CV length and number of contracts to include

**Lewis** · 19 February 2008, 14:50

Personally I include everything but write less for older contracts which are usually less relevent anyway (old technologies etc..). 10 years of contracting means I find it hard to condense into 3 pages but I agree it has to be done! I've had to review CVs in the past and I tend to scan rather than read each line in depth. So making it easy to scan is a plus (e.g. bullet points, clear structure etc..)

**daviejones** · 19 February 2008, 14:59

I use a size 4 font. I find I can get a lot more on a sheet of A3 that way...HTH

**PAH** · 19 February 2008, 15:06

Originally posted by Lewis View Post

Personally I include everything but write less for older contracts which are usually less relevent anyway (old technologies etc..). 10 years of contracting means I find it hard to condense into 3 pages but I agree it has to be done! I've had to review CVs in the past and I tend to scan rather than read each line in depth. So making it easy to scan is a plus (e.g. bullet points, clear structure etc..)

Yeah that's the approach I was thinking of doing but wanted to check. I think I've only ever been asked about the last few contracts anyway so putting loads of info about ancient stuff is a bit pointless and probably detremental, when more room can be devoted to more recent stuff.

I've preened it to clear off older technologies, seeing as I still get harrassed by agencies wanting GIS and other stuff I've only ever done in one contract many many moons ago, so pretty much useless to me now. So I only include older technologies related to what I'm using now to show my experience has been solid in those areas. For others I'll just put a bit about the company and what I did. If they're interested they'll ask!

**malvolio** · 19 February 2008, 16:09

I've got the last five years in detail (only three roles in my case), the next 12 as one-liners (heading and one line of description). I've ignored my permie life altogether.

Plus of course you've got your Profile, Key Skills and Key Acheivements separated out and bullet-pointed at the top, haven't you...?

**PAH** · 19 February 2008, 16:20

Originally posted by malvolio View Post

I've got the last five years in detail (only three roles in my case), the next 12 as one-liners (heading and one line of description). I've ignored my permie life altogether.

Plus of course you've got your Profile, Key Skills and Key Acheivements separated out and bullet-pointed at the top, haven't you...?

Yeah, first sheet is mostly profile, key skills, and education details, then all the contracts in reverse order, so newest first.

Of course, I'm sure it's never actually seen like that once the agencies have butchered it.

**TheFaQQer** · 19 February 2008, 16:22

Originally posted by PAH View Post

Yeah, first sheet is mostly profile, key skills, and education details, then all the contracts in reverse order, so newest first.

Of course, I'm sure it's never actually seen like that once the agencies have butchered it.

If you're struggling for space, then I'd be inclined to cut the education, if you have decent experience.

**NotAllThere** · 19 February 2008, 16:27

Some might like to see if you have a degree. Especially if it was from a time a degree meant something.

I have no other educational information on my CV. It's irrelevant.

**PAH** · 19 February 2008, 16:45

Yeah the education bit is probably a bit superfluous, especially the awards I received for sack racing at junior school.

Shame to see them go though, I haven't won anything since then. Nothing else to brag about.

**ruskithebear** · 19 February 2008, 16:53

Just had a similar conversation with the head of HR for a global media company. Her and her direct reports look at the last two jobs or at the most last 3 years for contractors.

Quote "We really don't care what a contractor done ten years ago, they are generally only as good as their last 2 contracts anyway."

CV length and number of contracts to include