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CV Tips for Software Developers?
drylight asks: "When writing a CV, what do people find to be an effective format that gets possible employer's attention and/or the desired job? Is Keeping things short, preferable or will two or more pages be acceptable? Is a complete work history desired, or would a list of applications and projects that you've been involved in a better idea? Any links to online examples of good CVs would be greatly appreciated. What are some other tips on how to get someone's attention when applying for a job?"
Focus on the achievements you've made, not strictly the tools used. For example, don't tell them that you wrote a 1000 line perl script using bazillions of modules, rather tell them that you fixed a problem the company had for years which boosted sales/productivity/profits using a perl script you wrote. You can be trained in tools, life experience and achievements are what set you apart from other people.
Damien
...but if you're sending out that many resumes with such bad results, I have to suspect you're doing something wrong. Have you ever had somebody review your resume for you? People are not objective about their own writing.
In the UK almost everyone seems to say that a CV (UK terminology for resume) shouldn't be over two pages, and I was surprised to find that in Belgium anything over one page is deemed excessive for most people.
Of course, I took the advice I had received to heart, and tried to cram as much as possible into a two page document - this was used with little effect for the occasional job application for one to two years. Then a recruitment agency contacted me with a position they thought I could apply for, and asked me to flesh out my CV to include more detail on certain areas - length no issue (I extended it to about three pages)...
I got an interview, and very quickly (within a day) a job offer. I also used the CV to apply for another job that also interested me - again netting an interview (and maybe an even better offer - still waiting).
Don't restrict yourself too much to the length of a CV, it is not the be-all and end-all of your application. If you need more space to demonstrate your skills and experience then use it. I know that I wouldn't immediately bin a CV for being over two pages in length - as long as the content justified the length.
Of course, try and make sure it is readable - use a good sized readable font, well spaced. Don't cramp the text and do ask friends for their opinion on the style and presentation.
There is a lot of information out there on writing the "perfect" CV, but some of it does conflict - do your research but go with what feels right for you and your situation.
-- Pete.
Monochrome - Probably the UK's largest internet BBS
Most jobs won't look at you unless you claim 5 years of .net. That alone weeds out all the honest guys who don't exaggerate.