CV/Job advice

[hilaldo]

I'm looking for advice to make our c'vs more NZ friendly. I've read that with the more "laid back" attitude and possible tall poppy effect that allegedly exists we may need to rework our cvs.
My partner is a nurse and, although I am currently in a management position within the prison service, in the short term I will be looking to pick up any work I can although will eventually be either looking to study to enter a new field of work or enter the customs or ambulance service.
As with everyone we want to give ourselves the best possible chance and with their unemployment being the highest it's been in 10 years we don't want a poorly worded cv to scupper our chances as we're desperate to get out there now we've finally got our visa.
Any and all help is welcome

[jenswaters]

Originally Posted by hilaldo

I'm looking for advice to make our c'vs more NZ friendly. I've read that with the more "laid back" attitude and possible tall poppy effect that allegedly exists we may need to rework our cvs.
My partner is a nurse and, although I am currently in a management position within the prison service, in the short term I will be looking to pick up any work I can although will eventually be either looking to study to enter a new field of work or enter the customs or ambulance service.
As with everyone we want to give ourselves the best possible chance and with their unemployment being the highest it's been in 10 years we don't want a poorly worded cv to scupper our chances as we're desperate to get out there now we've finally got our visa.
Any and all help is welcome

Hi

I am in the same position actually. I am a teacher, and have been told that CV's are pretty different to that of the UK. However, I have also been told that this is NOT true!!! I have worked overseas before and seen many styles. In the USA, education CV's come with the attitude 'the bigger the better' (I have seen an 11-page resume before), and that NO identifying information is permitted to prevent prejudice (i.e. NO full name, gender, D.O.B, marital status etc). In the UK it is a MAXIMUM of 3 pages, and kept as succinct as possible. What is the set-up in NZ???

We have been granted residency, but really need to secure work out there before moving. Anybody have any advice or opinions???

Thanks

Jen

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by jenswaters

Hi

I am in the same position actually. I am a teacher, and have been told that CV's are pretty different to that of the UK. However, I have also been told that this is NOT true!!! I have worked overseas before and seen many styles. In the USA, education CV's come with the attitude 'the bigger the better' (I have seen an 11-page resume before), and that NO identifying information is permitted to prevent prejudice (i.e. NO full name, gender, D.O.B, marital status etc). In the UK it is a MAXIMUM of 3 pages, and kept as succinct as possible. What is the set-up in NZ???

We have been granted residency, but really need to secure work out there before moving. Anybody have any advice or opinions???

Thanks

Jen

I have made my 'summary' CV two sides of an A4 sheet, then added details of specific jobs on following sheets. Theory is if the two sides of A4 has grabbed their attention then they will find the details they want on the following pages....

Also leave your age off - it's illegal to ask someons age!!

[Tom at cv.co.nz]

Hi all - My name is Tom O'Neil and I'm the MD of (deleted as this is advertising). I believe that its important to sell yourself in your CV. Its your brochure!!! Imagine if Tiger Woods (not the best example at present) wrote his CV stating:

Occupation: Golfer
Responsibilities: Hit ball
Hit ball again
Tap ball lightly
Tap ball into hole

- this would not sell him to potential employers!!! It does not demonstrate their immense value and achievements that stem from this seemingly mundane activity!

In another example, if you have a valuable Ferrari to sell, you don't put an advertisement in the 'Cars For Sale' section of your local newspaper with the text:

'Car, 4 wheels, engine. Goes. $100,000'

It is important that you 'sell' the features and benefits of the car to maximize interest it (and justify the price). Therefore the advertisement would potentially read something like:

'Ferrari 360. Late model 2006, low miles. 560 horse power, top speed of 240 mph. Racing red. Only $100,000. Live the dream!'

Its important to draw out your working and personal achievements and phrase them to sell you to prospective employers!

Generally speaking, NZ CV's should be between 3-4 pages. however the front 1/2 page must be targeted directly to the employer if possible...

Also remember that you are the solution! When an employer advertises for a Sales Consultant, they are not actually seeking a person to go out and knock on doors and speak to potential customers. They are after a mechanism that will generate more sales for the business!

When an employer advertises for an Accountant, they are not actually seeking a person to 'number crunch'. They are after a mechanism that will ensure accurate reporting of their financial affairs to their shareholders and the government.

Thinking in this context, an employer is seeking a solution to an issue. It just happens that on many occasions the best solution is a human being as they are versatile and relatively resourceful.

It is pointless marketing yourself to an employer, if you are not meeting the requirements of what they are seeking in an employee.

I.e. If they are seeking a scuba diver, do not talk about your excellent flower arranging skills!

Make your approach relevant to the employer! Put yourself in their shoes!
Target the keywords and 'sell them' back to the employer

When a top tailor makes a suit for a client, they take measurements to ensure it will fit the client perfectly. Therefore remember to always tailor your whole approach for the position you are applying. This will significantly increase your chances for reaching the interview stage.

I.e. You want to ensure that the key aspects and keywords in the advertisement or position description are ‘mirrored’ in everything you send and do!

If an advertisement states that an employer is seeking an “honest and focused individual”, you could state in the Summary section of your CV and cover letter that you are a “person with integrity, who focuses on setting and achieving business goals”.

Other examples include:

Honest - Integrity
Customer driven - Client focused
Proactive - Seeks new opportunities
Team player - Works well in a group
Autonomous - Self-directed
Hands on - Practical

BECOME THE SOLUTION TO THE EMPLOYERS PROBLEM!

I am happy to have a look at any CVs free of charge and give honest and fair feedback. Contact me (Tom) on (deleted as this is advertising).

God bless and good luck!

Tom O'Neil - Managing Director - (deleted as this is advertising)

[hilaldo]

Thanks for the tips. I'll get cracking on the cv