Reply to: 4 different CVs for 4 different roles..!! Good Idea..??

[TheRightStuff]

I know, carry a pen and notepad!

I read this 2 mins ago and for some reason I can't stop laughing.

[Bluebird]

Hi Guys,
I have been working as contractor for 10 years in different roles, Test Manager, Test Automation Consultant, Test Lead, Test Analyst. Now since I am open to any of these roles I am having 4 different CVs focussing my experience in each of these roles. Same way 4 cover letters as well so that I can get attention from recruiters.

Is this a good idea..??? May be some point same recruiter may have 4 different CVs for 4 different roles. But I have to say 60% these CVs are the same. Test manager CV have more test management activities showing my test management experise & same way to other roles focussing on activities of that role.

I thought to take expert opinion of this forum on this..Please advise.

It's what I do.

[TheFaQQer]

Or you could say something like "I've spoken to a lot of agents this week, remind me - which role is it?"

FFS.

[Peter Loew]

Would you always have a spread sheet on you.....say u get called while in Te$$co

I know, carry a pen and notepad!

[oloks]

Feck me, its not that hard - try a spreadsheet

Would you always have a spread sheet on you.....say u get called while in Te$$co

[Ruprect]

How would you identify which role u have applied for, when a phone call comes in??

Feck me, its not that hard - try a spreadsheet

[oloks]

How would you identify which role u have applied for, when a phone call comes in??

[malvolio]

It's supposed to be a Sales Brochure, but you will find that most agencies will giggle in embarrassed bafflement if you sens them one of those. If, however, you are touting for non-agency business, it is a perfect description.

As an aside I got involved in a discussion with the PCG guys about the difference between permie and contractor CVs, since they were puzzled that I thought there was one. The answer I gave was that permies look to emphasise how much they have acheived so they show how much value they will add over the next 20 years, contractors emphasise what they have done in order to show they can do the job in hand. Subtle difference, but quite important

[JollyBoy]

Quite right. Except I've been talking to a lot of agents lately and the poor dears only understand simple terminology: with a few exceptions, it has been a seriously dispriting couple of weeks seeing just how ill-educated they are about the trade they are trying to support.

Are you saying Contractors shoud not call it CV..? Then what should it be Resume..??

[JollyBoy]

Yep, I've got two "standard" CVs, one is Service Management, one is Project Management. Same client list and dates, different emphases. Plus custom versions for specific roles if necessary. Just checked my CV archive - there's over 50 in there from the last 10 years...

Thanks malvolio..

[JollyBoy]

I don't think this is a problem. I do a little bit of tweaking for every role I send my CV in for, so that's essentially fare more than just 4 different CV's..

Thanks...

[malvolio]

Quite right. Except I've been talking to a lot of agents lately and the poor dears only understand simple terminology: with a few exceptions, it has been a seriously dispriting couple of weeks seeing just how ill-educated they are about the trade they are trying to support.

[Orangutan]

Mal - was there was an uncustomary slip in terminology from you ?
I thought CVs were for permies ?

[malvolio]

Yep, I've got two "standard" CVs, one is Service Management, one is Project Management. Same client list and dates, different emphases. Plus custom versions for specific roles if necessary. Just checked my CV archive - there's over 50 in there from the last 10 years...

[XperTest]

Hi Guys,
I have been working as contractor for 10 years in different roles, Test Manager, Test Automation Consultant, Test Lead, Test Analyst. Now since I am open to any of these roles I am having 4 different CVs focussing my experience in each of these roles. Same way 4 cover letters as well so that I can get attention from recruiters.

Is this a good idea..??? May be some point same recruiter may have 4 different CVs for 4 different roles. But I have to say 60% these CVs are the same. Test manager CV have more test management activities showing my test management experise & same way to other roles focussing on activities of that role.

I thought to take expert opinion of this forum on this..Please advise.

I don't think this is a problem. I do a little bit of tweaking for every role I send my CV in for, so that's essentially fare more than just 4 different CV's..