CV help or advice

Rockporkchop

juliescot wrote: »

Very true - always advise people to avoid DOB and dates which could allow someone to work out your age.

And the CVs like that where people deliberately try to hide information usually go straight in the recycling bin, to be honest.

There are some good free CV templates on Microsoft.com. Not sure I agree with the person who said that a one page CV is enough. I would rather have a bit more information about someone and a CV which is clearer to read and not squashed up. Two pages is just right, or three max. You only get one chance to sell yourself and I don't think you can really do that on one page.

juliescot

Rockporkchop wrote: »

And the CVs like that where people deliberately try to hide information usually go straight in the recycling bin, to be honest.

There are some good free CV templates on Microsoft.com. Not sure I agree with the person who said that a one page CV is enough. I would rather have a bit more information about someone and a CV which is clearer to read and not squashed up. Two pages is just right, or three max. You only get one chance to sell yourself and I don't think you can really do that on one page.

Not sure what you mean about hiding info.

No need to disclose your age as it should have no bearing on your employability.

Rockporkchop

You're right, of course it shouldn't have any bearing on your employability. But when someone doesn't put their DOB on a CV you assume that they are probably approaching retirement age, which doesn't do them any favours if they aren't.

juliescot

Rockporkchop wrote: »

You're right, of course it shouldn't have any bearing on your employability. But when someone doesn't put their DOB on a CV you assume that they are probably approaching retirement age, which doesn't do them any favours.

No I don't I assume they are any specific age at all. I look at their experience and skills to judge their suitability for the role.

Rockporkchop

That's great and all employers should be like that, but my firm certainly isn't.

juliescot

Rockporkchop wrote: »

That's great and all employers should be like that, but my firm certainly isn't.

Fair enough but I now never expect to see a DOB on an application form or a CV.

I did read a CV from a guy who I reckoned must have been in his late forties at least only to discover he had packed a lot into his life - he was 22!

And he got the job.

adrian_bond

does a photo help somewhere on the CV?

juliescot

adrian_bond wrote: »

does a photo help somewhere on the CV?

I would advise against it personally

Rockporkchop

adrian_bond wrote: »

does a photo help somewhere on the CV?

Oh God no. Unless you are applying to become a model of course.

Edit: Just remembered aren't you are some sort of yacht designer? Did you decide against taking on the extra hours and work in the end?

grastgirl

I would generally do two pages for normal jobs, some sectors, like academia, want much longer CV's, I've seen up to seven! Elaborate on anything that is relevant, but make sure you put some details down for any large date gaps.

As a 29yo I've not put my DOB on my CV since I was at school and didn't have much to put on it. I tend to put name, address and contact details in a header, so if one page gets lost or separated they can match it up again, or at least contact you. Wouldn't put a photo on either, unless for acting or modelling.

Would have thought not putting employment dates on a CV was a bit strange, but I guess it depends on whether you're doing a Skills or Experience CV.

Would also check what your online presence is like and start sorting it out, check facebook etc and change if you can.