[Fultonius]

So today I've decided to consume copious quantities of Aqua Vitae update my CV.

First off - school subjects and grades - are these relevant / necessary when you have a degree, 10 yrs work experience and are currently pissing around in uni furthering your education?

I think the first use for this CV will be for trying to get a collaborative thesis with industry.

[lagerstarfish]

if the school grades are good - I'd include them

if not, then I wouldn't

[dave]

Nobody really gives a shit about your GCSEs once you've got a degree unless you got wall-to-wall A*s, I'd just mention that you got some GCSEs, confirm it includes eng and maths (not to be taken for granted these days, despite the degree), basically condense into a soundbite like "9 GCSEs including 5 grades A/A*".

[T_B]

Depends what your degree is in and what job you're applying for. I still look for school grades for Maths and English. If they're missing I tend to wonder why?

[a dense loner]

Do you find that helps them walk someone up a hill?

[T_B]

that's right our office is staffed with bearded mountain guides all sat around in down suits breathing bottled oxygen. The maths GCSE is an indicator of whether or not they can understand fill power and flow rates

[a dense loner]

I'm not surprised in this weather!

[Fultonius]

My grades are OK, I'll see if there's space. Going for a 2 column layout with education on the left (1/3) and skills & experience on the right (2/3s).

[rich d]

My grades are OK, I'll see if there's space. Going for a 2 column layout with education on the left (1/3) and skills & experience on the right (2/3s).

Chronological order with the most recent first is the easiest to read. Usually work first then education, however it's an education position pop education at the top.
I don't like 2 columns as it's harder to skim read and throw in the bin.

[Monolith]

I've spent a LOT of time in the CV department over the last few years and have somehow managed to make myself look like a real human being at last (just about).

I'm happy to email it over to you (pm) if you wanted a point of reference? Note, it did get me a job...

[Fultonius]

I don't like 2 columns as it's harder to skim read and throw in the bin.

Exactly - longer out the bin, more chance of being shortlisted.   

Or, more likely:

Two columns    direct to bin, no reading. 

I'll post it up when done and you can all rip it to pieces. 

[crazy climbing pete]

I tweak mine for every job, depending on what it is. If it's relevant, i'd include more specific grades and stuff but the education section is shorter than the personal section, now that i include things like e-mail and website - for most of the things i apply for, they're more job-useful.

I then concentrate most of my efforts on tailoring the Personal Statement, depending on what it is. If it's a climbing company, i talk about where i've been and what i've done. Other jobs didn't really give a shit about that.

Anyway, my two penneth worth. Not that it's got me that far

[Fultonius]

Ok, next dilemma is:

I have worked for 9 years, more or less in the same job with the same company.
Quick overiew:

2 yrs grad training scheme

3 years as a project engineer doing vibration investigations offshore

1 year as a senior project engineer, same job, more responsibility

3 months with the wind group (basically a secondment, but very relevant to my new career path)

8 more months as a senior engineer (staff)

and 3 more years as a senior project engineer (contractor).

Now, when I was full time Staff as a "project engineer" and "senior engineer" I basically did the same shit, but got more hassle and more money for the latter.  I'm trying to have a 1 page CV, so am struggling for space for the "project engineer/graduate training" section.

The lass has just looked and said

how about just combining them and highlighting that the later portion was a senior role

Is this normal practise in this situation?

[galpinos]

Be careful how you use "Project Engineer" - To me it says "I dodn't do any engineering but I can do spreadsheets, take minutes, book meeting rooms and manage a bit of organising" which won't appeal if you are going back into academia/after an engineering role. Make sure any lead or genuine engineering roles are highlighted and you credit yourself for what what you've done.

Caveat - I have a dim view of Project Engineers - we have two good ones in the office at the moment and that's because they don't try to make engineering decisions and will concede their knowledge is lacking.

[Fultonius]

Unfortunately that was my job title! Our competitors call the job role "consultant engineers"  or something. Could always call it "dynamics engineer". I'm already back in academia so no worries,  but hoping to pick up a decent project title from a friend in industry so assuming i'll need an up to date CV for that.

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[SA Chris]

2 yrs grad training scheme

3 years as a project engineer doing vibration investigations offshore

1 year as a senior project engineer, same job, more responsibility

3 months with the wind group (basically a secondment, but very relevant to my new career path)

8 more months as a senior engineer (staff)

and 3 more years as a senior project engineer (contractor).

Now, when I was full time Staff as a "project engineer" and "senior engineer" I basically did the same shit, but got more hassle and more money for the latter.  I'm trying to have a 1 page CV, so am struggling for space for the "project engineer/graduate training" section.

Where is the "2 years sacking it off in Chamonix, skiing biking and climbing, doing a bit of driving now and then"

[Fultonius]

That's the 3 years as a contract engineer ;-)

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[Fultonius]

Backed up by references. Oh yes.

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[rich d]

a 2 page CV is absolutely fine. Don't edit out your "achievements" in the different positions to fit it onto 1 page. A good way to do it is list each job title role and then as opposed to a list of tasks that your job role entails, list what you achieved in each role, if it's industry relevant they'll know what the role is anyway.
Remember if they use a recruitment firm at all then to google search what the key words are for that role and industry and make sure they're included in your CV as often they use a tick off list to see if you're suitable.
Have you got a good linked in profile and network? If not get it set up quickly, as they'll have a look at that.
Also if you're on facebook - think about what your timeline etc says about you - if you've not already done that maybe make it so that only your friends can see what you're posting.

[shark]

Unfortunately that was my job title! Our competitors call the job role "consultant engineers"  or something. Could always call it "dynamics engineer". I'm already back in academia so no worries,  but hoping to pick up a decent project title from a friend in industry so assuming i'll need an up to date CV for that.

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yI quite often advise candidates to use a job title that most accurately reflects what they do. You can always explain at interview why you called it that. Within reason you could also alter the title depending on the job you applyfor.

If you PM me I am happy to give your CV the once over. It is a large part of what I do for a living. 

[Oldmanmatt]

I was MD of the Romeo Marine shipyard in Dubai from '02-'08 (turn over of ~ $25M by '08) and personally interviewed/selected everyone from Departmental managers through Project managers and Design Engineers to foremen.
My P.A. Sifted based on Quals and I shortlisted based on experience. That is, we both went through all the CVs and made two lists and then took all those that appeared on both lists for interview.
I received all kinds of CVs, some from S.E. Asian applicants were works of art, complete with swirly bits and pretty pictures.

Generally, a clear picture of you, what you are capable of and how you might contribute to the company's development; was my main criteria.

Lists of High school level Quals and awards bored me. Hobbies and interests rounded out my impression/expectation.

Vocational/CPD training and clear enthusiasm for your profession was a clincher for interview; if it looked like you were able to step up and aquire new skills as required.



Since you only know me from my ramblings on here and by way of a CV ish sort of thing, my last project (which I designed, built and sold; now called MY Barbie)...



And me with the project managers and foremen on delivery day...



When I had hair.

Sorry, didn't want you to think I was just a bullshitter.


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[tomtom]

Spray your cv with some perfume to make it stand out...


Works every time

[a dense loner]

That's what I say when someone asks if I go to the foundry or awesome walls