View Full Version : CVs/What do recruiters look for?
Right, I'm half way through my final year at uni and I'm looking to apply for some graduate IT jobs. I've got a bog-standard CV I used to get a PT job in shop work and obviously I'm not going to use this for getting a job in IT. I've got good GCSEs and A-levels (As and Bs) Soooo....
What do I need to put in it?
Also, I know some of you are managers or have your own businesses? What do you like to see/not like to see in candidates?
Thanks.
:)
Hmmm....
- No spelling mistakes.
- Name at the top because I cant be arsed looking for it anywhere.
- All the info I want in the middle of the first page...(most up to date Qualifercation/JOB).
- Not to much detail as this generates questions. (a well writen CV will make questions jump out, and you can prepare for them).
- Consice to the point (i.e. bullet points - good for leading questions - see above)
- References on the thing, not after application, those would just make me put them in the bin.
- Some decent interests - it may all be well and good you having all the prerequisits for the job, but if your an anti social twat, I wouldnt bother giving you time of day.
- Nice layout, many companies just bin ones that look poor as these poeple get eliminated as "not having the time/cant be bothered/do they really want this job"
- Taylor EACH CV for EACH job (see above).
- Ariel font, times new roman looks toss.
- Page numbers (page N of N) so when I think something is missing I can confrim either way.
- A mission statement about yourself is always good, probably under some kinda subheading of "AIMS" or summit!
- NEVER put going to the Cinema or Pub or Gym try to be original.
- Watch out for "between the lines" readings of your representation, thoroughly test it on someone before submitting.
- Make sure you know whats on your CV if someone else has done it for you.
- Next to name (at top) if you have some letters to put after your name frigging well use them.
- Im going blind in my old age so I dont wanna read them with a magnifying glass....
There that should keep you busy ;)
Do I need to list my GCSE/A-level grades?
This is one i did for my other half, did the trick as she got the job :D
I'm sure its not perfect but might give you an idea :D
Cheers.
I'm going to be applying for IT positions - do I need to include my part-time job(s) I've had whilst at university or just concentrate on the year out in industry I did - or both?
Ta.
might be an idea if its you first full time job as although the experience wont be relevant you can show you can work in a team, on your own, have had responsabilities etc.
That's what I was thinking cos it may look a bit 'bland' otherwise. :)
JB, I've noticed uv just come online...av u got any advice?
David_S14
09-01-2003, 19:26
What do recruiters look for?
I was gonna say BIG TITS!! but this thread seems a bit serious for that :p ;) :D :D
I agree with everything Vez wrote.
In addition you need to state all your part time employment since you've been at uni. This'll show that you're not content to do a basic minimum and sit on you arse all day. Doesn't matter if the pt jobs have nothing to do with IT (such as Woolworths) you've just had a variety of different experiences. You also need to state that you have a driving licence. You'd be amazed how many people haven't and that can be a clincher.
I'd be looking carefully at your qualifications at A level and GCSE as well, to see if you have been exposed to a variety of information that you have successfully transposed into qualifications (ie are you capable of learning). I want someone I employ to be capable of learning new skills (this can include foreign languages, programming, network management etc, etc,etc.). You take someone on straight out of uni and you really don't know what you're taking on. A candidates ability to learn would give me confidence that a) if you didn't have exactly the right skills you could be trained up and b) that you haven't got tunnel vision (ie I want to do this and nothing else).
I'd want to see from your CV that you were confident that you could offer my company something and that it's worthwhile interviewing you. Don't be timid in your CV but don't be arrogant either.
Finally for now (cos it's 7.30 and I'd like to go home) I'd want to see that you had a range of interests besides IT. Not cinema, travel or pubs but some kind of hobby/pastime that showed you weren't 1 dimensional. For instance something along the lines of "I am a member of the SXOC and regulary attend trackdays I also like to spend my weekend climbing Everest and ....", that sort of thing. Ideally something that can also show that you are a team player and not some sad git who surfs the net on a Saturday night :rolleyes:
Hope this helps :)
Oh yeah and don't forget the 3 essentials for passing an interview.
Mini Skirt
Suspenders
Stilletos
:D
Seriously if you wanna know something else just ask. I'm feeling to brain dead to think independantly at the mo.
tim rome
09-01-2003, 19:41
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Vez
[B]Hmmm....
- No spelling mistakes.
Qualifercation/JOB).
Consice
- Taylor
lol haha
Jb - I've PMd and mailed you.
:)
If there is any students on here or any people recently graduated, this is a good site for jobs.
www.milkround.co.uk
:)
awww nuts, I was after a milk round n'all, but that site has nothing to do with freezing yer nadgers off at 5:30 in the morning, hanging of the back of a rusty tranny (transit van:rolleyes: ).........
.........I'll get mi coat:):D
When andyf puts a CGI spell checked on here, ill frigging use it, until then, I will continue to spell badly :)
tim rome
10-01-2003, 17:28
Originally posted by Vez
When andyf puts a CGI spell checked on here, ill frigging use it, until then, I will continue to spell badly :)
and spell badly is a split infinitive it should be badly spell
lol
I do however apologise for my grammatical/spelling deficiencies, I have never found spelling or grammar a problem on an informal communications medium such as this bulletin board or even e-mail.
If I need to communicate in an official medium I would take great heed in my actions and thoroughly grammatically check my writings.
This isn’t such a medium so I will spell how the **** I like (and also use words that are not present in the Oxford English dictionary)!
So maybe if someone else needs some advice I won’t bloody bother next time.
(Post written in Microsoft Word 97; both grammar and Spelling checked you pedantic twat).
Cheers for the help everyone, I've managed get a CV and covering letter written. :)
amcluesent
10-01-2003, 21:44
Remember to include that you have three years experience in all the programming languages etc. that you happened to notice a book about in the library. This is how all contractors get started...;)
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