AdobePinon

These things vary a lot, as you can tell from the previous posts. Most jobs require a résumé, but not all. It's worth it (if you can) for positions you care about to contact the HR department to ask how applications are processed. For example, my employer expects a full unlimited length CV (not résumé) and a cover letter. HR checks the cover letter (not the CV) to see that you meet the stated job requirements. If you do, they forward the application to the hiring organization who then use the CV and cover letter both. Point being, if you screw up the cover letter (usually by not addressing every individual job requirement), no dice. Admittedly, my employer is not a typical situation.

WEBlue

From what I've seen, educational and research positions here in the USA seem to require the long & more detailed CV rather than the shorter American-stye resume. Is this generally true?

MsElui

We have done a load of interview training here. We have to look for concrete responses like
the issue was this,
I did this to solve it,
and the outcome was that.

Not I 'like to' ' usually' 'prefer to' ' normally' or I 'would' etc as they say that past action is a better indicator of future action.

AdobePinon

Yep. Accomplishments are more important than activities.

AdobePinon

There's some amount of truth to it. FWIW, I update a 2-page résumé, a 5-page CV and a 10-page CV on a frequent basis. Also, a half-page bio for internal matters. Never know which one I'll need when.

judesM

I found success with the British accent. The interviewer was often fascinated and then we got to yapping about 'have I seen the Queen' etc..good icebreaker. I let 'em run with that one as long as they wanted.

Hotscot

I just found a job after six long months since my last one ended. Been doing at least three interviews a week in that period.

Numerous interviews, Skype video calls, personality testing etc.
High tech sales. Work from home. Long sales cycles. High commission.

Now I'm mentally exhausted but taking a month to see some other parts of the U.S before I begin. First stop New Orleans!

Hotscot

I just found a job after six long months since my last one ended. Been doing at least three interviews a week in that period.

Numerous interviews, Skype video calls, personality testing etc.
High tech sales. Work from home. Long sales cycles. High commission.

Now I'm mentally exhausted but taking a month to see some other parts of the U.S before I begin. First stop New Orleans!

hoffage123

My goodness Hotscot - that sounds very involved.

Thank you for your perspective I appreciate that everyone - in terms of health insurance and whatnot, is that the kind of thing that is negotiated after an offer is made? I will be looking to cover myself, my missus and 4 year old son ...

Hotscot

Normally the HR person will discuss health benefits etc before they consider making an offer.

NatashaB

In my limited experience so far, the roles I've applied for tend to have a 'pre-screening' interview by HR, in which they ask you generic interview questions like 'tell me about a difficult colleague you've encountered and how you dealt with it'. I'm really bad at those type of questions... I'd love to know what they're looking to hear.

I also wondered whether my UK work experience was a factor in them questioning whether I might have visa issues - how would you drop the fact you have a green card into your resume or cover letter?

Bob

That's not something that is usually up for negotiation. It's either something that they offer or they don't and it'll cost you either x,y,z for plan options a,b,c etc.

Things you negotiate tend to be salary, holiday/PTO/sick leave, any relocation if necessary, that kind of stuff.

Bob

Stick it up top, below your name/contact details...

Speedwell

Yup. In my husband's resume, we have a line in his "profile" section that says that he has permanent residency ("green card") and a Social Security number and is fully authorized to work in the US. Technically it is OK to work if you have a green card, work permit, or appropriate visa even if you don't have a Social Security number; there's a special way they are supposed to withhold taxes. But it's a very rare HR person who knows this or who knows how to manage it, and they usually refuse to bother.

NatashaB

Thanks Bob and Speedwell, I will definitely slot that information in somewhere.