec that you're applying for so we can determine if/how it should be changed?

This is just general cv advice I'm asking for atm, there's not any specific job I have in mind.

EDIT - I've updated the first post with some of the suggested changes, writing a personal statement is something I'm having difficulty with though lol. Where's a good place to upload .doc files to?

 

[Deleted member 77746]

How does one create a good linked in profile? I've got one and I'm connected to a few of my colleagues from my place of work, but I don't know how to use it effectively.



This is just general cv advice I'm asking for atm, there's not any specific job I have in mind.

EDIT - I've updated the first post with some of the suggested changes, writing a personal statement is something I'm having difficulty with though lol. Where's a good place to upload .doc files to?

Ask/ Send it to someone on here who won't mind hosting it for you no doubt. You need to put it in a document and make it astheticaly pleasing.

 

[Basher]

This is just general cv advice I'm asking for atm, there's not any specific job I have in mind.

What sort of roles are you applying for? It's very difficult to say if a CV is 'good' unless you know what kind of job you're going for. I would also recommend customising your CV for every job you apply for - but I guess you can do that once you've got a base copy.

 

[Deiwos]

For the uni study you did, just say put that on your CV. I put my PGCE on my CV that I didn't complete to make it clear what I did for a year. I've not had any employer question why there's no grade or anything on it. If they ask, tell them the truth but much better to have it on the CV than not.

For school qualifications, if they're relevant to the job, include them. If the job doesn't care that you have 10 GCSEs, don't put them on.

 

[Deleted member 66701]

For the uni study you did, just say put that on your CV. I put my PGCE on my CV that I didn't complete to make it clear what I did for a year. I've not had any employer question why there's no grade or anything on it. If they ask, tell them the truth but much better to have it on the CV than not.

For school qualifications, if they're relevant to the job, include them. If the job doesn't care that you have 10 GCSEs, don't put them on.

That's probably because they are assuming you have that qualification, seeing as PGCE's are really just a pass or a fail barring the merit/commendation/distinction etc.

I have an FdSc with distinction - but on my CV it just says FdSc - no one really cares about the other bit.

 

[planty]

It's not clear what role you want? Seems like you have more experience in IT/support, but your first key skill is web development?

 

[Energize]

What sort of roles are you applying for? It's very difficult to say if a CV is 'good' unless you know what kind of job you're going for. I would also recommend customising your CV for every job you apply for - but I guess you can do that once you've got a base copy.

IT related roles like 2nd line support primarily.