I’m testing the limits of my knowledge here, but I think CVs started in the world of academia, where it’s not necessarily the positions you’ve held that are important; papers that you’ve published, research you’ve done, and other bits of information that wouldn’t normally appear on a standard resume can make or break a candidate. Hence, the CV.
However, from my limited experience, CVs are becoming de rigueur for upper management-type positions in the U.S., and they might be filtering down to the regular management ranks in some cases. The last two VPs my company hired sent CVs as opposed to a standard resume, as did all the candidates.
For technical jobs, CVs serve much the same purpose as they do in academia, so they might be more prevalent than in other areas of expertise.
Pucky Schumer, that would suck mightily. Had you already given notice at another job, or were you at loose ends when the “yes” became “no”? Either way it’s crappy.
UK employers don’t usually use the term “resume” - they ask for a CV. I don’t think I’ve ever seen “resume” in a UK job ad. I think we’re basically talking about the same thing here; a summary of work history, skills and qualifications? There may be personal information included on a UK CV that you wouldn’t need for a US resume - I’ve never applied for a US job, so I wouldn’t know.
Ah. Thanks for the info. They sound something like what our industry would use for an “SOQ” (statement of qualificiations) or bid resume. Also, now that you’ve lined it out so nicely for me. I believe I’ve seen a few.
For the computer person trying to break into the field. Again, I’d highly recommend going with the volunteer route (helping with the church’s ancient system), helping the neighbor set up his new system.
Heck, I once got a job, in part because I waitressed at a place where a semi-major player in one of the oil companies liked to dine and talked to him about my desire to get a job in their upcoming “turnaround” (where they tear down parts of the plant and refurbish it. Long hours, temp assignment, good pay).
And in part because one of the people with whom I played had “walleyball” in a college PE course was also a manager at the same plant and I wrote him a letter saying, in effect, "hey? remember me? if you think it’d help, I’d sure appreciate your endorsement.
Unfortunately, this is a time when a person kind of has to play “suck up” to people a little bit. You never know who might have that crucial contact.
And I told everyone I knew (from the grocery clerks to a person I might stop and help on the roadway) that I was looking for a job.
For those who live outside the US? Boy, I admit I don’t have any experience at all there insofar as "CV’S and the like. But I can’t imagine that the “networking” and “people/interview” skillls, or other “basics” could be all that different.
As always, my empathy and strongest “get a job” vibes go out to you all!!