Training, CV re-writing etc

[SilverLinings]

As per another thread - I am job hunting.

CV re-write
I have a varied work history - and most of my work has been in media. BUT my most recent role was project managing/business process improvement. I think I am more likely to get work in BPI or PM than media.

I think I should create a 'skills based' CV that focuses on my skillset rather than focussing on the roles I have had. Anyone here know of any decent CV writing services that aren't a con?

Training
I think a lean 6 Sigma course won't hurt my chances of getting work. Anyone know if there are schemes which help finance these for those who have been out of work for over 6 months?

Thanks

[SilverLinings]

BUMP

Any recruitment consultants on here who can recommend a CV writing resource? I expect I can just do it myself, but if there are specific ways to tailor a skills based CV I'm all ears.

Cheers

[Simbu]

A skills based CV isn't that difficult. Mine is very skills driven and is structured as follows:

Address, contact details at top.

4-5 lines of intro. What I'm looking for, some 'soft' qualities.

Skills. Grouped into areas, folllowed by bullet points. For example for me:

Programming:
- ASP.NET, C#, VB.NET
- OO practices and design.
- Agile, TDD, XP.
Databases:
- T-SQL, etc, etc
- etc

Employment history with dates. Most recent first. Only jobs that are relevant. No-one cares that I worked for Tesco 10 years ago! Describe the role, responsibilities, specific acheivements. Tailor the content to the job you're applying for to make it relevant.

Education history. Highest quals first, include dates. Might include any formal OTJ training (PRINCE 2 for example). Again, this depends on your stage in your career. If you're 40-something then GCSEs you did 25 years ago are not relevant.

Personal info. Personal interests - best if they relate to the job or demonstrate responsibility. If you have a drivers licence and/or passport mention this, if they're relevant.

References. Available on request.


Use a nice clear dont, justify text and keep blocks of text short. And keep it inside 2 pages.

Hope this helps

[SilverLinings]

Cheers Simbu

That is a good start. I suppose my issue is I don't have bullet-pointable skills like programming languages that I can trott out.

I suppose that is the problem with having been a 'generalist' over the years in a number of roles in different industries. Not helped by not having had to apply for a job for nearly 15 years or so!

Still, all I can do is lay it out and tweak it until it tells the recipient what I can offer to help their business and get on the 'interview' pile.

[Simbu]

SilverLinings said:

Cheers Simbu

That is a good start. I suppose my issue is I don't have bullet-pointable skills like programming languages that I can trott out.

This sort of approach can work for non technical skills i think. You mention PMing and process improvement:

Project Management:
- Task planning
- Stakeholder analysis
- Managing customer relationships
- etc

If you've used industry-recognised approaches to this, then mention them too.

[rog007]

I, and other employers, often prefer outcomes based CVs, where you can demonstrate what impact you have made rather than what you can do. A CV should also try to mimic the answers to questions that will come up on interview to help you get to that point. HTH if you want to look closer at this.