Cv's & Linkedin Profiles

[VincentO]

Hey guys & girls 

 

I was just wondering what were your main issue or problems are with creating the right CV or even Linkedin profile to attract employers?

 

And if one key issue could be solved within this area, what would it be?

[Academicat]

Hey VincentO - I don't think I have an issue with creating one. Can you clarify what you're asking? Are you taking about technical issues with the challenge of crafting a written document? Are you talking about some sort of reservations based on privacy concerns? What do you mean?

[VincentO]

Hello Academicat,

 

I really should have been more specific. 

 

I have read that people have doubts on whether their resume/profile is up-to-scratch and they seek help in creating the 'perfect' resume or Linkedin profile, usually from recruitment agencies or career advice help from their Universities etc...

 

I was wondering what problems or issues people find when they actually get that help?

 

And if there was one key problem that could be solves, what would it be?

[Academicat]

Hm. Good question. I think, for myself, I tend to undersell and underestimate the importance of my accomplishments. It helps me to talk to colleagues about how they'd describe my work and use their responses to gauge how to weigh it in the CV/cover letter. Nobody writes well in a vacuum - there's no shame in seeking advice. In fact, it's silly not to, especially with such a high stakes document.

[whatsinmind]

I would say the two biggest problems with CVs are a) how you describe your work and accomplishments and how the CV is formatted. The correct way to do both of these things will vary from person to person and sometimes even for each position you submit a CV for. When describing what you do, you need to highlight the skills that employers are looking for and this varies depending on the job. Your CV needs to neatly package a jumble of prior jobs, awards, and etc., which can get increasingly difficult the more you build your career. 

 

When working to improve your CV or linked in, look at how other people did it and use their ideas. Look at your advisor and peers' CVs, and most University career websites have model CVs (Columbia has a great guide http://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/basics#OnPaper -- I refer to this all the time even though I never went there!) The same goes for linkedin profiles. After you are done --show it to someone in your field and someone unfamiliar with your discipline. It should be accurate and have the important details for your industry while still being generally accessible to others.

 

Hope this helps! 

[Imaginary]

I have a question about this, too. My understanding is that one would include only experience in teaching or researching at the college level. However, I have experience in teaching, secretarial work, and more. I truly believe these jobs taught me very useful skills. Do I leave them off anyway?

[Academicat]

I have a question about this, too. My understanding is that one would include only experience in teaching or researching at the college level. However, I have experience in teaching, secretarial work, and more. I truly believe these jobs taught me very useful skills. Do I leave them off anyway?

 

I would leave stuff like that until you can fill up the space with so much other more awesome and relevant experience that there isn't room left for the non-field related jobs.

[Imaginary]

That makes sense, and was sort of what I was leaning towards anyway, since I hope to merge and build upon those areas of experience by working as a TA supervisor and in a women's center. Thanks.

[VeroWright]

Here is post on making your LinkedIn profile a look like more professional: http://resumescentre.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-linkedin-profile-tips-and-advice

Hope this one will be useful for you!

Regards,

Veronica Wright