Recent advice to a job seeker
Dec 01, 2023
Below is general advice we gave someone asking for comments on their CV. We publish this here for the benefit of others who may find applicable.
Hi XXXX
Firstly, we aren't experts at this but have the benefit of experience. A CV is a personal document and its purpose is to get you through the door for an interview. So, your CV should end up in the "call for interview" rather than the "reject" pile.
You need to get into the mind of the person hiring by putting yourself in their shoes. Think about what are they looking for in terms of skills, experience, and personality.
So here goes:
A. Comments on your CV (examples relate to the person's own CV)
1. Much better than most people's we have seen. Good job on trying to get into one page but maybe create more "white space". CV's can be up to 5 pages.
2. Suggest you expand to make it two pages.
3. Look at all spelling and Grammar - "vitae" should be a capital "V", "Ability to multitask and (be flexible)". It demonstrates your attention to detail that you say is your skill.
4. A CV should be aligned to line up with the job you applying for - if you applying for a sales job say then you try and match your tasks and achievements to that. Remember our first paragraph about CV's being personal.
5. Related to 4. above it might be hard to get a job in the Food Tech. industry based on your degree (we don't know) but you could expand out your search and/or define some things that might be applicable to your studies.
B. What we suggest:
a. Expand to two pages and perhaps use a different template - we have attached two samples.
b. Experiences can be "volunteer" and unpaid positions as well. Expand and explain your experience with responsibilities and achievements. For example, as utility hand, I helped service XYZ and did not miss a single day of work (if you don't have anything else that is of significance) but we are sure you have some.
c. The External exams results etc. you can be included But only if you got great marks put that otherwise remove it out to just 7th form to make space - you couldn't have got to 7th form without getting past FSLC for instance.
d. Expand your interests - Duke of Edinburgh - did you get a Bronze or Silver or something? Describe what that was; Safety Training, Cadets Training - redefine these so your employer can apply for the role they have advertised.
e. Similarly, your Referees are good and prominent - an employer needs to see that you are well regarded for them to be your referee.
f. Your career objective can be changed to describe who you are rather than a broad statement which takes up space: For example; I am an honest, hardworking, detail focused person. I would like to join a working environment that shares these values" (this is just an example and not based on you specifically).
g. Expand your skills listed here - "Computer literate" is one thing but if you have MYOB, Microsoft Excel etc. spell it out - an employer doesn't have to guess.
h. Try and get your most important attributes to catch the eye of the hiring person (skills is probably more important than which school you went to but again remember para 1).
i. Put down your hobbies -shows something personal about you and perhaps how well rounded you are.
j. Don't leave gaps such as unaccounted years of service. And if there are gaps - explain it. For instance, you may have time out to study, work in the family business or went overseas.
Attached are two examples of CVs (we said it was personal) but it should give you a of what employers expect. Last bit of advice, looking for a job is a job. So be dedicated to it. Good luck friend and you know where we are.
