OT - What is in your CV?

[Emilysmumma]

I just looked through my old CV from 5 years ago. And it is pretty bleak,

I have my old school reports from year 12, my HSC results and year 10 results. I also have my transcripts from Uni (Nursing) that I didnt finish.

My greatest prides are my more recent things, like the design work I am currently working on. I would print those, but have no colour ink (I could get them printed tomorrow if necessary though).

What the heck do I have in this thing? I dont have my results fo my current tafe course, my first aid certificate is out of date etc etc.

HELP!

[Linh]

YOu own and manager a successful online business?

[mum2henry]

You do community work - moderating on NC and your novacloth group.

Domestic goddess, experience in sourcing original and cost effective products (co-ops) mmm that's jsut a few.

Creative writing it is called LOL

[Beanie]

Don't worry about printing them in colour, just include black and white prints, along with all the URL's. Sure it's not as good as colour but it is perfectly adequate for a CV.

Your actual resume sheet is what they'll concentrate on anyway.

Good luck, it's exciting!

[tikki]

brooke, i've been on heaps of interview panels and rather just your qualifications, it is your other accomplishments that you should elaborate on and make it clear how those skills would translate to this position

[Emilysmumma]

It is for an office job in a very informal line of business.

What about if I wrote basically a letter explaining who I am, what i can do, and how this would relate?

Ali - Love your suggestions!

[twinmama]

Honestly - they probably won't even look! I always drag mine along - it has my uni degrees, cpa certificates, tax agent certificate in, and at the back uni stuff, and then high school stuff - and it never ever gets looked at.

[Emilysmumma]

My letter

To Whom It May Concern:


Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the position as an Office Assistant.

I thought I would take the time to explain who I am, what skills I have and how I would be an asset to your business. I believe this to be a more accurate demonstration of my skills, than outdated certificates.

As you are aware, my name is Brooke {removed} and I am 24. I have been working in both retail and as a book-keeper for many years now. For the last 18 months, my primary job has been the care of my daughter, whilst continuing book-keeping for {removed}.

Currently, I am studying IT at Tafe (Cert III Software Applications), with a strong interest in Web Design, and E-Store design. For the last 10 months, I have been running a successful (to the level I want it) e-store. This then sparked an interest in web design, and recently I began helping primarily mother’s start up an e-store.

My main hobby is Web Design. To view some of my work, have a look at {removed}. In my spare time, I work as a Moderator, and site manager for a cloth promotion forum. In this area, I manage reviews and business listings. I also research other products for both my own store, and the larger community.

I am hard working, honest and responsible. I have a strong work ethic and genuinely enjoy working. I have excellent presentation, and a wonderful phone manner.

Working for {removed} Computers for several years has enabled me to develop strong computer and IT skills. I am able to use a range of computer applications, and troubleshoot many PC problems independently.

Some of the software packages that I am familiar with include Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver and MYOB.

Whilst researching your company, I discovered that you are currently using the Zen Cart e-store package for you store. I currently have this package installed on one of my own domains, and so I would be able to become confident in its use very quickly. I am familiar with the processes and requirements in completing an online order, including monitoring for payments, both direct deposit and pay pal.

Due to being the primary carer for my daughter, my availability is limited to some degree. I am currently available on Mondays and Thursdays, and feel confident that would able to increase that by one day. I have my own transport.

I feel I must also mention one other aspect regarding my availability. My daughter has a medical condition that requires day surgery in Sydney every 4 months or so. This surgery is always on a Tuesday; however we are required to spend the Monday night in Sydney beforehand. Her medical condition would not impact my work commitments in any other way.

Thank you for taking the time to consider me for this position.


Yours Sincerely

[vickichiki]

actually I really beg to differ an eyecatching CV will make all the difference in getting an interview, you have to stand out from the hundreds of others that apply. My DH spent $350 on his CV, now I freaked at that but I have to say its worth every cent and he landed a 6 figure position when before he had it done he was looking at positions around 1/2 that AND he wasnt getting to the interview stage because his CV was just basically a 'crappy home made black and white resume' JMO but if you want to stand out you have to have something pretty different these days

[vickichiki]

oh just to add, my DH is in retail which explains the huge gaps range of salaries available