CV/Resume

[Japher]

My company asked me to write give them a copy of my Resume and/or CV for training record and job requirement/quals... So, I am working on a new one since the one I used to get this job was lost when my dog ate my computer

Once I am done with it for work I will doctor it up some more to have incase I ever decide to look for another job. Since it has been some time since I have bothered to even look back on my career it has been rather difficult to remember all that I have done. So, to those just starting, or to those who have been procrastinating on updating their resume; do it now! or do less



So

How much detail do you put into your resume? My Experience takes up 2 pages and I have only included my jobs since graduating from college (no intern or summer job stuff).

Do you include all the computer programs you know how to use? I see resumes and CVs on line that say that they know how to use MSWord... is that really that high of a commodity?

I always include an "Interests" section just for if an interviewer gets bored, and doesn't know what to ask. I try to make myself look all-encompasing here, should I include "beer" as an interest?

Some people put down "Personal Info" like birthday, martial status, etc... Is this necessary?

How much do you embelish? If you have seen a computer(s) do you say that you have experience with computers? If you once cleaned up your office out of boredom does that make you "orderly"? And if you once stared at a spot on the wall for over an hour does that make you have "strong attention to detail"?

Basically I have

ME NAME
PROFILE
EXPERIENCE
TRAINING AND SKILLS
QUALIFICATIONS (education)
PERSONAL DETAILS
INTERESTS

in that order. Am I missing something? Or do I have something that should be removed or should I put this in a different order?

More or less I am just curious how other people do it, all the ones I have seen are from kids right out of school or from people who put EVERYTHING on their resume including the name of their pets...

[Solly]

No more than one page for those under 21, no more than two pages everyone else.

My last one I got a job for was one page and I didn't even have to squash it down to font size 9...

[Japher]

yah, I do have font 12, 1.5 spacing. I could probably smash it some. At least get it to 2 pages

[GePap]

Personal info is not relevant.

Sell every skill you have. Yes, knowledge of MS ffice software is wanted, so make it clear to everyone you know it.

As for order, whatever is most relevant to the employer. If at this point you have years of solid work experience, that should be highlighted.

[Provost Harrison]

Originally posted by Boddington's
No more than one page for those under 21, no more than two pages everyone else.

My last one I got a job for was one page and I didn't even have to squash it down to font size 9...

That's because you've got nothing to offer

[reds4ever]

Personally, I'd put personal info down, you never know when you may get lucky and share a hobby with the MD! (hint: omit beer and porn)

[Mercator]

You could use what you have now as a "master resume".

When you apply for a certain job, cut out some of your experience/skills/interests to fit the job title and the 2 page limit.

And some CV's I've seen even included "Internet Explorer" as a skill. But well, putting in Word is good I guess, except perhaps when you have so much software on your list that they should really be able to figure out you know your computer well enough.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
That's because you've got nothing to offer

That's true

Tailoring your CV for the job applied is a good idea, though.

[Hurricane]

Tailoring the CV depending on the job is a must. This way you can highlight details that otherwise wouldn't fit, and let out things that are unnecessary. If you are applying for a job in another city, a remark "prepared to move" or "have a car" are vital. And since you have experience of several jobs, it is probably a good idea to tailor your description of those jobs depending on what you now apply for. Emphasise on the earlier jobs in the CV. The rule of thumb is that the more job experience you have, the less personal traits, hobbies and stuff like that are needed.

Yeah, one thing more, if you can get good recommendations, put them in.

[CyberGnu]

About Word as a skill: I see that as a warning sign... It's the same feeling I get when "remote control" is listed as a feature on a DVD player. It usually translates into "I have absolutely nothing to offer but I had to fill this space with something".

[Hurricane]

Yeah, I just put "Excellent knowledge of Windows & MS Office".

[FrustratedPoet]

Agree with Hurricane. Putting "Proficient with MS Office" or something is quite sufficient. It sounds kind of lame, but not everyone has those skills so you may as well mention it. Of course, if you're applying for a very tech-orientated job then it seems even more redundant and you should just miss it out.

And, if you can, try and keep it to 2 sides of A4 paper. That way you can print it double-sided and keep it on one sheet. Don't miss out anything important though. If you need more space then use it.

Personal info isn't relevant. Although if you belong to some minority group or another you might want to mention it in the hope that they'll need to fill up a quota.

[Solly]

Originally posted by Provost Harrison


That's because you've got nothing to offer

Says the 26 Masters-graduate who is earning the same amount

[Provost Harrison]

I have something far better in the pipeline though, whereas you are just going back to Wales And I'm actually earning more than you are, but you haven't grasped that concept yet

I just list the computer stuff I am good at in a list really, not too much detail...for someone of my age those kind of skills would be expected...

[st_swithin]

What's CV?