AIBU to ask you all how I can make my CV stand out?

[Walnutwhipaddict]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently job-hunting, and have been told a few times now by different people that my CV is 'very busy' (it's also quite long - around 2 pages?)

I've asked the people who've mentioned this how I can improve the layout, and most of them have said that they're not sure.

I've been advised by one of them to split my CV into different sections of my job history just to make it easier to read though, so that's really helped.

However, I'm struggling to cut it down further.

I've been involved in quite a few short-term freelance roles since leaving university a couple of years ago. I feel that these are all relevant to the full-time work that I'm applying for at the moment. The roles also cover a long period of time, so removing them would probably make the employer reading the CV think that I hadn't been working if I left these roles off the CV.

AIBU to ask you please how I can tidy up my CV a bit, and really make it stand out?

Thanks :)

Without seeing what you've done, this might not be relevant, but would one option be to group your freelance work together, rather than split it by client? (E.g. Jan 2014-July 2017: contract work in the field of X. Delivered/managed/led [key tasks 1, 2,3]. Etc.)

Just wanted to ask as well if anyone may be happy to have a glance through my CV for me and offer some tips please?

I would of course make it as anonymous as possible!

I fully realise that this is a really random request - and quite tricky and unusual on an anonymous online forum!!

Could you blank out your name and address and employers' names and addresses?

Hello - do you want to PM me it and I'll have a look? x

Tha ks so much for your replies Brussels, Cornish and homeworking :)

Absolutely, Cornish - could I perhaps PM you with it please?

Thanks so much homeworking - that's really kind of you :)

Keep it simple and easy to read.

Think of the person reading it, they are time poor

My current CV is skills based rather than chronological and fits one page (landscape). Have added some gentle colour. Been offered both of the jobs I've applied for this year so must work!

I'm happy to have a look, if you like.

Thanks so much MumInBrussels - that's really kind of you :)

I'm happy to have a look. I'm a recruiter for a living. In general I would say:

1. Follow a simple format with clear headings for each section -

Name and contact Personal Statement - this should be concise and about you and your goals not a narrative of your career history. Qualifications and professional memberships Skills - i.e any key things relevant to the role, look on job descriptions. Being presentable and a good team player are non quantative statements that should be in your personal statement. Employment History Hobbies - keep this concise and interesting. "I am a local Brownie leader" is the sort of thing they want to see not "I love going shopping".

1. Make your employment history easy to read

Each job should have Date from - date to Role Employer Brief overview Bullet pointed duties Do not put why you left unless you had repetitive spell of redundancy. If contract roles less that 18 months put contract by dates

1. Do not put references on your CV

1. A 3 page well spaced CV is better than a 2 paged cramped CV

Thanks so much Rawhh - I've just sent you a PM :)

Congrats Titty :) Would you mind if I PMed an anonymised copy of mine please? I really like the idea of writing a skills-based CV but I'm not very sure how to go about doing one at the moment.

Just got a new job and received lots of compliments on my cv at the interview. Advice I was given years ago was to demonstrate measurable success rather than state your job description (e.g. Increased productivity by 25%, implemented cost savings by x by doing x). Give it some thought and you will surely come up with some real examples that will impress yourself let alone a prospective employer.

Good luck!

I was told to cut down my school grades. I did 8 standard grades but rather than list then out a statement in saying, 'achieved 8 standard grades at level 1-3, 5 highers with grades A-C,....then college/uni grade with the subject e.g 'first class honours degree in business management...'

Thanks so much mn and Fluffy - that's really helpful :)