Overview + Industry Research + My CV + Feedback + Evaluation

I have updated my CV within the last 6 months as I have been applying for jobs already. By updated, I mean in terms of content (i.e. recent achievements have been added, and older, less relevant content has been removed or condensed).

However I will use this unit to further evaluate my CV and look for a more creative way to display my information. Why? So that it stands out and becomes more memorable to the employer. If they have 20 CVs on their desk, I want mine to be the one they are drawn to first, and the one they remember when they leave work that day. This will give me a greater chance at getting put forward for interview.

Example CVs I have researched

http://blogof.francescomugnai.com/2008/09/the-20-most-creative-resumes-ive-seen-in-a-long-time-pure-inspiration/

Echeleon – Deviantart.com – I picked this one out because I like the way it gets across how good the person in a given skill – something which is difficult to get across in a “normal” CV. Perhaps this is something I should look at for my website as well.

SeanMcNally – deviantart.com – I’ve chosen this as again the person has rated himself on various skills (although it doesn’t say what the score is out of – if it’s out of 100 then maybe they’re not so good!)

Echeleon – Deviantart.com – I have picked out this CV because it is bold and the sections are clear. An example of using colour without looking gimmicky. Although potential employers may avoid photocopying this as it would drain their ink.

Hippiedesigner – deviantart.com – An interesting layout style, possibly more suited to a graphic designer. Definitely memorable though.

Maurice – deviantart.com – this is more of a handbook than a standard 2-page CV, and although the sections are clear and easily readable, presenting a potential employer with a 6-page booklet might put them off straight away. It does show that colour does work when used wisely though.

Based on Industry Research

• My CV should be concise (not overcomplicated) and should emphasise my skills that are required by the role/industry (e.g. graphics, numerical, academic, programs etc). This will show my CV has been given thought and show the employer it has been specifically targeted.

• My CV should be innovative and show off my creative skills in a professional manner.

• My CV should be in pdf format. This also enables platform versatility.

My CV

It must be remembered that despite looking at all the amazing CVs above, my potential employer is looking for something that resembles a “normal” CV. This means I will need to operate within the boundaries to make it recognisable and memorable without it being thrown in the bin immediately because it looks like a flyer or an advertising campaign…!

For the last few years I have used a graphic at the top of my CV, and it seems to have served me well. However, I have had to change this graphic to fit in with my new logo/branding…

I have arranged the sections of my CV into a logical order so that it reads well and the potential employer doesn’t need to spend ages looking for the information they want, as this could be crucial.

I have decided against using the “5-star” system to rate my skills as found in my research, as I feel this would make my CV too gimmicky. I already have something considered possibly “outlandish” by my target employer in the form of a logo and colour, so this will remain my key distinction.

I have included my Name/Email/Phone at the footer of each page so it can been seen if there is a loose pile of CVs on the employers desk… I have also included a graphic on the reverse footer so my CV can be spotted easily

Feedback on my CV from an employer (Sky)

• The “tagline” I have used is a great way to set the scene and give a concise description of me:

• There is a lot of information on the CV but it’s hard to know what to get rid of as it’s all relevant and useful as an employer to know about.
• The header graphic made my CV more memorable.
• Having two addresses is a bit confusing.

With point 4 this is understandable. Once I leave uni I will obviously only have one address, but currently I can’t run the risk of a potential employer attempting to contact me at an address which is outdated, should my CV be sat in their system for a while. This way I have it covered.

I have saved the CV in PDF format so that that layout and format stays consistent. I have also chosen a nice, thick paper to print my CV on which can be sent to employers, as this will show that I have really taken the time to think about my CV and that I must be eager for the job. Having wasted some good quality sheets of paper on my home printer I have decided to get it printed professionally at the printer’s on Middle Street, one copy of which you will find enclosed in my hand-in pack.

Evaluation

Overall I am very pleased with my CV, and I feel that I have successfully achieved what I set out to do – create a CV that gently pushes the tight restrictions so that it becomes memorable and stands out, giving me the best chance of it being seen and hopefully taking me in the right direction. It shows that I can be creative (through my logo) as well as structured and professional.

I’m cautious about uploading my CV to my site as I don’t want to become a victim of ID theft… I will just be sending it in physical form/electronic form to companies. See my hand-in for the printed version.