CV examples and samples

CV examples and samples by Michael Cheary Writing your CV from scratch is never easy… Not only do you have to make sure that you get all your skills and experience covered, you also need it to look professional and presentable â€" not to mention make sure you pick the most effective format for you.To help you consider all the available options, here are some CV examples that might inspire you:Basic CV exampleThe most commonly used CV is the traditional (or basic) type.Usually, these include a personal statement, your education history and qualifications, and a list of relevant previous positions (written in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent coming first).As with any CV, what you write should also be clear, concise, and easy to read. You may also want to remove any previous positions which won’t help sell yourself to the role. Any more than two pages, and the employer might start to lose interest.Remember: when it comes to your CV, size really does matter… Free CV Template Emai l address: Please enter a valid email addressmessage here By clicking Submit, you accept our Terms & Conditions and consent to receive emails and career related topics. See our Privacy policy for details. Continue without submitting Download Free CV TemplateHow to keep your CV short and sweetGraduate CV exampleFor recent graduates, the most effective way to structure your CV may differ slightly from the norm.This is because you will generally have little previous experience to work with, meaning the focus should be placed squarely on your studies.And it isn’t just about stating your degree classification and A level results. Going into greater detail about the modules you’ve undertaken will help demonstrate your wider knowledge of the subject â€" which can really help if you’re applying to a role related to your degree.You should also use your course to back up your personal statement and cover letter. After all, you spent three years of your life studying. At the very least you should be able to put some of it to good use. Graduate CV Template Email address: Please enter a valid email addressmessage here By clicking Submit, you accept our Terms & Conditions and consent to receive emails and career related topics. See our Privacy policy for details. Continue without submitting Download Graduate CV TemplateWhat graduate employers really wantCareer break CV exampleTrying to address a lengthy career break?There are many reasons you might end up with a gap in your CV, but the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Having the confidence to properly address your time out will speak volumes for your character â€" not to mention ensure you keep all interview awkwardness to a minimum if it is brought up.You don’t need to go into details, but just a short line or two in your CV (or the accompanying cover letter) will be more than enough to cover it. And never be tempted to lie.You. Will. Always. Be. Found. Out. Career Break CV Template Email address: Please enter a valid email addressmessage here By clicking Submit, you accept our Terms & Conditions and consent to receive emails and career related topics. See our Privacy policy for details. Continue without submitting Download Career Break CV TemplateHow to explain a gap in your CVCareer change CV exampleIf you’re looking to try something different, don’t be tempted to send the same old CV.Although  you should always tailor your application to every job you apply for, this takes on even greater importance for anyone going for a career change.Instead of concentrating on your work history, restructure your CV to place precedence on your transferable skills. Not only will it allow you to take focus away from your lack of past experience, it will also help demonstrate your abilities and alleviate any worries your prospective employer may have.And always remember to back up your skills with real-life examples. Because just saying you’re a ‘good team player’ probably isn’t enough to land you the role… Career change CV Template Email address: Please enter a v alid email addressmessage here By clicking Submit, you accept our Terms & Conditions and consent to receive emails and career related topics. See our Privacy policy for details. Continue without submitting Download Career change CV TemplateHow to: Change careersWhat are transferable skills?Skills-based CV exampleSkills-based CVs are great for those who may just be starting out in their career.As with career change CVs, you focus on your skills â€" but instead of majoring on the transferable ones in particular, the most effective skills-based CVs actually restructure their application around their attributes.This could be as simple as including a section devoted to skills, just under your personal statement. If you’re struggling for what to include, checking the job description is a good place to start. School Leaver CV Template Email address: Please enter a valid email addressmessage here By clicking Submit, you accept our Terms & Conditions and consent to receive emails and career related topics. See our Privacy policy for details. Continue without submitting Download School Leaver CV TemplateCreative CV exampleFinally, some industries might be looking for something a little more ‘outside the box’ in their applications.Graphic Designers, for example, often include portfolios with their applications, and make their CVs slightly more colourful and engaging to help practically show off their skills.Similarly, Marketing and PR recruiters may be impressed if you send something eye-catching â€" which could demonstrate your creativity and ability to come up with interesting ideas. However, not all employers will be looking for this type of application â€" so make sure you’re 100% sure your idea will impress before you start writing.And if all else fails? Super Mario always wins…CV layout examplesNeed more CV advice?It takes an employer just seven seconds to save or reject a job applicant’s CV. This means c reating a succinct CV is absolutely vital if you want to land that all-important interview. To find out how to make your CV stand out from the crowd, buy James Reed’s new book: The 7 Second CV: How to Land the Interview. Read more CV help tips  Still searching for your perfect position? Have a look at all of our current vacancies nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. CV templates

