creating a CV

subway

i need help.
i need to put together a cv that will get me a better job.
im currently earning decent money and in a reasonably high level position in a big multinational but feel the time is right to make a move.

the primary issue is that i think my current cv is slightly underwhelming.
i have plenty of experience and ability, along with a decent track record.
i just need to make sure i get that across in my cv

can someone recommend a layout for a cv for someone going for management positions.
how much information should i put into my cv, should i be writing paragraphs or using bullet points and so on.

secondary issue is that i am young and have an average leaving cert and no education beyond that.
how do i avoid drawing attention to this, or is it even something that will affect me?
it never has before, but im hoping to get 25-30% more money (not prepared to move for less) so i want to make sure i present myself as well as i can.

any recommendations, advice, opinions or general comment is welcome

snellers

earning decent money in big multinational....pretty high level

no experience of how to write CV? .......you must have got very lucky with the job!! :-)

first question I would have to ask is why move now? in the current economic climate (and I won't say the 'R' word) it may be best to stay at least for the short term until things pick up again.

as for the education question why not try and look at further education either through your workplace (a large multinational will definately have a policy regarding this) or by yourself (distance learning courses would allow you to study from home without interfering with your work)

unless of course you are having major issues at work I would say you are in a fortunate position and should look to improve your skills and employment prospects whilst staying with the same company

subway

thanks for the reponse, i really dont want to get into the reasons for considering leaving, if thats ok.
i have my reasons but i will only leave if i get what i want in a new job.

i have a cv drawn up, but i feel its very basic, once i get to interview stage i have never failed to get a job i was after. i would agree that i am lucky top be where i am, but it is not undeserved

i agree with you on the educational front, i really should be looking at furthering my abilities, but from my experience, my company plays a lot of lip service, and shows great statistics, but very few people ever benefit. i will take your advice however, and look into getting access to it as a fallback if i dont find a new job.

subway

The Scientist wrote: »

This template is quite good...
Hope it helps.

thanks, thats actually quite similar to what i have at the minute, which is reasssuring that i am on the right track.

would that be the type of CV that a lot of people are using at present?

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

Eoin

The Scientist wrote: »

Thats the one i used to secure my last role anyway.

I use quite a similar one - it's the Microsoft Contemporary Resume template. It takes a little tweaking, but I've always received very positive feedback. The only thing I've noticed is that the formatting can go a little funny when you're editing it. That's not a problem unless you send it to an agency who may decide to remove your contact details etc, and mess it up.

The Scientist wrote: »

It really depends on the role & sector that your in but just keep to the general theme of a CV and you cant be going far wrong:

-Personal Details: (Name in big fonts so they'll notice you)
-Education
-Experience
-Skills
-Referees

I use bullet points but it depends on the industry. My sister is a solicitor, and she says that they prefer more verbose CV's in general.

The bullet points listed above are a good start, but if you have more experience than valid education, then shift the sequence around.

Also, I never include references on my CV - only that they are available upon request.

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

snellers

in the past I have used similar style as well....only thing I have personally added would be an overview beneath my name ....in effect selling 'me' in a couple of sentences.

'an accomplished manager with 10 years experience blah blah blah'

follow that up with work , education/skills & refs on request

only thing I would stress is I have always 'catered' my CV to the role applying for. Far from lying, what I mean is to emphasise aspects of my work experience that have most relevance to the job I am going for - read the job spec you are applying for carefully, go to the company website..etc and get a feel for what they are after......the CV won't get you the job - it is really a selling tool - something that should assist you to get the interview...after that it is down to the individual to win the job