New to Work

honru

I need to get some full-time work and I was wondering if anyone could give some tips on making a CV/resumé. I finished the Leaving Cert last June so this would be for something basic without qualification (ie. working in a shop, etc.).

I have only one instance of Work Experience to my name, so should I focus on my interests/hobbies instead?

the_syco

Work is work. Unless the hobbies are somehow related to your new job, the employer will more than likely concentrate on that.

Eoin

f®eak s&#169 wrote: »

I need to get some full-time work and I was wondering if anyone could give some tips on making a CV/resumé. I finished the Leaving Cert last June so this would be for something basic without qualification (ie. working in a shop, etc.).

I have only one instance of Work Experience to my name, so should I focus on my interests/hobbies instead?

No harm at all, especially if team activities are a part of your hobbies. I have 7+ years of work experience I can put on my CV, but I am still sure to list some of my hobbies.

One word of advice - don't put "socialising" down as a hobby. You may think it sounds like you are good with social interaction, but they will probably think you are a pìss-head.

honru

Thanks lads.

Also, I see some people decide to put their references "available on request". What is the significance behind this and should I do the same?

fade2black

I think it would be best to list , maybe 2 references with others available on request. Putting none at all will tell the employer that you don't have any of worth and you hope they don't ask for any.

honru

Ahrighty.

Finally, I did two instances of community service two years ago. Would I be a bastard putting them down as work experience?

robo

I thought that some people put References available on request on their CV rather than the name is cos they are still in the working in their current job and don't want the boss getting reference calls without knowing that someone is looking for a job?

Make your CV interesting. Sell yourself for an interview and then in the interview, prepare for the job by knowing all about the company and what they do. Ask questions, show an interets in the job and have some questions ready for them when they ask if you have any. Even if they have answered all the questions already, tell them that and ensure to let them know that you are interested in the job. Let them also know that you are willing to learn the ropes and you need to start somewhere and from what you have read about the job/company, you would be very happy to work there.

I sat in on interviews lately and it wasn't the people with the most experience on their CV that got the jobs but those that showed an interest in the position, who had done their homework and looked up information about the company etc. There were people who were shy and nervous, but once they relaxed a bit, you could see that they were suited for the job.

Best of luck!

[Jackass]

Why don't you consider a career in sales? Usually training is provided, no qualification needed, potentially big earnings if you work hard and get good at it.

There are also a lot of entry level positions in Financial/insurance services, advertising, marketing, recruitment aswell as sales

I'd go for a office job as apposed to a shop if I was you...get your foot on the career ladder. There are lots of starter/entry level jobs out there for great careers for the more ambitious and hard working.

Why don't you have a look here for some handy tips...and check out the job sites for openings. Personaly I think RecruitIreland.com is the best...but there are more of them here.

Also, be prepared to be patient....for every 10 jobs you apply for, you may only get 1 interview...and it can take a few interviews before you find what you're looking for...It's always the same when starting out.

Good Luck

robo

f®eak s&#169 wrote: »

Ahrighty.

Finally, I did two instances of community service two years ago. Would I be a bastard putting them down as work experience?

Yep put them down! Everything helps!

Eoin

f®eak s&#169 wrote: »

Ahrighty.

Finally, I did two instances of community service two years ago. Would I be a bastard putting them down as work experience?

Not at all, definitely put it down once it wasn't court ordered.

"References available upon request" just means that you can provide references, but only if they request it. Some of the reasons you would do this are:

1) References are generally checked out if a job offer is made, so the employer does not need their details until they make you a job offer

2) You want yourself and your references to be prepared for a call. If you provide the contact details on your CV, they can call before an interview and you wouldn't know unless your reference let you know after the fact.

Most companies would not expect your current employer to provide a reference, because in most cases, they do not know you are leaving until you hand in your notice. By asking your current employer to act as a reference, you are obviously letting them know that you are looking to
change jobs, which can land you in a world of bother if you end up staying after all.

honru

Great post DubGuy, I'll definetly be looking those sites up.

Cheers lads.