CV help please! What should my new, sparkling, returning-to-work-after-several-years CV look like?

[Herodias]

Do I need to link to my Facebook page?

Should I list my scores on Wii fit?



Please could you give me any tips on impressing employers in the IT industry with a modern and dynamic CV.

I'm assuming succinct and to the point is the way to go?

And do I still need to have a hobbies and interest section where I pretend to like swimming?

Thanks in advance.

[calsworld]

Most common thing I've seen is a an introductory paragraph that summarises you - maybe a couple of sentences that explain why you're returning to work, what you're looking for and what you're good at.

There used to be a two page rule but this isn't so relevant any more. And I'd say don't be too succint otherwise you end up under-selling yourself, but at the same time, don't waffle - does that help?

Recruiters want to see relevant information neatly, clearly and logically - and if it can be gramatically correct and without typos that's always a big plus!

[calsworld]

Oh, and re hobbies and interests - either leave it out altogether or put down genuine interests, but don't make it up - honesty is always the best policy. However, its very common and quite acceptable to have things like 'DIY', 'Family' etc shown here.

[Herodias]

thanks, calsworld.

[flowerybeanbag]

Herodias don't know anything about IT industry I'm afraid, but generally making the most of work experience gaps is about highlighting anything you've done over the past few years to enhance/keep up your skills.

Have you volunteered doing anything, been involved in anything, PTA or whatever else? That kind of stuff. But not too much unless you feel it brings out skills that are relevant.

IT I expect one of the main concerns might be out-of-date knowledge, so make a big thing about what you've done/are doing to keep your skills up to date and your awareness of industry developments current.

I am definitely not a fan of fake hobbies sections. Everything on your cv should be there because you think it will help you get the job. If anyone gives you a job because you pretend to like swimming I'll eat my hat. Use the space for something more useful and relevant.

General tips, clear, easy to read, not waffly, bullet points, usually a personal statement of some kind at the beginning to give a brief overall of what you offer and what kind of role you are looking for. Always write it with the job you are applying for in front of you so you can give prominence to the skills/experience/knowledge required for that job when writing your statement and detailing your work experience.

Work experience first, most recent first. For each job (or most recent ones at least) give job title, employer and dates, then a brief one-liner about what your role was, then bullets with main responsibilities and achievements.

Education after work experience, only most recent and relevant usually. No one is going to give you a job as an IT professional because you have got GCSE knitting. If you've got a degree put that, but only very briefly unless it's directly relevant. I wouldn't go back as far as A-Levels. Include any relevant training/courses/professional development, that's much more important.

You don't need to include your age, how many DC you've got, how long you've been married, how many guinea pigs you've got or anything like that. My most important tip is get rid of the irrelevant rubbish cluttering it up, make it concise, to the point, relevant and easy-to-to-read. People shortlisting might well be skimming these very quickly, so don't make them hunt for the important stuff.

Good luck!

[calsworld]

So, you know what I said about not being too succint, but be clear and include everything that's relevant....

If you look at my post and then at FBB's, FBB's is the way your CV should look!!

Great post FBB

[flowerybeanbag]

thanks!

[Herodias]

thank you, flowerybeanbag.

where else but MN would I get two such helpful answers in under 30 minutes?