Downgrading my CV

[iceandsliceplease]

I left my job 18 months ago when my depression got too much, and haven't worked since. A few months ago, I was feeling better, so started looking for a very low-powered job, part time, but one which I knew I would enjoy. I phoned a local company, heard about their vacancy, sent in my CV (lovingly prepared by the Shaw Trust, making me sound much more highpowered than I ever was). Heard nothing back. Checked the company website, and the job description (posted weeks after my phone call and email) was fairly basic - exactly what I'm looking for. I don't know - but suspect - that my CV put them off, making me sound far more impressive than I am.
The same company has almost the same vacancy listed again, and I really want to apply. How do I sell myself without sounding too OTT?

[StealthPolarBear]

I think you just have to find things to cut out, sorry. My DH has had this - applied for a job he was overqualified for and got turned down flatly. They know you'll be on the lookout to leave

[iceandsliceplease]

Thanks SPB, makes a lot of sense. I don't see this job as something to tide me over, or to fill a space in my CV, this job would suit me perfectly . I'll get the scissors out tomorrow.

[An0therName]

I have different versions depending what kind of job I am applying for -can make jobs sound quite different; but what I would say - and hope it isn't too negetive is that the job market is pretty competative at the moment - so if you don't get further its probably just that they have had lots of applicants.

[iceandsliceplease]

Thanks An0therName - I think that different CVs is something I need to do. I'm not out for a great career (been there, done that, got ill as a result), I just want to feel like I'm contributing to the family again, and enjoying what I do.

[mumofsussex]

I've also got a couple of different CVs, one for my 'proper' career (which I've been out of for a few years now) and a couple of others which focus on other areas which I'm thinking of going into and which have been 'tweaked' accordingly.

My DH also needs to 'dumb down' his CV. He applied for a job last month that he really thought he was perfect for but didn't get an interview. With hindsight, he thinks that a problem was that he had to put what his current salary is. At the moment it is very high as he works abroad, gets bonuses and doesn't pay tax. The job he was applying for was significantly less and he thinks putting down what he is on now counted against him as they may have thought we would use that job as a stepping stone.