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 achievements not tools

[DamienMcKenna]

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

Experience is one thing...

[fm6]

...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.

Re:My tips- only one of which is a joke

[Pete (big-pete)]

Out of that, I recieved 15 interviews and one job offer- all on either the applications for fast food jobs, or on the 2 page resumes.

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.

Sigh, now if I could just believe you.

[bluGill]

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.