Reply to: ‘Downshifting’ my CV

[EternalOptimist]

"Too senior" does not really mean too senior. It means simply that you have to half your rate.

I hate when the blighters tell me I am too junior. Next time I will bag he contract by doubling my rate.
Thanks Franko-stein

[Mich the Tester]

I do agree with you about this for the most part.

However the HR or manager bod is taking a calculated guess. They just don't want to take the risk you'll jump when the next higher level role comes along.

The interview should tell them all about your technical ability to do the job, but it is more difficult to tell if you'll jump or not.

Also, it's possible they don't want someone with manager experience second guessing them.

Fair enough, but I have enough people who'll vouch for the fact that I'm a man of my word, and if I say I'll stay the course for the project then I do that.

Might still need to downgrade it a bit though.

[jmo21]

This is what f**king annoys me. I’ve known myself for 37 years now, and I f**king well know what I find interesting and what I find boring, and I don’t need some jumped up HR official who’s done a course in Maslow’s pyramid to tell me whether I’ll be bored by something on the basis of a brief look at my CV.

Why do HR people and many managers think they know me better than I know myself? Can’t they just look at my skills and ask me ‘do you find… interesting?’

I do agree with you about this for the most part.

However the HR or manager bod is taking a calculated guess. They just don't want to take the risk you'll jump when the next higher level role comes along.

The interview should tell them all about your technical ability to do the job, but it is more difficult to tell if you'll jump or not.

Also, it's possible they don't want someone with manager experience second guessing them.

[Drewster]

I dumbed down my cv (which was a challenge )

Why?
Is your normal cv so "dumb as sh*te" that Bog Cleaner was the only downgrading you could think of?

[Zippy]

I dumbed down my cv (which was a challenge ) to get contract roles (and less stressful ones!) although once I start doing the job it becomes obvious I know something about management.
I'd say go for it, then when you want to go back to management you can claim to have done it 'to keep up with latest trends at the coalface' or somesuch crap.

[Mich the Tester]

I hate all that motivational theory b0ll0x. Money is a hygiene factor not a motivational factor - what a load of tosh!

Money’s never made me happy, but a vintage Vosne Romanee can work wonders.

[lightng]

and I don’t need some jumped up HR official who’s done a course in Maslow’s pyramid to tell me whether I’ll be bored by something on the basis of a brief look at my CV.

I hate all that motivational theory b0ll0x. Money is a hygiene factor not a motivational factor - what a load of tosh!

[Foxy Moron]

Don't put your age on your CV, take off some of the earlier roles, as suggested modify job titles and emphasise the sills they want.

[Drewster]

Bold font is your friend!
Agents are simple creatures and will look at and use text that draws the eye.

And you'll still have it on your CV... wink

Sorry all I could manage in 20seconds

[Mich the Tester]

Tanks for suggestions; shall indeed try 'Lead Tester' as it's not a lie but lends the truth a certain flexibility. Bold font is quite a useful idea too.

[zara_backdog]

Bold font is your friend!

Agents are simple creatures and will look at and use text that draws the eye.

And you'll still have it on your CV...

I like it

[cojak]

My last role before hitting the contract market was 'Software Development Manager' but i was told by about 10 pimps to get shot of it from my CV, it's down as 'Technical Lead' now.

It really does drag the CV down just having the word Manager on it. Rules you out before it rules you in.

Yep - I just put Lead down now as well - it covers a multitude....

[cojak]

Bold font is your friend!

I was a Spiffing Tester before I was a Test Manager

or...

I was a Spiffing Tester before I was a Test Manager.


Agents are simple creatures and will look at and use text that draws the eye.

And you'll still have it on your CV...

[swamp]

This is what f**king annoys me. I’ve known myself for 37 years now, and I f**king well know what I find interesting and what I find boring, and I don’t need some jumped up HR official who’s done a course in Maslow’s pyramid to tell me whether I’ll be bored by something on the basis of a brief look at my CV.

Why do HR people and many managers think they know me better than I know myself? Can’t they just look at my skills and ask me ‘do you find… interesting?’

Oh dear, I’m going into Grumpy Old Men mode now aren’t I? Incidentally, that’s one of my favourite TV programmes; those guys are so often right.

I know that I will get bored on most roles. Goes with the territory. CUK helps!

[minestrone]

My last role before hitting the contract market was 'Software Development Manager' but i was told by about 10 pimps to get shot of it from my CV, it's down as 'Technical Lead' now.

It really does drag the CV down just having the word Manager on it. Rules you out before it rules you in.