Jumping aboard!

downsizer3

Thanks MRN - all good points - last time I needed a CV was 20 years ago............bit out of date now!!

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

Exactly so you've got 20 years worth of achievements and skills you have learnt which, after you've remembered them, need documenting!

Can you tell I've been working lots on professional development this year?!?! So far no new job or pay rise to show for it but watch this space, I'm sure there's something around the corner!

downsizer3

Thats really encouraging - thanks. I was wondering - as I'd like to take a completely different direction career-wise whether a lot of what I have done is of interest - but I guess I need to concentrate on the skills I use rather than the specifics. (unless its a similar job).
I wondered about having a couple of CVs - one related to similar work ( and quite specific) and one more general and skill/achievment based.
Someone said a photo is a good idea - hmm. Not quite quasimodo but no Cheryl Cole either. Lets see if I can get a decent snap!
So - what are my hobbies and interests..................(always read that bit first in a CV!!!)

Money wise - so skint its unreal ( courtesy of new shoes, trainers / school kit for the bairn) but next month looking pretty good if I can ........just.........get.......there.........argh!

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

downsizer3 wrote: »

Thats really encouraging - thanks. I was wondering - as I'd like to take a completely different direction career-wise whether a lot of what I have done is of interest - but I guess I need to concentrate on the skills I use rather than the specifics. (unless its a similar job).
I wondered about having a couple of CVs - one related to similar work ( and quite specific) and one more general and skill/achievment based.
Someone said a photo is a good idea - hmm. Not quite quasimodo but no Cheryl Cole either. Lets see if I can get a decent snap!
So - what are my hobbies and interests..................(always read that bit first in a CV!!!)

I think for a new career direction you should focus on your (soft) skills, acievements and overcoming challenges. Provide proof of these rather than just a skills list and show your understanding of the new job by saying how you'd apply them in a new situation. You cover letter needs to come across really well so that they are convinced a fresh mind will be better than someone with lots of specific experience.

Absolutely tailor your CV and covering letter for each application. But like you say it can be easier to have a master CV with all the info for you to pick and choose to create an application from.

I recently interviewed some candidates and all the other interviewers on the panel commented on one non-UK applicant's CV which included a photo. They said that it wasn't the done thing unless you're applying for a modeling job!

Good luck.

downsizer3

Ooh - thanks for that - a few people had said a photo was a good idea but I wasn't keen!

Ebay frenzy again to day. A few things finishing soon and hoping to have enough for next weeks supermarket shop. That leaves me with this week to deal with. Hmmm.
Can make do with a lot of freezer stuff but need the usual milk and eggs stuff. Wonder if I can do it on £8? There's a challenge.......

Going to look at a spreadsheet for encouragement - hate this part of the month when my OP is made and debts payments made early in the month - skint and no boost till payday. Plod, plod, plod.............

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

downsizer3 wrote: »

Going to look at a spreadsheet for encouragement - hate this part of the month when my OP is made and debts payments made early in the month - skint and no boost till payday. Plod, plod, plod.............

Me too... it's the 'static' part of the month no numbers changing. No matter how hard to stare at the spreadsheet you can't make the bad numbers get smaller or the good numbers get larger.

downsizer3

I tend to relook at my income/outgoings and tighten at this point - seem to make next month harder every time!
I am allowing a rare bit of playmoney next month as my work clothes are almost threadbare - strict budget and M&S only!!
Sigh.

downsizer3

Raided the piggy bank last night and had £30 - so I might manage our shop this week after all!
Have a £4 off voucher for Tesco if you spend £30 and also a token for £3 so if I can just mange to add up properly as I go round I can spend £37. My mental arithmetic always lasts half way round and then I forget where I am and it goes wrong.
Maybe need a calculator - would that look sad???

Scraped DDs ballet money together too for this term- another week passes. Roll on payday. If I can just manage to hold it together till then, next month will be easier. Go overdrawn and it'll be yet another hard month. Just one relaxed month -please!!!

linz

downsizer3 wrote: »

My mental arithmetic always lasts half way round and then I forget where I am and it goes wrong.
Maybe need a calculator - would that look sad???

Hi downsizer, I do this when I have a £X off a £XX spend voucher, I use the calculator on my phone. I don't think you'd look sad, and who cares anyway Of course you have to hope everything scans the same price as the label. Maybe you could chuck in a packet of chewing gum at the till if you are a few pence under

downsizer3

Managed it! Its a lot easier counting without a child in tow!
A few deals and I snuck a bottle of wine in too - result!!:beer: