CV Workshop

kj_corcoran

based on this an other advice I've now updated my CV (plus a couple of extra experiences): http://issuu.com/kierancor/docs/kieran_corcoran_cv_ii

anon87

I'd just give it up if I were you mate, I mean some people have got the academic strength for journalism and you clearly don't.

I joke obviously. I think you should sub down your blurbs for each work experience placement, especially where you have three or four words hanging over to the next line, that's like the sound of nails on a blackboard to a subbers eyes.

I'd also lose the Advanced Extension Award line, I've got two distinctions in those exams but no-one has ever seemed impressed by it (lots of people don't know what they are). As for your A-levels, don't delete them, seriously, 5As is 5As, and no-one's gonna overlook that, it's impressive.

kj_corcoran

@anon87 ha thanks. yeah never sure about the AEAs thing, part of me thinks it sounds cool, but you're right that probably nobody outside of sixth form teachers knows what it is! good points on the subbing, I'd not considered that angle.

anon87

@kj_corcoran Glad to be of help! To be honest, with your academic record and editorship of the Tab, you should be a shoe-in for either the Times or Telegraph graduate scheme, probably without the need for a MA from City either. Never hurts to cut out the fluff though, good luck!

kj_corcoran

@anon87 that's the absolute dream! it's a tough world out there though. here's hoping James Harding stumbles across this in his lunch break.

TheBrettLeppard

I'd cut out the lines at the top about being dedicated etc. It's the sort of thing you'd put in a cover letter, takes up valuable space on a CV.

I'd also take out your A levels. The fact that you got a first in your second year will be more than enough evidence that you're academically qualified.

Finally, it might be an idea to include links (where possible). Shows web-savvy and allows for easy access to parts of your portfolio.

Jonathan Frost

2 Like

I would recommend tailoring your objective to each publication. Currently a bit broad.

kj_corcoran

@MadeleinePotts good spot with the typo. Wish I'd found it myself before sending it to The Times' trainee scheme...

Getting the impression from all quarters that sexy colour is the way to go. Suggestions for how to do it? Would we say coloured text? Some black some something else? I've had logos of publications suggested, which sounds pretty rad to me. Quite keen on the idea of my CV being drenched tabloid red.

Jonathan Frost

@kj_corcoran As Maddy says, be careful with adding colour. A deep red should be okay when printed in b&w / photocopied, though.

I'd consider putting your titles in red if you wanted to add red. Leave the normal copy in black - you don't want to overdo it.

I also think splitting this into two columns may help with readability.

MadeleinePotts

1 Like

@kj_corcoran Hah, sure they'll forgive it if they're impressed by your experience!As long as it's still easy to read and not over-the-top, I wouldn't see anything wrong with some red. Personally, I'd suggest doing it on design software rather than just changing font colours etc on Word or Pages, but that might be my geekiness coming out.Also, I was once told to try photocopying your CV once you've finished playing with the design - if it's no longer legible in black & white it can piss off HR people, apparently!I googled "designer CV" and "marketing CV" and such when looking for inspiration for mine, then paired down the sort of stuff I found, think it worked quite well!

MadeleinePotts

Think the "highlights" parts are great - really show off the most impressive parts of the candidate's experience, without a "while-I-was-there-I-did-x-y-z-which-meant..." narrative manner. Reads well, pacey, to the point.I agree with the comment below though, I think a little bit of clever design - just enough to catch the eye without looking like a poster - goes a long way. But magazines are my thing, so perhaps I'm biased. Over all though, looks cracking to me!(Tab Editor section, "an coordinated scores of contributors" instead of "and" - just to let you know!)