CV advice

rock_face

Hi,

I'm looking to tidy up my CV for job applications as I've just been made redundant. In my work history I've worked continually in the same office but due to acquisitions my named employer has changed identity approximately 5 times. This has been my only place of employment since university.

On my CV, what is the best way to present this?

Also, any advice on styles for CVs - I've not written one for over a decade now.


Thanks.

rock_face

Hi again.

Resolved my first issue, but I would appreciate some responses this time on a related matter.

I have pretty much got my CV completed aprt from the Skills section. What type of terminology is expected in this section (I work in software) - do I list just my programming languages and such like, or is it expected to have personal traits/skills listed as well such as self motivate, strong communicator, analytical etc. Essentially, do I subdivide the skills section into Personal & Technicals skills or just list technical skills?


Thanks.

sozbox

I work in software development and usually spilt my CV into 'technical skills' and 'transferrable skills'. I tend to give a few one line examples under each also.

micosoft

rock_face wrote: »

Hi again.

Resolved my first issue, but I would appreciate some responses this time on a related matter.

I have pretty much got my CV completed aprt from the Skills section. What type of terminology is expected in this section (I work in software) - do I list just my programming languages and such like, or is it expected to have personal traits/skills listed as well such as self motivate, strong communicator, analytical etc. Essentially, do I subdivide the skills section into Personal & Technicals skills or just list technical skills?


Thanks.

For specific skills one word is fine e.g. "Java" (Though suggest putting skill level in brackets). So Java(Excellent), C#(Proficient), Prolog(Basic). Any dev shop worth their salt will do a code test so you don't have to provide evidence here.
Through in development apps you are familiar with - IDE's etc but I was being a little sneaky I'd check the tools of the organisation I was applying for, download the free version of whatever it is, then claim you know it. Not that hard to learn.

Don't do attributes on their own e.g. analytical, good communicator etc on their own - they are just buzzwords that will be ignored with supporting evidence. You can'd test for them so give specific measurable examples e.g.
"I maintained a Wiki in Confluence to share documentation that the team could refer to"
"I presented on pair programming at our monthly all hands"
"I developed a process with QA to reduce defects by X"
etc etc
These are much more effective and will get the attention of recruiting managers. If you aren't actually doing these things (i.e. no examples) start doing it.

rock_face

Thanks for the prompt replies - much appreciated.

I'm in the odd situation whereby most of my programming has been performed using propietary languages. I'm starting to learn C++, but it is a slow process due to many other things getting in the way.

I feel that although I don't have the keywords (C++, Java, etc) I have a strong programming methodology formed by my experience and the ability to pick up languages where there are no sources of information outside of the company. I did do some Java at Uni, but that was 15+ years ago, so it is irrevelant now.

My thought was to just put succinct phrases into my skills section and the detail could be teased out a bit more in the career history section. I'm trying to keep a reasonable amount of white space in the document. Really struggling with this part.

In terms of toolsets (Configuration management systems, requirement capture applications, development studios etc) are these worth listing?

rock_face

sozbox wrote: »

I work in software development and usually spilt my CV into
'technical skills' and 'transferrable skills'. I tend to give a few one line examples under each also.

Approx what percentage of the page do you commit to this section?


As an aside, I presume nobody still does personal interests/hobbies sections anymore? A few of the others in the office have it on their CV, but I'm not sure of any particular merit in them.

Irish_Elect_Eng

The personal interest section is a difficult one.
Often seen as irrelevant fluff, it can add some personality to the CV.

My advice would be, if your personal interests are run of the mill, reading, 5-A-Side soccer, traveling, going to the Gym...... leave it out.

But if you have interesting hobbies, or ones where you can demonstrate achievement, these can add to the overall impression.

• In my spare time I volunteer at a local hospice. - Philanthropy
• I have managed my local u-14 team for the last 5 years - Community Involvement
• I have a 5 dan Black belt in karate - Personal achievement.
• I build and fly model airplanes - Interest in engineering outside of work.
• Etc......

Every line on you CV should add positively to the potential employers mental picture of your. So if you include this ask yourself what does this information add.