CV advice needed - how do people do it these days?

[ubik]

Have seen a job - I could do it, have loads of experience, it looks great but will be very competitive. I need to send my CV.

I have drafted a CV, it's very simple, lists my work history - a synopsis of role, responsibilities and then below each job I have put bullet points highlighting skills relevant to job. Then education etc etc

It's very clear and simple - and I am worried I need more bangs and whistles - is this what folk do these days? I was considering a picture but DP says no due to equal opportunities.

I have been out of the proper job game for 6 years now , although have been working part time for NHS, studying for degree number 2 and raising 3 children.

Any lovely recruiters, HR, people-who-have-recently-obtained-a-job, with a minute to spare, who can advise?

Buy a book. There are some splendid books on how to write a CV - just make sure it's British because the Americans have different little ways. I bought something called How to Write A Brilliant CV. Covering letter really matters. I can also recommend anything written by John Lees, especially The Interview Expert - very up to date and genuine. I haven't quite obtained a job, but I'm getting very near. :)

Yes, a book might be useful - definitely useful if I ever get to interview stage!

You should list achievements and responsibilities; and a very brief summary of the employer eg 'the NHS is the biggest employer in the uk and believes in giving essential care, free at the point if use' or whatever. Yes yes I know people will disagree with that summary of NHS but ykwim

Just make sure it's relevant to the job you are applying for. Adapt your CV so reflects the job spec, clear, simple, concise & relevant. I read a lot of CV's, sometimes I can have a stack on my desk to read through, the best ones are not necessarily the 'prettiest' but the easiest for me to get what I need in one glance. I once read somewhere that your average recruiter will spend a max 2 mins on one cv, it's so true!

I am a career coach and offer one to one coaching and am also starting up workshops covering all back to work issues including CVs. This is always an option, otherwise a useful website for different CV formats is the National Careers Service. It's essential you have a stand out personal profile that is unique and doesn't use clichéd statements that employers often see, this is where you grab their attention. Then matching up your skills and qualities against the job description/person specification and making sure everything you say is relevant.

Its better to have one CV I think personally if you know exactly the job you want to do. For example a Project Officer CV applying for Project Offcer jobs would possibly have a CV with skills such as planning,organising, liasing with different stakeholders, reporting etc.

Then tailor make each application with a cover letter especially for local jobs and public sector jobs by looking at the Job Description/Person Specification and address how you meet their requirements.