CV Problemo.

takethehighroad

Trust me, based on some of the numpties* that have started with me at Republic, a lack of work experience is not a big problem. Make sure your profile section is spot on though, they need to know there's a cracking reason why you don't have work experience.

An idea of one possible "embellishment" is something along the lines of :-
"I regularly take part in Amateur bike races, which I enjoy thoroughly, and have achieved some good results in the last few months"

As for places to apply, make sure it's something you're interested in, so that if/when it comes to interview, you don't seem uninformed. As said before, Aldi is very good pay, but hard work for it too.

*Not calling you a numpty by the way

freehub

I'll show my CV I just need to upload it,

Pottssteve, as in my sig, my name is will, not freehub, and I only have one account on here.

freehub

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/thehub/CV-2.jpg

STEFANOS4784

There's a subtle difference between a blatent lie and a slight exageration, who would you employ. The guy who says that whilst working in a shop his sole was crushed by the bullsh1t customers comne out with? Or the guy who says he relishes challenges, meets them head on and is a great problem solver. Both true of me but i'd only tell the employer what thery want to here..........

freehub

"that I relished" I have took off.

What am I going to say if they question the large gap? Do I tell them it's the fact I've not had a real job untill YWT where I had a voluntery job?

Stellite

Will mate, just be yourself. If you start waffling on and telling porkies you will get caught out.

Just be truthfull. Just because you have had a bit of time off doesnt mean you wont work again.

Ive been off work since January because I fancied a change. Ive been going to sea for 17 years and am a bit sick of it. I have taken all summer off so I can ride my bike all day, every day. I have not been able to do this since I was as school, a long time ago.

I think in an interview situation, the person conducting the interview has pretty much made up their mind in the first 5 mintes. So dress up smart, be polite, and best of luck 8)

Nuggs

redddraggon wrote:

Join the TA, they'll take anyone, you'll get paid, and you'll learn cool, and it'll be loads of fun.

The possibility of war and death may take the shine off it a bit though...

freehub

I went and handed the CV in a few places

tkmax, aldi, clas ohlson, random coffe shop, argos, handed CV in edinburgh bike coop.

I'm going to try mcdonalds if all else fails but I'm also going to apply at waterstones.

The guy in my flat has little work experience, probably equal to me, and mcdonalds took him on.

pottssteve

freehub wrote:

I went and handed the CV in a few places

tkmax, aldi, clas ohlson, random coffe shop, argos, handed CV in edinburgh bike coop.

I'm going to try mcdonalds if all else fails but I'm also going to apply at waterstones.

The guy in my flat has little work experience, probably equal to me, and mcdonalds took him on.

So McDonalds is one step up from Waterstones?

bobtbuilder

Definitely lose the cleaning bit, because (a) it was 3 days and (b) it's not relevant for what you want to do now.

Beef up the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust job. Think about what your propsective employer wants to see (customer service, etc.) and creatively boost your CV in that area.

You need a CV that appeals to your particular target audience. When I was job-seeking this Spring after being made redundant, I would tweak my CV slightly for almost every job I applied for, depending on the particular job spec. Shops are going to want to see: customer service, teamwork, initiative, etc. so get them on your CV.

Good Luck!

freehub

I did loose the cleaning bit but then it was said it should be on there and I'm unsure what else to add to the wildlife trust job now I've already expanded it.

I don't think I will apply at waterstones now, there is nothing saying what experience is needed, but at the start on the carrers page it said "We're looking for people who are fully motivated, passionate and knowledgeable about books. " and I hardly read, I can read, I like comics and factual stuff like guinness world records, would not mind reading those of the cycling books but that's about it.

redddraggon

freehub wrote:

I like comics and factual stuff like guinness world records,

alfablue

I don't think Waterstones is for you, last time I went in I described a book I had heard a review of, forgot the title and author, the member of staff knew exactly what book - I was impressed. You may do better to play to your strengths, assuming you have a choice. Obviously a bike shop would be ideal - have you canvassed them all?

freehub

I only went to Edinburgh Bike Coop and harry halls, I handed a CV in to edinburgh bike coop but not harry halls, they seem like they have lots of staff and it don't seem right that shop. I tried another shop but they where closed.

spanielsson

I don't think a CV is going to get you the kind of work you are looking for.

Walk into the places (like a bike shop for example) and ask to speak to the manager, then politely ask if the have any vacancies at all because you are looking for part time work? That kind of approach will carry more weight than a CV without any real qualifications or work experience on it.

What about computer places? They seem to be your "specialist subject/area", you may have success.

Don't limit yourself as to where you look for work, it is money you want more so than a career.

Anonymous

I never bothered with a CV, I just did the 'walk in and ask' approach and worked from the age of 13...

Worked for me!

It's easier to get a job when you've got a job...

freehub

I'm trying not to limit myself, but I'm nervous about places like bars and clubs, I fear I'd not cope with the massive volume in somewhere like that. At the weekend I'll probs go round town and ask more places, I know of a computer shop down oxford road.

spanielsson

NapoleonD wrote:

I never bothered with a CV, I just did the 'walk in and ask' approach and worked from the age of 13...

Is that how you made Sergeant so young?!

Anonymous

If you don't ask you don't get!

Acting Inspector's course in two weeks...

Bring on the pips!

redddraggon

Will, do the right degree, put your CV up on Monster, and you get tonnes of employment agencies asking for your services.

woodford2barbican

Go to MaccyDs - it is a job & it is always easier to find a job when you are already working. So what if it is shite - it is a stepping stone.

passout

Generally speaking your CV should stress your skills - IT, customer service, communication as much as work history. Your could have a separate skills section on your CV. The cleaner bit could get a quicj mention but the volunteering position should be stressed more.
Good luck.