Getting my CV scrutinised?

Macrae88

Hi,

I'm currently unemployed, I'm getting around 3 - 4 interviews per month, out of about 200 job applications. I was wondering if anyone new of anywhere that I can get my CV looked at, to see if there are areas that I could improve. I've showed the people at the Work Programme, but they're beyond useless (and they're now sending me on a 2 week course to gain a level 1 employment skills certificate, which will really put the cherry on my degree, but I'm getting side-tracked).

I keep seeing advertisements for recruitment agencies to examine your CV for a fee, but I was wondering if there are any trusted companies / organisations that could do this. Perhaps the National Careers Service? I've not had any dealings with them, apart from an interview techniques course.

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone that's tried to have their CV looked at.

Flyonthewall

Some might disagree, but if you're getting 3-4 interviews a month I'd say your CV is perfectly fine. 3-4 interviews a month is very good so I'd say your weakness might be your interview skills rather than your CV.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

I say you need to amend your CV each and every time you apply for a job; changing the skills that you have to reflect the essential skills needed for each post.

iammumtoone

You should get your CV looked at on the employment skills in my opinion that is the only good thing about those courses. You will sit through loads of stuff that anyone with an ounce of common sense would know, but you should get your CV looked at/re-done for you.

AP007

OP if you are getting interviews the CV isn't the problem, surely?

Macrae88

Well I thought that 3 - 4 interviews is rather low when compared with applying for more than 200 jobs per month. The last feedback I received after an interview was this:

Although your application and interview were impressive, another candidate was selected for the position.

Our decision was based upon a careful comparison of the demands of the position with the abilities shown by each candidate.

I get something along these lines almost every time I get feedback. It doesn't really tell me much.

Flyonthewall

Macrae88 wrote: »

Well I thought that 3 - 4 interviews is rather low when compared with applying for more than 200 jobs per month. The last feedback I received after an interview was this:

I get something along these lines almost every time I get feedback. It doesn't really tell me much.

I haven't had that many interviews in 2 years lol. However, if you are applying for that many be sure that you're taking you time with each application and making your CV/Cover Letter specific to each job. It's better to apply for less and send in quality applications than send in loads and them not totally apply to that specific job.

You are getting interviews so obviously you're doing something right.

Feedback like that is quite normal. Employers can't be bothered with giving real reasons or expanding.

AP007

Macrae88 wrote: »

Well I thought that 3 - 4 interviews is rather low when compared with applying for more than 200 jobs per month. The last feedback I received after an interview was this:



I get something along these lines almost every time I get feedback. It doesn't really tell me much.

I apply for about 200-300 a month and have no interviews in ages and ages and.......well a long time!

Macrae88

Perhaps my CV is not the problem then, I'd assumed that 3 - 4 interviews per month was quite low. I do tailor it to each job, I probably spend a little over 30 minutes on each application, applying for between 5 and 10 each day.

AP007

Macrae88 wrote: »

Perhaps my CV is not the problem then, I'd assumed that 3 - 4 interviews per month was quite low. I do tailor it to each job, I probably spend a little over 30 minutes on each application, applying for between 5 and 10 each day.

No ZERO is low - 3 to 4 is HIGH!

Macrae88

I was only getting 1 or 2 interviews per month last year, I'm not sure if it's been the gradual improvement of my CV, my cover letters, or just the improving job market that's helped me get more interviews.

I've been unemployed for 1 year 5 months.