6 Job Interview Stories From Hell

6 Job Interview Stories From Hell With job interviews being so stressful, today we take a lighthearted look at the job interviews where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Both hiring managers and employees alike share stories of their job interviews from hell. Learn why you are not the only job candidate who had dealt with a crazy job interview or two.Negative Storiesfrom Hiring Managers1. Bringing your mom to an interviewAn HR manager for a market research firm had an awkward interview worthy of a television sitcom. A 19-year old seeking a position in customer service brought his mother to the interview. When the HR manager questioned why he brought mom along, the mother spoke up and offered this logic: “I am just making sure this is the right company for my son and that you are asking fair questions.” The HR manager decided to play along. It was the most interesting thing that happened for a while. The HR manager asked the son another interview question. Once again, the mom answered for him. When the HR manager politely asked the mom to leave she responded, “I am not going anywhere.”As expected, this ended the interview. After all, the job required critical thinking and problem-solving skills, none of which the son had shown. When the mom and son are told the interview was over, the mother told the HR manager to “f*** off” and expressed a lawsuit was coming.2. Giving way too much informationDuring an interview with an employer, a job candidate is asked the interview question, “Why did you leave your last job?” The question sounds simple enough. Then, the job candidate replies, “I shot my last boss.” The job candidate was on parole and told by his parole officer it is important to be honest.Honesty is a great policy, but so is discretion. 3. Nudity during a job interviewAs many jobs require when someone is looking to relocate for a job, a boss is interviewing a job candidate via Skype. All seems normal, at first. The job candidate is well-dressed and polite. He i s answering questions and doing very well.Suddenly, a woman in her bathrobe appears in the background completely unaware that this boss can see her. She had just woken up, looked disheveled, and was drinking a cup of coffee while sitting on the sofa. The boss made light of this and asked the job candidate, “Is that your wife in the background?”The woman hears the question and becomes incredibly upset and embarrassed. Not knowing it is a job interview, she proceeds to yell at her husband occasionally slapping him on the head. As the boss asked, “Is this a good time?”the wife begins to yell at the boss, “Keep your mouth shut! I’ll deal with you later!”The job candidate ended the Skype call, and neither the boss nor the company ever heard from him again.Negative Stories from Employees4. Insulting your colleague during an interviewWhile interviewing to work for a company that created an app to help people balance their budget, an employee is asked to figure out a not-so-si mple math problem involving return on investment (ROI). Unbeknownst to the job candidate, the founders of the company were a married couple and one of them (the husband) was not very good with numbers. The job candidate solved the math problem given to him.After giving his answer, the wife says, “Finally. No one has answered this correctly all week and...”.The husband quickly jumps in and disagrees, “No. He got the answer wrong. The answer is $4500.”The wife fires back, “You must be stupid. How did you ever arrive at that number!?”The husband gets even louder, “YOU must be stupid! Don’t you know the formula for figuring out ROI or should I explain it again?”This comment set the wife off. A rather loud argument ensued between the husband and wife for the next five minutes while the job candidate sat there wishing he was on another planet. This argument abruptly led to the wife walking out of the interview and the husband following after her.Eventually, the job candi date became nervous, got up and left, letting the receptionist know that he had to leave. Later that day, the wife called the job candidate and apologized for putting the job candidate in that situation. The wife offered another chance to interview. The job candidate politely declined.5. Too much heat to handleA job candidate goes to an interview and all seemed as if this would be a great place to work. The people were nice, the commute was reasonable, and the salary was fair. This job candidate is answering questions like a pro!Suddenly, the fire alarm goes off. The receptionist pops her head in the room and says, “It’s a fire drill. We have to leave.” The interview continues as they leave the building and the job candidate thinks she is earning points for dealing with adversity as cool as a cucumber.Then, as everyone stands outside waiting to go back in, they find out the building is really on fire. The job candidate agrees to come back later in the week.Unfortunately, the n ext day she gets a call from the employer that the building had burned down and the office was being relocated to another state. Everyone who could not relocate lost their jobs and were given severance packages. The job was scrapped.6. Do you really want to work here?A job candidate sat down to interview, and the employer asked the common interview question, “So, tell me...why do you want to work here?”The job candidate began to give his best-rehearsed answer when suddenly the interviewer stops him. The interviewer asks, “No. Really. Why in the world would you want to work here? What possessed you to apply for this position?”Before the job candidate has a chance to speak, he receives a lecture from a supervisor explaining how he feels about the company. And it is not good. The last thing the job candidate remembers hearing is, “You seem like a good person. After hearing what I told you I ask again why you want to work here.”The job candidate thanked the interviewer for t he information and said, “That’s ok. I don’t want to anymore.”At the End of the DayRegardless of all the job interview advice out there, both job candidates and employers are imperfect human beings. There is no reason a person should walk into an interview without confidence. Everyone at some point deals with something crazy in an interview. Treat every interview as if it were two professionals talking business; a friendly conversation you have nothing to be worried about.

