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Forums › Off topic › Looking for some CV tips
Finch

2862 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 195


#136243 20-Nov-2013 11:11
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Hey guys.

I am in my early 20's and looking through my CV. I want to get into hospitality, more specifically cooking. Im not very social so I wouldn't want to do FOH, I want to be behind the scenes starting as a kitchen hand. I still have my "achievements" from school listed, NCEA. Is something I done 5 years ago (when I finished school in 7th form) something employers look at? Thinking of deleting it but then it makes the CV look a bit bare, but on the other hand I don't want it there just to fill up room.

Supposedly employers take 5 seconds looking through your CV anyway ad make up their minds about you then, true?

Is it true employers are hiring people based on their personality, what they can offer the company and not as much what they have done in the past?

Currently working at two part time jobs, just looking for something else.

Thanks!!

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minimoke
750 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 132


  #937849 20-Nov-2013 12:26
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CV’s by their function tend to be sterile. They tend to be a chronological reference to work experience and achievements. So step one – make sure what you have on there is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Think of it like this. The employer has a problem that’s why they have a job opening. You need to show stuff that is going to solve your employers’ problem. You may have been a dog walker – but it has no relevance to the problem so don’t include it. You may have worked/played as part of a team – that’s relevant to behind the scenes kitchen, so include it.

You’re right – I give around a 5 second skim when I go through CV’s. But what I do put my time in is reading a covering letter. The covering letter is a chance to show your personality- a bit of who you are. Make an impression. Give me a reason to look at your CV. Your covering letter will surprise me – your CV won’t because I know exactly what will be on it – a chronological list of qualifications interests and experience. Boring – but necessary!

This means you need a different covering letter and CV for each job. You won’t get a look in if you send off a template letter which refers to a job that is dissimilar to the one you are applying for. If your cover letter refers to wanting to be a chef and the vacancy is for a waiter I’ll guarantee you no job.

Order of effort:
A good cover letter gets your CV read.
A good CV gets you an interview
A good interview gets you reference checked.
Good referees get you a job.

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