Advice On CV Format
 

gday there!

i need to do a CV before I start looking for work. i've no idea what is the best format for an Australian CV. could anybody offer me some advice please, or perhaps some useful URL's to get me started. I work in I.T. if that is relavent.

thanks.

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

I have used this one to good effect before. Some of it is a little American but its pretty much all good for over here.

I think the main thing is is keep it simple and make it flow. Dont give everything away in the Resume. Leave something to tell them in the interview!!

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumes/a/aa040801a.htm

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

Once you get the format check the spelling :) I should know I'm a terribal spella. :D

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

thanks for the advice.

do australian companies prefer a one page CV. or is a 2/3 page CV ok?

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

Alternatively you could contact an international Recruitment Organisation, dependant on location in australia, try www.talent2.com.au, excellent informative web site, they'll help on cv and finding roles, even educate you in the market place.
If youre not in Oz yet they can start the ball rolling and source sponsorship accredited organisations.
Ivan :)

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

We've been told 3 pages max.

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

My CV was 3 pages long the point is to keep it relevant to the job you are applying for and demonstrating why you are an ideal candidate for the position. It took me 2 weeks to get a job (Im in IT) once I started looking.

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

Yup, thats what I suggest also.

:)

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

I wouldnt stress about length, just dont waffle. Keep it clear and well laid out, avoid fancy graphics, logos, large boxes, tables etc. Most resumes will be imported onto a database and all this sort of stuff just causes issues and makes this process more difficult.
Generally I would start of with Personal details followed by education, then maybe a brief paragraph giving an overview of yourself with any specific details about your working background core skills etc and maybe direction you are looking to head in.
Then go through your Employment History most current first. I prefer it in a more bullet point style rather than in a more free flowing sentences/paragraph style, but there is no right or wrong either is fine.
Finish off with the outside work type stuff, hobbies etc and then referees if you want to include them at this stage.

If your coming to Perth let me know ;)
Steve :D

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

Steve, you work in IT recruitment don't you? So you're probably better placed than most to give advice.
I'm sure everyone has their preferences, and what works for one might not for another, but I've found that my resume has better results when I hit with an overview and employment, before education. Even with university level education, most employers are more interested in what you've done since then. Unless of course that doesn't amount to much then perhaps education comes first.
What do you think?

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

Yes Im one of those completely useless good for nothing IT recruitment consultants ;)
As you say there is no right or wrong really, the main thing is that its clearly laid out, easy to read and to the point.
As you can imagine we see all sort of bizzarre things that people have come up with to try and be different or stand out.
With regard to employment before or after education, to be honest I dont think either way is going to prevent you from getting a job.
It really is personal prefence, I dont generally look at the education in great detail but I generaly would prefer to know to what level someone is educated to before I go through all there work history, I deal a lot with contract roles so for some of the more experienced people they have a pretty long work history, im generaly interested in the total length of time theyve been working, (normally covered in the overview at the start) and the specific details of the past 3-5 years, there could be another 5 - 15 yrs+ experience that I may not even get to read, so if the education details are after this lot, potentially I could miss it.
Also with accreditations and specific qualifications I would put these under the education section, again I would rather know straight away if someone was say a CCNA or CCDP or maybe a Prince2 certified Project Manager etc

One thing I would say is no matter whats on your resume or how well you've laid it out, a CV wont automatically get you the job, how you front up at interview will govern that, how you present, communication skills, personality, fit within the business etc are also very important.

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

What, exactly, do you do in IT? My company have offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and are always on the lookout for good people. Also - I forgot to double check, are you in oz already? (Where) and iof not, when do you plan to get here?

Re: Advice On CV Format
 

Thanks for the reply Steve, I did come back to read it.
I'm sure you're not completely useless or good for nothing, it's just all the others ;)