Why #MeToo Isnt Just For Hollywood Celebrities

Why #MeToo Isnt Just For Hollywood Celebrities Now unless youve been living under a rock or you dont do social media then youll have seen the #MeToo campaign pretty much everywhere. From glitzy award ceremonies like the Oscars and the Baftas, to online and newspaper articles and of course on places like Twitter and Facebook. And although it was born out of the allegations made against renowned Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, sadly it pans out that its an issue that doesnt just affect actresses and celebrities. Sexual harassment aimed at anyone, in any place at any time is not only wrong, its a criminal offence and many victims choose to stay silent rather than admit theyve been a victim. In fact a new study by Vitalsmarts of more than 1,100 people found that while nearly 3 out of 4 say the movement has inspired them to speak up in the future if they witness or experience harassment, when it comes to actually blowing a whistle, only 34 percent are willing to address unwanted behavior when they experience it or see it. The study also found that 48 percent of the men who took party in the study say they’ve done something in the past that might be labeled as sexual harassment or misconduct today and 18 percent wish they could apologize for past behavior. And yet, since #MeToo began,only 9 percent of men have actually spoken up and admitted to some kind of sexual misconduct.  3 Factors that have the greatest impact on conduct are: Confidence in the system.  Witnessing tangible changes at work that increase confidence the system will respond appropriately when people speak up about harassment. (22 percent agree)  Additional workplace training.  Learning skills for how to speak up about past or current abuses in the workplace (beyond traditional sexual harassment training). (20 percent agree)  A plan or precedent for speaking up. Having an idea of what to do if they see or experience sexual harassment. (45 percent agree) What can companies do to address the issue of harassment in the workplace? Organizations need to provide training that goes beyond traditional harassment courses. Organizations need to make changes that increase confidence in how sexual harassment and misconduct is handled. Emily Gregory, VP of Product Development at VitalSmarts, who was part of the research team says: It’s clear, #MeToo is generally supported and has created positive momentum in victim’s willingness to speak up. However, without action or support from corporate America, #MeToo has had little impact on actual behavior in the workplace. To turn #MeToo from a moment into a movement, this needs to change and change quickly. We applaud #MeToo. But let’s not overlook what social science has taught us:  new social norms require new skills and systems, not just new attitudes.  We’re at the beginning of a positive and long-awaited shift in society and the workplace. To cement this movement, it’s time to pass the baton of change from social media to corporate America. But not everyone is in support of the #MeToo campaign. The study found that  while the majority of respondents (63 percent) believe #MeToo to be a healthy movement, 1 in 5 feel the oppositeâ€"that #MeToo is unhealthy. Those who favor the movement feel the awareness it generates is making the workplace safer for victims and potential victims of sexual harassment. While those who view it negatively feel the workplace is less safe for the “potentially accused.” They also think that #MeToo has made it less safe to mentor or coach members of the opposite sex, less safe to admit past or present harm and less safe to express genuine romantic interest in the workplace. While #MeToo has started a sea change in attitudes towards sexual harassment, in order for real change to occur in the workplace, organizations needs to provide skills, increase confidence and monitor a knee-jerk overreaction that has the potential to limit opportunity for women.

