Help! My cv looks cr*p!!

[moominmama86]

Feeling really pissed off. I'm trying to get back to work but every time I try to write a cv I get so discouraged because it looks so useless. I really need some encouragement!

Problem seems to be that it's so bitty. I've actually done some quite interesting things in my time and it's all been in the same area (books, editing, writing) but when it's all written down it doesn't seem to add up to much.

I've got a pretty good degree, a postgrad qualification, have been an editor, have designed books, been a freelance restaurant reviewer, a freelance music writer, have been a publisher's rep, a bookshop manager...basically I have got quite a bit of experience but I can't seem to get it into any sort of order that might impress a future employer! I've also taken some time off to travel and then to have a baby - I'm worried that my cv looks as if I've just dabbled in things that interest me (which, umm, is actually the case!) rather than having a particular career trajectory that might make me look as though I mean business - which at the grand old age of 31 I finally do now that I have a ds to support on my own!

Any advice on how I can make my rather chaotic cv look and sound professional and go-getting?

Do you have a specific job in mind? 'cos usually I try to tailor the CV to what they are looking for. I don't think that having done various different things is a disadvantage you're obviously adaptable, flexible and not afraid to try anything new.Those are all good points, especially these days when jobs are no longer "for life" There are quite a few sites on the net about writing CV's. Good luck!

What you have done sounds really interesting to me - play to your strengths! You are obviously a person with real interest in the quality of life

I don't know if it's any good, but Reed have a CV wizard here

A good technique MM is to start with a focus box giving your main talents, strengths, experience, etc., and the sort of work your looking for. I'm sure with your background you can make a big visual impact. Focus and concentrate on this part, and try and downplay the 'job history' ... just do a basic chronological list with minimal detail. Then you can use the rest of the space to say what you want to put across, irrespective of what you've actually done.

Works for me anyway - I keep getting lots of positive feedback about my CV, and nearly always get shortlisted for interview ... but never get the job I think I must need some tips on interview techniques ...?!

It sounds like you have fab potential to have great CV and great job.

I like the format where you begin by stating what kind of role you are looking for and what you hope to contribute in it and get out of it, THEN, bullet point areas of talent as roisin suggested, THEN in the bit with your job history in it focus not so much on describing what you did and what you were responsible for but on what you achieved in that role. If you can measure it with numbers even better. You need to use active words that give an energetic impression.

HR is my thing and I'd offer to have a go at it for you but I am supposed to be working on our relocation back to Oz. Best of Luck!

Sorry to butt in but...how do you get to be a freelance restaurant reviewer

Tinker - I used to use a particular couple of food/restaurant websites quite a lot and one day just thought 'hmmm, wonder if they need any new reviewers?', sent in a couple of pieces on local places and soon was getting paid for eating It's how I've got most of my jobs really!

Thanks everyone for some great ideas - now I just have to write the damn thing!

Oh, that does sound good. I used to get paid to eat out but it wasn't as glamourous as being a reviewer.

WOW WOW WOW , had to say that as was sooo impressed with what youve done , what a fab and interesting work life.

Im quite good at critiquing cvs's. Had to help staff do them when we were in redundancy consultation.Im an ex corporate person.My hubby always brings them home if he has to employ new team members as I can sum someone up quite well from them!!! Im a bit of a sussanah and trinny of stuff like this ,as my freelance business is consultancy for business improvements. Although to do with retail & design , its very adaptable to most ways of marketing your self or your business. Not touting for business as going down the art/craft/painting route a bit more at the mo.

If you want Ill send you mine so you can use the layout & if you feel brave you can send me yours to have a look at.

Melsy, it would be so helpful to see yours if you'd like to send it - thanks so much. Do you want to email me through contact another talker?

Some days I just don't know what I would do without MN! It is absolutely my first port of call for pretty much everything these days

Not sure if cat will work with me as dont seem to get messages, even unticked the box !!! if I dont receive it, bump this up tommorow and I will cat tommooorow. have to get to bed right now as had very little sleep last night, wee little babs not well.

Look forward to speaking to you tommorow at some point.

Isnt MN faberooney !!