help please...Quick CV question

dredscott

Hi All

My last 'proper' job role finished 6 months ago, I've done just 1 a temp job for a month since then, in Sept, should I bother putting those details on my CV, or just leave it out? The temp assignment was not really in the area i want to pursue long term, I don't really want my CV to look like I have no career goal/direction, with job roles that are irreleavant to what i'm looking for.

DCFC79

dredscott wrote: »

Hi All

My last 'proper' job role finished 6 months ago, I've done just 1 a temp job for a month since then, in Sept, should I bother putting those details on my CV, or just leave it out? The temp assignment was not really in the area i want to pursue long term, I don't really want my CV to look like I have no career goal/direction, with job roles that are irreleavant to what i'm looking for.

i wouldnt put the temp job on but i would put on the cv when your last job ended but not sure what you can say you have been doing since then

456789

1) Argument against putting it on is that it is an unrelated field
2) Argument for putting it on is that it shows that you have been doing something in the meantime and looking for jobs and willing to do something else whilst looking for a job in your field

dredscott

456789 wrote: »

1) Argument against putting it on is that it is an unrelated field
2) Argument for putting it on is that it shows that you have been doing something in the meantime and looking for jobs and willing to do something else whilst looking for a job in your field

yeah that's the dilemma facing me, 6 (ok technically 5) months is quite a large gap to account for, but i'm sure with the current job crisis, that amount of time out of work is pretty common place?

456789

Yes it is - and other people will also have gaps probably - but your temp job might make them a bit more favourable to you

dredscott

456789 wrote: »

Yes it is - and other people will also have gaps probably - but your temp job might make them a bit more favourable to you

yes i have come to a decision to add on that temp job, as i guess it shows i've actually done something within the last 6 months, i just will not add that much detail regarding that role,

thanks for all your comments..

greenspark

Hi dredscott

I would put it on, but could you jiggle your cv a bit so that the 'proper' job you left 6 months ago appears in a more prominent position or stands out more?

I've done this with mine. I used to have a section called 'Most Recent Role', and then 'Previous Roles' under that. Since I left my major job and have done more minor roles I still put the major job at the top with most detail but call it 'Most Recent Relevant Role', and underneath, something like 'Other Current/Recent Roles' with less detail for each.

Haven't applied for many cv jobs recently so can't tell if it works, but I have done similar on application forms, putting my major job in the 'most recent role' section and adding a note to the effect that "although I have done some freelance/temp work more recently (see 'previous employment' section below), this is my most recent paid employment relevant to this role". I've had a couple of interviews after doing this.

Or if you do put it at the top play up the positive points of it - that it was to fulfil an immediate need while you were working towards your career goal (ie whatever role you are now applying for!) and that the skills you gained from working in a different area have added to what you can offer their company.

Total_Chunk

If you bring up the subject in your covering letter or even at interview you can explain how you remained motivated during a difficult economic time and say you learned something during this role... even if that isn't strictly true! Personally, I think it makes you look more like a grafter and a go-getter even if the work is unrelated to what you want to do.