The Power and Importance of Language in Branding - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

The Power and Importance of Language in Branding - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career “Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door,” is an inaccurate phrase attributed accurately to Ralph Waldo Emerson, regarding the power of innovation. I thought of this recently after my breakout session seminar at an industry professional development conference and  I realized that the phrase is only partially true. A few minutes before I was to begin my session seminar all the chairs in my room were full with audience members anxiously awaiting my talk. I was excited to have a full house for my presentation. Then, as I was about to start, about two dozen more people  began streaming into my room, with chairs in their hands. I went to the back of the room to provide the new audience members with a handout and was greeted by a man who said, “people are coming in to my room grabbing chairs and leaving. I had to follow them to see what’s going on over here!” As this had never happened to me before, I didn’t know how to respond so I just apologized, smiled back and walk to the front of the room to begin my presentation. This is the fourth consecutive conference this month that my breakout session garnered the highest attendance at a professional development conference. After getting back to my room I took a look at the conference agenda and the breakout session listings. Here are the options attendees had to choose from: Becoming Your Best Blending Project Management with Business Management Using Identity Intelligence An Agile Journey â€" Independent Health Project Team The Nicaragua Eye Care Mission Project The 7 Deadliest Communication Sins of Project Managers I knew in the morning I was going to get good attendance at my session because dozens of people came up to me at my booth and said something to the effect of “I’m definitely coming to your session, this sounds so interesting, can you give me a sample of one of the communication sins?” And, of course I did. I believe the thing that attracts an enthusiastic audience to my sessions at these conferences is the language I use in the title. It gets people’s attention and taps into their curiosity. It also offers specificity about what they can expect to learn regarding a topic important to them. The competing seminar subjects, although very worthwhile and appropriate for the conference audience, do not have titles that do what I suggest; they just put a label on the subject matter. This is one part of what branding is about. Just the first part. The part that does get people to beat a path to your door to try your better mousetrap. The second part is delivering on that promise, which from the feedback from participants in my four most recent programs I’ve been able to do. But, it starts with the language. How are you articulating your brand so people get both excited about the promise it can deliver and curious about how it does it? And thirdly, how are you allowing people to sample your brand to build the trust that your brand does what it promises? Because if you can’t do that, it doesn’t matter how great a mousetrap you have because no one is going to buy, because they won’t know, like or trust it. Author: Skip Weisman,  The Leadership Workplace Communication Expert, works with small business owners to help them lead their employees from drama defensiveness to ownership initiative.  During a 20-year career in professional baseball management, Skip served as CEO for five different franchises. That experience gave Skip tremendous insight and skill for build high-performing teams in the workplace.  Skip’s new small business coaching program, based on leadership during the American Revolution,  is called  Revolutionary Leadership. For a limited time Skip is offering complimentary  Revolutionary Leadership Strategy Sessions, which are private, 1:1 consultations with small business owners and chief executives. To learn more and request your strategy session visit  www.LeadershipCommunicationExpert.com/freestrategysession

