Redoing my cv after 8 years - where to start?

[MulhuddartDrive]

I'm bad at these things at the best of times and I haven't had to do a proper cv in over a decade because I got my current job through word of mouth and I was self employed before that. Are there any templates that are currently useful? I'm applying for a Head of x in a state funded organisation. Thanks.

Look on askamanger blog for resume advice. It is American but very sensible.

Thanks very much

I've seen some good resources about CVs on LinkedIn recently.

Or you could get ChatGPT to write it, hate it, and then know exactly how you'd like to change it.

I'd probably start by looking at a few examples from UK-based websites, and just make a start by using the bits that you like and iteratively improving it.

Take a look at the cv library

Try and tailor your CV to the job you're applying for. Read the job description carefully and make your CV relevant to the responsibilities etc.

Take a look at similar roles on Indeed so you get an idea of what to include.

Try not to exceed two pages (unless you really need the 3rd page for surplus education etc)

Don't add a photo, your full address, DOB or age. Make sure to include any relevant work history or education.

Be prepared to briefly explain (verbally) any gaps in employment to potential recruiters or interviewers.

Do your research on the company! You don't have to know everything, just a couple of things e.g - Company mission statement and brief history. This will work in your favour.

No silly fonts but make your CV stand out. I use a website called Resume.io. There is a small charge for the template and it's in euros but they have some really nice designs on there. I think there's also AI assistance but personally I don't use that part.

All the best OP!

No gimmicks - silly fonts, coloured paper, attaching a teabag sort of thing. Spell and grammar check and get someone to read it as a double check.

Thanks all, lots of useful suggestions which have been applied. I have managed to keep it to exactly two pages by tweaking the margins so I don't have an ant sized font! (Arial 11 for reference 😉.) I've gone back 15 years of work history, which is the most relevant. I don't need to go further, do I? I wrote it with the job spec and strategy summary beside me so hopefully tailored sufficiently (and there's a lot of comms in the role so of I've got that wrong, i don't deserve an interview!)

@baconandsausagesandwich when you mention researching the company, I take it you mean for the cover letter/interview rather than cv?

Oh, and one other thing. I chair the managing committee of a spiritual group. Nothing very out there but I know anything God inclined can be devisive. In our city we are known as a very open and tolerant community (eg did same sex couple blessings long before same sex marriage was legal, ditto second marriages, etc). Not Quakers, but similar vibe. I'm torn on whether to include it.

Not unless it's specifically relevant to the job you're applying for and even then I'd keep vague. E.g experience of leading meetings and coordinating people includes that of a faith group
But if you have enough experience without it I wouldn't mention it

I wouldn't, you have no idea who's reading your CV. Ditto hobbies. That sort of stuff can come up in the interview if it seems appropriate.

I wouldn't include that. It may impress some, but not everyone

Keep you CV to two pages of A4, no more than that. Don't go back past 15 years job history, in most cases it is not relevant (not all, most). No picture. I have my name at the top in large letters and my job title below if applicable e.g. HR Business Partner. I also add in my general location, email address, LinkedIn profile link and mobile number.

The last time I did my CV it had changed from listing 'I can do this' type of language to 'This is me proving I can do the action.' Use lots of creative words and ensure you blow your own horn.

Exactly, not the CV. Just throwing in a few extras that we'd expect to see from a Recruiter's perspective 😊

You won't need to go back any further than that. If an employer requires full work history, you can provide it then but it's unlikely for most unless relevant.

I'm sure your CV looks great and any employer would be lucky to have someone so meticulous and who really puts in the effort.

I probably wouldn't include this. If it were relevant, you can include something brief.

Thanks very much everyone. The managing committee is relevant as it demonstrates community engagement/volunteerism that would be well regarded as well as an ability to herd cats, but overall it's something that may raise an eyebrow and I worry it'll create a very particular image of me in advance so on balance I think I'll leave it out.

Anyway, cv drafted last night, I'll hit up the cover letter now. Appreciate the input!

Hope you are successful @MulhuddartDrive

I'm looking at redoing my CV but I've been with the same employer for 27 years.