Job applications, CVs and all of that

[tyred]

I have been in my current job now for almost 14 years. I think it's time to move on for a large variety of reasons.

The thing is, I have been out of the job market for a very long time and am rusty and was never very confident with all this in the first place. In fact I find it all very stressful and become an anxiety ridden wreck when faced with the prospect of a job interview.

When I last went job hunting, it meant a trip to the newsagents and staggering home under the weight of half a rainforest. Now I'd imagine most jobs are advertised online.

I feel the need to write a new CV and there is a lot of information out there but what really needs to be put on it? I've only really had two proper jobs in my life since leaving college in 1999 so don't have a huge catalogue of employment history. I have done several evening courses over the years, including two which gave me C&G qualifications in computer maintenance and photography and dark room techniques. Are these worth of mentioning alongside my main qualifications even though I won't be applying for jobs in those fields?

And also references. My previous place of employment doesn't exist any more so I can't contact them for references and my current place of employment has a policy where they don't give references so not sure what to do for references.

I'd much prefer not to let my current employer know I am looking for a new job and officially I am supposed to give at least 4 weeks notice when requesting a day off I can see potentially a problem when trying to fit in an interview.

 

[Beebo]

The internet will give you a good CV template.
In my field of work almost all jobs are advertised via recruitment consultants.
Sign up with a couple and seek their advice on what to put in your CV.

 

[martint235]

I've just done my CV for the first time in about 10 years. Being a civil servant I've not needed one as applications within the Civil Service are handled differently. So I did a bit of reading up, here's what I put on:

• Name and contacts details. Just put it top and central, keep it simple but make it clear.
• Key achievements. Based on the job you're applying for, pick 3 or 4 key achievements in your recent work history and give brief details
• Employment history expanding a little bit on your key achievements mentioned above where appropriate
• Relevant Qualifications. Relevant to the job you're applying for
• References. I tend to use current line manager and a technical peer who can vouch for my skills.
• Other information including qualifications not specific to the job.

Keep it short (2 sides of A4). And above all, remember a CV is not a job application really. All your CV is intended to do is make the person reading it think "I'd really like to call this person in and speak to them"

 

[Spinney]

Take a look at this, or other stuff on skills based CVs
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/cvs/Pages/cvfunctional.aspx

 

[redvision95]

I have been helping out at a local organisation and have a fairly good template that you could take a look at for a CV if you like, It has helped several people get jobs including myself. though you would need to put all your own stuff onto it obviously, it just shows what you need really.

Adding to that, get yourself on Indeed, Reed, CV-Library, Jobs4 and Fish4Jobs. If you haven't already get yourself on linkedin too.
As already mentioned, Sign up with a couple of recruitment consultants and keep in regular contact with them.

A bloody good cover letter is key too. Id been helping a few of the "clients" at the place i was volunteering at, none of them were sending cover letters with their CVs and surprise surprise they never got a response. As soon as they had a good cover letter to base their "customised cover letters" off they were getting phone calls and emails within a few hours.

PM me your email address if you'd like me to send you that template to take a look at.