Average Cost of Professional Resume Writing Services in California

Average Cost of Professional Resume Writing Services in CaliforniaThe average cost of professional resume writing services in California can range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. You may not be aware of all the hidden fees and expenses that are often incurred during the process of preparing and submitting a resume. For this reason, you should carefully compare the charges between a few different services.The average cost of professional resume writing service will vary according to the length of time that you are planning on spending on the job. A short term job may require only a single resume, while longer term jobs such as those of thirty-six months or more may require several. This is due to the fact that the job requirements may change over time, requiring new resumes for each position.You may be wondering why the prices of these resume writing services vary so much. There is actually a good reason for this. It is important that you do some comparison shopping when choosing a professional service for your resume.First, make sure that the professional resume writing service that you choose can handle your job requirements. They should be able to produce a resume for any position. In addition, the resume writing service should be able to create a cover letter for you, as well as a cover page for your resume, if you are seeking employment.Second, it is imperative that the service that you choose can write a cover letter for your resume. The cover letter is essential because it helps to get your resume past the potential employer's first impression of you. For this reason, make sure that the cover letter is written by a professional resume writer that knows how to format the letter properly.Finally, check with the professional resume writing service to see if they can customize a cover page for your resume. Customizing a cover page can help you to increase your chances of receiving an interview for the job you have applied for. The p ersonalized cover page can also help your resume stand out from the rest of the resumes on the market. While you may be tempted to just use the standard cover page format, do not do this.In addition, check to see if the cover page for your resume has an outline or structure to it. If the resume page you have is blank, it will leave your resume vulnerable to being lost in the pile of other resumes. However, if the cover page has a structure, it will help your resume stand out from the rest of the resumes on the market.Finally, make sure that the resume writing service can prepare and edit your resume for you. The professional resume writing service will be able to update your resume as needed to keep it current. When you are working with a professional service, you will be giving yourself the best chance of getting a job.

