CVs - an optimal approach...

[cojak]

I am also aware that I could write many honest CVs that convey entirely different emphasis... I would argue that key to effective communication is understanding the counter party expectations... and, in this regard, I doubt that "one-size fits all".

You are quite correct in this aspect - most of us have different types of CV's showing a different emphasis depending on the role for which we are applying.

I have Project Mgt/Analytical/Training CVs; all of them honest but using a different focus for each.

[OwlHoot]

.. I remain interested in the idea of obtaining an independent professional opinion - but, so far, I am still at a loss as to whose opinion may be worthwhile and trustworthy.

I tried that three years ago, when the interviews seemed thin on the ground for the number of jobs I was applying for.

The problem I found was that these "professional" CV tarter uppers are all completely geared to deal with permie CVs, and seem quite incapable even of understanding the concept of a contractor CV let alone optimizing one.

A good contractor CV is far more concise and almost entirely lacking in career aspirations and personal details (including age, hobbies, and school exam results, etc).

If you're at a loss, imagine a plumber had to show a couple of pages of their current skills and past work to prospective customers. In that situation if *you* were the customer thinking of hiring a plumber what would you want and expect to see on their CV and what would you not give a stuff about?

Probably two thirds of what is on your permie-geared CV comes under the "don't give a stuff" heading for a client wishing to hire you only for your current skills.

[shic]

I tried that three years ago, when the interviews seemed thin on the ground for the number of jobs I was applying for.

The problem I found was that these "professional" CV tarter uppers are all completely geared to deal with permie CVs, and seem quite incapable even of understanding the concept of a contractor CV let alone optimizing one.

Hmmm... interesting reply, thanks.

I guess I am odd, since I have no permie history, per se, but am willing to consider permanent positions now - if the work is interesting, for a credible employer at a respectable remuneration... of course. It is in facing this challenge that I'm examining all my options. I could easily cobble together a CV that presses all the right buzz-words for a specific contract - and that is always an option - simply by omitting discussion of the vast majority of my experience. While this might sound like heresy to some here, I'm looking for something more challenging - whether that be on permanent or contract terms. I'm looking for a general-purpose CV that, I hope, will present me as someone with broader potential than someone to solve a single technological problem. At the very least, I intend to keep all my options open.

Can you remember which "professionals" you approached?

[Papa Maji wa Maji]

CVs - an optimal approach...

seriously,

I have used a CV writing service in the past as I was in same quandary.i.e techie to managerial world.Ex HR person called me up for detailed chat and produces a spiffing CV. Cost a bomb though, but was worth it.

[shic]

seriously,

I have used a CV writing service in the past as I was in same quandary.i.e techie to managerial world.Ex HR person called me up for detailed chat and produces a spiffing CV. Cost a bomb though, but was worth it.

A few questions...

How did you select the service? Roughly how long ago? How big a bomb did it cost? Are they still in business?

[Papa Maji wa Maji]

A few questions...

How did you select the service? Roughly how long ago? How big a bomb did it cost? Are they still in business?

looked at what different agencies had to offer combined with method of approach, end result, etc
cost appr 250.00 pound back then but got a good chap who called me back and really went into alot of detail extracting info from me that was not on the CV ( i was trying to keep it short); he managed to get it to 3 pages and i did get gig shortly after.
agency was Fuller CV, don't know if they are still as good
http://www.thefullercv.com/

[Bob Dalek]

Thank you, all, for your comments - and, of course, for correcting my typos in my post. I do not consider my CV awful, but I am interested to make the most out of it.

It seems that consensus here is that CVs should be entirely individual - though I've received extremely varied opinions from different quarters. I've already read numerous articles detailing general advice - though I am not entirely happy at the tendency of such approaches to pigeon-hole people in unnecessarily limiting ways. I am also aware that I could write many honest CVs that convey entirely different emphasis... I would argue that key to effective communication is understanding the counter party expectations... and, in this regard, I doubt that "one-size fits all".

I remain interested in the idea of obtaining an independent professional opinion - but, so far, I am still at a loss as to whose opinion may be worthwhile and trustworthy.

Here's what you need on your CV:
Name at the top. (Never put "CV" or "Resume" on your CV - it's just crap to do so).
Sexy & snappy description (profile) of what you do and why you are a god.
Examples of how you have saved planet Earth on a few occasions.
Work history. Bullet points of Problem & how you fixed it. Include any meaningful pats on the back you received. Use the past tense, and stick to it. Don't use "I", and NEVER, EVER "we". Play the Team-Spirited-Yet-Capable-Of-Working-On-Own-Initiative card.
Qualifications, if relevant.
Do not mention your bronze swimming badge award - always looks a bit silly.

[chef]

Page 1

Company Logo
Name
Contact Details
Profile - 1 paragraph summarising why im good at what i do and how i work
Expertise - 10 bullet points summarising impressive parts of my career
Skill Set - 8 bullet points summarising my main skill set

Page 2

Career History
last 5 yrs only following the pattern
month - yr contract job title company
bulleted summary of why i was there (max 3 bullets)

Education / Training- relevant courses taken & degree


thats it, page 1 for lazy agents, page 2 for possible clients to show ive worked for reputable clients previously, its never failed so far

[DaveB]

3 pages max. No-one wants to read the equivalent of war and peace, no matter how much of an IT god you may be.

Top of 1st page 3 line summary of who I am and what I do.

Bullet pointed list of skills and experience with key words and qualifications ( not academic )

Availability.

The rest is a career history, most recent 1st.

Dates - Title/Role - Client - Location.
Details.

No more than 3 paragraphs for the most recent.

Write less for older clients. Anything over 3 years ago gets a couple of lines at most.

Keep sentances short and use bulleted lists to convey achivements etc where possible.

Finish with contact details.

Every time you change gigs, edit the previous clients entry down before you add new latest one.

I've had numerous positive commments on this format from pimps and clients alike.

[Bob Dalek]

3 pages max. No-one wants to read the equivalent of war and peace, no matter how much of an IT god you may be.

Top of 1st page 3 line summary of who I am and what I do.

Bullet pointed list of skills and experience with key words and qualifications ( not academic )

Availability.

The rest is a career history, most recent 1st.

Dates - Title/Role - Client - Location.
Details.

No more than 3 paragraphs for the most recent.

Write less for older clients. Anything over 3 years ago gets a couple of lines at most.

Keep sentances short and use bulleted lists to convey achivements etc where possible.

Finish with contact details.

Every time you change gigs, edit the previous clients entry down before you add new latest one.

I've had numerous positive commments on this format from pimps and clients alike.

I think you'll find that, in fact, pimps and Clients like my approach much better. I win.