CV advice

[arbclimber]

Andy, I think you are right. The environmentally aware bandwagon is here to stay. If we can charge to evolve it in a slightly different direction to enable companies to differentiate their offering I think we are on to a winner.

 

I must admit, and i'm sure you already know that a concept like this, for me, is all about the profit. But for Tony it is about so much more. Seems to me though that having a succesful business and making the 'difference' seem to go hand in hand with this type of venture. The more of a difference Tony gets to make, the more revenue is generated. Everyones a winner.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

so, new year, new start to my quest for a new job!

 

Please tell me what you think of this CV and suggest changes that might help as so far it is doing nothing in gaining interviews!

 

Had to cut and paste as wouldnt display word!

 

C.V

 

Antony Croft

Born 3-6-1972

 

Qualifications-

 

GCSE English C, Mathematics D, Biology B, Geography C, Bushey Hall senior School

 

City & Guilds- Starting Photography Distinction grade, Introduction to black and white photography credit grade,

 

NPTC Certificates CS30, CS31A, CS36, CS38, CS39, CS41 (first aid and many many more MEWP etc)

 

Certificate Sports Fishery management course, obtained at Sparsholt Hampshire.

 

Certificate of Photographic Excellence awarded by Mike Maloney, chief photographer of the mirror group.

 

Certificate “bats in woodlands course” run by Geoff Billington

 

Certified VTA practitioner with elite VTA training assessed and led by Dr Claus Mattheck

 

Employment record-

 

Keith Weyman Tree Surgery, position trainee/apprentice Climber, Duration 7 Years.

 

Gristwood & Toms, position climber/crew leader, Duration 4 years.

 

B & N tree care, position Climber, duration 12 months.

 

Portfolio, position photographer, 9 months.

 

Driftwood tree surgery Ltd, position Owner/manager, duration 5years.

 

Urban Forestry, position Lead climber, duration 18months.

 

J & D Clarks tree work specialists, lead climber, duration present & last 5 years.

 

Hobbies-

 

Photography of and searching for fungi/veteran trees in the interests of personal study/research/recording etc.

 

Specialist skills-

 

I have studied the body language of trees, decay strategies and ecology of fungi for many years and have an exceptional level of ability in this field (tree hazard/ecological assessment) I also have 23 years experience as a climbing arborist which has given me valuable, hands on, insights into tree responses to managements, enabling appropriate work specifications in a wide variety of scenarios.

 

Dream job- Arb/ecology consultant/surveyor, within a company that allows me to progress and continue to learn, be stimulated mentally and potentially provide the scope to continue my own research/study objectives.

[Paul Barton]

Hi Tony,

 

Good idea for some peer review! I am certainly no recruitment expert but I have added a few comments in places to your CV. On the real thing don't forget to add your contact details and names of referees.

 

Above all, make sure you tailor each CV to suit the criteria in the job advert, and send it with a covering letter/email that conveys your passion and desire for the job.

 

Hope you don't mind my comments.

 

 

C.V

 

Antony Croft

Born 3-6-1972

 

Qualifications- start with the most relevant and recent. Add dates the qualifications were awarded

 

GCSE English C, Mathematics D, Biology B, Geography C, Bushey Hall senior School

 

City & Guilds- Starting Photography Distinction grade, Introduction to black and white photography credit grade,

 

NPTC Certificates CS30, CS31A, CS36, CS38, CS39, CS41 (first aid and many many more MEWP etc)the phrase in brackets is unnecessarily vague - if it is relevant, list it. If not, leave it out

 

Certificate Sports Fishery management course, obtained at Sparsholt Hampshire.

 

Certificate of Photographic Excellence awarded by Mike Maloney, chief photographer of the mirror group.

 

Certificate “bats in woodlands course” run by Geoff Billington

 

Certified VTA practitioner with elite VTA training assessed and led by Dr Claus Mattheck

 

Employment record- start with the most recent and add dates for each. A line or two describing your main duties at each job would paint more of a picture about you

 

Keith Weyman Tree Surgery, position trainee/apprentice Climber, Duration 7 Years.

 

Gristwood & Toms, position climber/crew leader, Duration 4 years.

 

B & N tree care, position Climber, duration 12 months.

 

Portfolio, position photographer, 9 months.

 

Driftwood tree surgery Ltd, position Owner/manager, duration 5years.

 

Urban Forestry, position Lead climber, duration 18months.

 

J & D Clarks tree work specialists, lead climber, duration present & last 5 years.

 

Hobbies-

 

Photography of and searching for fungi/veteran trees in the interests of personal study/research/recording etc.

 

Specialist skills-

 

I have studied the body language of trees, decay strategies and ecology of fungi for many years and have an exceptional level of ability in this fieldthis may well be true but it comes across as a bit cocky. Perhaps consider rephrasing it so it reflects your passion and drive rather than stating your opinion of yourself. (tree hazard/ecological assessment) I also have 23 years experience as a climbing arborist which has given me valuable, hands on, insights into tree responses to managements, enabling appropriate work specifications in a wide variety of scenarios.

 

Dream job- perhaps consider putting this section at the beginning to clearly state your objectives and reason for applying. Tailor it specifically for the job you are applying forArb/ecology consultant/surveyor, within a company that allows me to progress and continue to learn, be stimulated mentally and potentially provide the scope to continue my own research/study objectives.

[windfall]

Only just joined the forum and just spotted this thread. I ran a recruitment business for 10 years so if you want me to look your CV over pm me for my email.

[Paul Barton]

Actually Tony, scrap my comment about being cocky. There is nothing wrong with being exceptional at something. Sorry about that!

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Actually Tony, scrap my comment about being cocky. There is nothing wrong with being exceptional at something. Sorry about that!

 

Paul- its cool, thanks for taking the time to give me some pointers, i needed some for certain!

 

and dont worry about my being so cocksure of myself with regard to THAT ability, I can and do discuss/argue these things with my peers, at a very high level, so i feel i have the right to be so sure of myself!

 

You mention referees, wont this come across as "cocky" and "name dropping"?

 

Your reaction to "exceptional" reflects this very real fear.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Only just joined the forum and just spotted this thread. I ran a recruitment business for 10 years so if you want me to look your CV over pm me for my email.

 

PM coming your way-

 

i would however ask if you wouldnt mind including the comments etc within this thread as it may help others achieve veryu similar goals aspirations to me.

 

I am not at all embaressed by personal comments or issues brought up, it only reflects the reality of situations and maybe help others get over fears of ridicule etc in aiming a little bit higher than they feel they are entitled to:thumbup1:

 

Oh, should one say what salary they seek?

[Paul Barton]

You mention referees, wont this come across as "cocky" and "name dropping"?

 

Your reaction to "exceptional" reflects this very real fear.

 

Not at all. Any potential employer will want to seek character references for a new employee. You should name current (if appropriate) and past employers that you would be happy to be contacted to give you a reference. This shouldn't come across as name dropping.

 

...and my reaction to 'exceptional' was wrong:blushing: so don't worry about that!

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Not at all. Any potential employer will want to seek character references for a new employee. You should name current (if appropriate) and past employers that you would be happy to be contacted to give you a reference. This shouldn't come across as name dropping.

 

...and my reaction to 'exceptional' was wrong:blushing: so don't worry about that!

 

are we talking ONLY those I have worked FOR as apposed to some others whom i know would more than happily express an opinion as to my capacity to perform the role?

 

If anything I tend to play down and exclude, if i chose to i could lay it on so thick as to require a trowel!