CV Question

misstearheus

So have just finished up last Role I was in and now need to add it to CV. Sometimes in the past, depending on what job I'd be applying for I'd literally put in a few minimal previous posts in CV that would be linked/similar to that Environment of job I'd be applying for at that time. Sometimes I had CV with anything and everything in it. I did at one point have a CV of 5 Pages. But now with some help from CV Professionals and people in-the-know who know what's what I've managed to somehow condense it down to 3 pages. And I kind-of have added my own take to it so I like that I've managed to do that too. And I'm happy with it now.

And I've just finished up in a Role now and now need to add this to my CV. But I ain't got anymore room to add a single solitary thing if I want to keep it to 3 pages! So I'm left with 2 options. There's a lot of profiling and such bull-crap going on where your CV is no longer a CV and is more like a... I dunno a Blog or something talking about yourself much more so than just your qualifications in the traditional-style CV. I don't know why some Interviewers/Companies are more interested in you the person now rather than you the skilled musketeer. Is it a case of them trying to find out if you're a good interacter (is that even a word lol?!? ) and a social-butterfly sociable type.... and if yer an active type of person or lazy lol and all that new-age crap that goes with workplace culture now....

But anyways, in order to add in Role I've just finished-up and keep it to 3 pages; - my two options are, either cut out bit I have about Hobbies/Interests or else cut out very first not-really-important-for-anything Summer Job I had ..... What would anyone else do?

myshirt

The absolute best bit of advice I got on CV's and it was from a successful business person was to give the 'balls out of the bath' approach.

My name is [name], I am a [what you are] and I [whatever problem you solve]. Short, sweet, to the point.

My name is Joan, I am a professional cleaner, I work and lead a team in Health and Hygiene service provision in Crumlin Children's Hospital, ensuring that patients have the best opportunity to recover in a safe and clean environment. I take direct ownership for ensuring that legal Health and Hygiene standards are met on our wards.

In other words, whatever you're job is, cleaner or surgeon, you are there because you are solving a problem for someone. That is what gets you hired and needs to come across quickly. What problem do you solve, what value do you add.

infor123

misstearheus wrote: »

So have just finished up last Role I was in and now need to add it to CV. Sometimes in the past, depending on what job I'd be applying for I'd literally put in a few minimal previous posts in CV that would be linked/similar to that Environment of job I'd be applying for at that time. Sometimes I had CV with anything and everything in it. I did at one point have a CV of 5 Pages. But now with some help from CV Professionals and people in-the-know who know what's what I've managed to somehow condense it down to 3 pages. And I kind-of have added my own take to it so I like that I've managed to do that too. And I'm happy with it now.

And I've just finished up in a Role now and now need to add this to my CV. But I ain't got anymore room to add a single solitary thing if I want to keep it to 3 pages! So I'm left with 2 options. There's a lot of profiling and such bull-crap going on where your CV is no longer a CV and is more like a... I dunno a Blog or something talking about yourself much more so than just your qualifications in the traditional-style CV. I don't know why some Interviewers/Companies are more interested in you the person now rather than you the skilled musketeer. Is it a case of them trying to find out if you're a good interacter (is that even a word lol?!? ) and a social-butterfly sociable type.... and if yer an active type of person or lazy lol and all that new-age crap that goes with workplace culture now....

But anyways, in order to add in Role I've just finished-up and keep it to 3 pages; - my two options are, either cut out bit I have about Hobbies/Interests or else cut out very first not-really-important-for-anything Summer Job I had ..... What would anyone else do?

I hate to break it you but CVs should only be 2 pages MAX!!! I work in this area and employers really don't wanna be reading through teams of information.....that's what the interview is for. Put a cover letter in with most of your detail of you need to but keep your CV in bullet points and don't ramble on!

infor123

misstearheus wrote: »

So have just finished up last Role I was in and now need to add it to CV. Sometimes in the past, depending on what job I'd be applying for I'd literally put in a few minimal previous posts in CV that would be linked/similar to that Environment of job I'd be applying for at that time. Sometimes I had CV with anything and everything in it. I did at one point have a CV of 5 Pages. But now with some help from CV Professionals and people in-the-know who know what's what I've managed to somehow condense it down to 3 pages. And I kind-of have added my own take to it so I like that I've managed to do that too. And I'm happy with it now.

And I've just finished up in a Role now and now need to add this to my CV. But I ain't got anymore room to add a single solitary thing if I want to keep it to 3 pages! So I'm left with 2 options. There's a lot of profiling and such bull-crap going on where your CV is no longer a CV and is more like a... I dunno a Blog or something talking about yourself much more so than just your qualifications in the traditional-style CV. I don't know why some Interviewers/Companies are more interested in you the person now rather than you the skilled musketeer. Is it a case of them trying to find out if you're a good interacter (is that even a word lol?!? ) and a social-butterfly sociable type.... and if yer an active type of person or lazy lol and all that new-age crap that goes with workplace culture now....

But anyways, in order to add in Role I've just finished-up and keep it to 3 pages; - my two options are, either cut out bit I have about Hobbies/Interests or else cut out very first not-really-important-for-anything Summer Job I had ..... What would anyone else do?

I hate to break it you but CVs should only be 2 pages MAX!!! I work in this area and employers really don't wanna be reading through teams of information.....that's what the interview is for. Put a cover letter in with most of your detail of you need to but keep your CV in bullet points and don't ramble on!

Heart Break Kid

infor123 wrote: »

I hate to break it you but CVs should only be 2 pages MAX!!! I work in this area and employers really don't wanna be reading through teams of information.....that's what the interview is for. Put a cover letter in with most of your detail of you need to but keep your CV in bullet points and don't ramble on!

For most roles yes but par example, academic roles could require Cvs of up to 8 pages to account for publicatuons and so on.

GalwayGrrrrrl

Heart Break Kid wrote: »

For most roles yes but par example, academic roles could require Cvs of up to 8 pages to account for publicatuons and so on.

From the OP's language I doubt we are talking academic publications
However I've 20 years experience and several publications and I can still do a 2 page CV if need be.

Drop the summer job,condense early qualifications and add your new role.

silent_spark

Heart Break Kid wrote: »

For most roles yes but par example, academic roles could require Cvs of up to 8 pages to account for publicatuons and so on.

Yep. In the sector I work in, CVs of 3 to 4 pages would be standard - there isn't a one size fits all CV. If someone submitted a 2 page CV to me it would definitely raise questions.

cee_jay

Hobbies/Interests can be removed immediately. Depending on what other experience you have, you can also remove that summer job.

Hoboo

infor123 wrote: »

I hate to break it you but CVs should only be 2 pages MAX!!! I work in this area and employers really don't wanna be reading through teams of information.....that's what the interview is for. Put a cover letter in with most of your detail of you need to but keep your CV in bullet points and don't ramble on!

I'd take this advice and ignore the rest, couldn't agree more.

14 years of recruitment and HR, Ive seen a cv or two........generally decide within 10 seconds if it gets to the maybe pile. CV is to grab attention, and get an interview, use key words from a spec if you have one, tailor it for each role and company. 2 pages max unless requested for specific info.

Drop the summer job, and shorten anything over 7/8 years to company and position.

Keep interests, speaks volumes, but keep it short and sweet.

skallywag

I've interviewed many people at different companies and for different areas and roles, and would definitely strongly agree to the 2-page-max rule.

I fully understand that some industries will require additional space for listing certain material etc, but that should then go to a clearly marked appendix which shoots out to the eye as being distinct from the actual CV itself.

Keep the CV crisp and to the point, there is no reason why any CV should not fit on one single A4 printed double sided.