Everyone’s an expert

[UKFF Mod]

Another frustrating week in the hunt for the next contract. It’s clear that there is still a fair bit of work out there for the taking. Sadly it’s also clear that there are an awful lot of people out there trying to take it and competition is very strong.

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If you have any comments to make about this blog post feel free to start the debate below!

[jaffab]

Wow - a very interesting read, and slightly worrying. But agree, its hard to get past the box ticking. Personally, I normally have 5 versions of my CV to hand - the majority are all the same, but the summary and the highlighting of key words in the various versions are based around 5 types of roles - to get past the box ticking - to make different strenghs stand out for different roles.

[Howzat]

Has anyone tried including a picture of themselves on their CV? I wouldn't say i'm the most attractive bloke around but at least my CV stands out from the crowd when applying for direct contracts.

Of course, this makes absolutely no difference whatsoever when working through an agency since 95% of them put your details into a standard (and often worse) format for ClientCo.

[jaffab]

Ha ha - I think a picture of my mug on my CV would put anybody off. But also agree - an Agency would trim it off as they reformat it (badly) into their own look and feel.

What I think helps a great deal is to put at the top of a CV, a large 1 para background, done in a 3rd voice with the skills and expierence summerised ("Fred offers 26 years in cat juggerling, as well as extensive experience in egg laying and ....."), they can then cut and paste this text into their introduction emails - less work for them means more chance of my CV being put foreward.

Its the same principles as a press release - do all the work for somebody else, and they are more likley to use it.

[The SMG]

Originally Posted by jaffab

Ha ha - I think a picture of my mug on my CV would put anybody off. But also agree - an Agency would trim it off as they reformat it (badly) into their own look and feel.

What I think helps a great deal is to put at the top of a CV, a large 1 para background, done in a 3rd voice with the skills and expierence summerised ("Fred offers 26 years in cat juggerling, as well as extensive experience in egg laying and ....."), they can then cut and paste this text into their introduction emails - less work for them means more chance of my CV being put foreward.

Its the same principles as a press release - do all the work for somebody else, and they are more likley to use it.

Good stuff Jaffa. It's a bit far out but I have used 'emotional response' text at the top of my CV in the past to great effect. Something that draws the reader by the balls and triggers their mind into action! Lines such as:

"When was the last time you really felt good about hiring the perfect candidate?'

Are a real winner in my opinion....

Much better than the usual BS you find at the top of most CVs.

G

[Beefy198]

Christ, if I read that at the top of a CV I might be sick.

Has that really worked for you in the past?