Etiquette - Does It Matter Anymore - Jane Jackson Career

Etiquette - Does It Matter Anymore - Jane Jackson Career ETIQUETTE â€" DOES IT MATTER ANYMORE?Etiquette â€" what is it all about?   Many people think that it’s all about stuffy old rules of behaviour that are no longer relevant in today’s competitive workplace.   There are times when I observe the aggressive or inconsiderate way some behave and I feel nostalgic for the time when good manners were expected from children, teenagers and adults alike.   Are the rules that are socially prescribed so intrusive that individuals feel they will stifle their sense of individuality and freedom of expression?I believe that the concept of etiquette is essential, not only in social situations but particularly in business. Communication has changed dramatically with technology and social media and there are times when what is appropriate and what is not just isn’t clear anymore.   Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and other social media sites have created a world in which rules of what is considered to be appropriate etiquette are constantly being rewri tten.What is etiquette?   It’s not about rules and regulations, it’s about making people feel good. It’s about how to behave in social and business situations to ensure a level of comfort for all concerned.   It’s a matter of respect towards others, their opinions, their culture, and their expectations.   Here are a few suggestions to help you navigate the world of basic business etiquette:1.                           Remember My NameMost people understand the importance of developing and maintaining good working relationships with key clients, customers, potential customers and senior management.   It’s equally important to develop and maintain positive business relationships with our colleagues and junior staff members.   Acknowledge what they do, show respect regardless of their roles.  Don’t forget how good you feel with someone recognizes your efforts, or appreciates something you do and, even more importantly, remembers your name!   Make others feel good too.   Man y spend a lot of time ‘managing upwards’ â€" it’s important to take a step back and appreciate those who are an integral part of the smooth running of the business as a whole.2.                           Thank You NotesAs a career management and career transition coach, I am often surprised at the reaction of clients when I suggest that they send a thank you note after attending an interview.   Many have told me that they hadn’t thought to do so.   But the art of the thank you note, handwritten or via email should never die.   I am particularly impressed if I receive a thank you note or card, handwritten, on nice stationery.   Call me old-fashioned but it always makes me feel good and I always remember the sender favourably.      Differentiate yourself by taking the time to write a note of thanks to potential new business partners, customers or hiring managers after a meeting.   This will reflect well on you and also on your business.3.                           Be Discrete After a business meeting, if you are with a colleague or business partner make sure you don’t discuss what transpired, or your opinion of the meeting, in the lift when leaving that office.   Whether it was a favourable meeting or a challenging one, keep your opinion to yourself until you are out of the building.   4.                           Know Where Your Focus is … Not Where Your Phone isWe can all probably admit to being distracted due to technology.   We have so many devices to keep us busy â€" mobile phones, smart phones, iPads, tablets â€" they enable us to check emails, receive text messages, read updates on Facebook, etc. anytime, anywhere.   They make us feel important, indispensable, efficient and productive.   When it comes to meetings, lunch or dinners, having those devices around and switched on is simply rude.   It’s impossible to be completely ‘present’ if we are attached to our Blackberry or iPhone.   This has become such a problem that there has been a g ame invented to prevent this during social dinners.   It’s called Phone Stacking (also known as ‘Don’t be a Di*k During Meals.’)    This was invented by Brian Perez, a dancer from San Francisco to curb the anti-social practice of checking your phone during meals.   The rules are:   before sitting down to a meal, each guest rids themselves of their mobile device and stacks it in a pile with the others.   Then the diners are free to talk to each other and focus on   the interaction of being together.   The first person to crack and reach for their phone has to pay the bill.   This is a great way to ensure each guest stays attentive to one another!5.                           You’re Not Simon Cowell so Don’t JudgeWe can’t help it.   Some time or another we make judgments about others.  However, the key to etiquette is not to criticize others.   Acknowledge that most people try their best and even if you disagree with how a situation is tackled, recognize the effort.   Y ou are only responsible for yourself, not to judge others on what you believe is right.   It’s important to be considerate enough to recognize that everyone liked to be accepted by their peers in business and social situations.Etiquette is not an antiquated way of behaviour.   It’s a positive way to behave.   If you are not sure how to behave, whenever you are about to do or say something, ask yourself, “Will this make the other person feel comfortable?”   If the answer is, “No,” then consider what can you do, or what can you say that will get the job done respectfully.   Does your behaviour make others feel appreciated and respected?   If so, you are a great role model!    If youd like to find out more about business etiquette or would like to be coached for success, email jane@janejacksoncoach.com or visit www.janejacksoncoach.com and find out what we can achieve together!

How to talk about yourself without bragging! - CareerEnlightenment.com

performance reviews, survey your clients, or ask people who would tell you the truth. Take a few days make a list without editing anything â€" just keep the flow going. Be sure you focus on what value you create because no matter what you like to do, you have to find a buyer.Keep it simple, keep it briefLet the fun begin and start editing. Get some help if you need it. Think about finishing this sentence, “I’m at my best when…”It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it â€" not trueWell, actually it IS what you say … and it’s how you say it. Think about how you would talk about what would motivate you to get up every day and do that thing you do so well. What will you say to inspire others to ask you for more? What will you say to help them remember you?It’s the thought that counts … and the giftYou’ve put a lot of thought into what you do best and what would motivate you to do it every day. Think of what you say about yourself as a gift you give to others. Your message is sincere and content rich, and even inspiring. Paint a picture for people so they see you succeeding. Also, if you need help, people need to know how to help you.Want an example? Here’s mine:I am a career coach. I’m at my best when I’m helping people connect their strengths, values and passions with the organization or business. I use a creative process to help them get really clear about what they want so they’re motivated to take action. Our careers affect every component of our lives; I consider it an honor to help people find work they really enjoy and make a positive impact.Want to share yours?