Is it normal for everyone to give you conflicting advice on how to write a cv?

When applying for jobs, the vast majority of them will ask for a CV and/or a cover letter of some kind.

I'm a recent university graduate and most of my paid experience has been on a temporary ad-hoc basis BECAUSE OF UNIVERSITY.

Now, I understand that every company and every individual works differently, but the CV advice market is very crowded and the only thing all advisors give consistently is that a CV is for selling yourself.

One recruitment agency - for people with disabilities - says that I should delete work experience that was only temporary (Some of my paid work has literally only been for two days).
Some others have said that I should try and keep my CV to one page if at all possible.
However, I've just spoken with a free CV reviewer on a well-known job website and I was told that my CV needed to be two pages long!

The only way for me to make my CV two pages long is to list every form of job I've ever had; including temporary positions.

I have voluntary experience, have studied abroad as part of my degree and - not intending to boast - I have a wide range of skills and qualities that have come about as a result of these skills.

So why is it that nobody is actually consistent?

Voting Results
69% Normal
Based on 26 votes (18 yes)
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Comments ( 5 )
  • howaminotmyself

    I'm not sure what is standard advice, but as a person who reads resumes and hires people on occassion, I'll tell you what I like to see.

    Don't make me read a lot of stuff about you that does not relate to the job I am hiring for. I prefer it to be kept to one page. I have to read tons of resumes and I'm busy. I may only read half of it if it's too long.

    Don't be boring. You are selling yourself and I want to see your personality. A large part of hiring is finding a person who fits with the office culture, not just finding a qualified person. I once wrote a job announcement that included "laughing at the boss's jokes" as a qualification. People who didn't remark on that would not be a good fit for that job.

    If you can't include personality in your resume or CV, make sure you do in a cover letter.

    And I know you want a job, it's a tough market out there. Everybody wants a job. But ask me for an interview and a chance to talk in person.

    I think the reason people are inconsistent is going to be found in the nature of the job. My office is very casual where bare feet and dogs are welcome. Clearly this laid back attitude is not appropriate for Wall st or hospitals.

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    • I've been applying for admin, customer service and sales jobs... I was recommended by the disability agency to try an Apprenticesjhip, but I'm sure I'm overqualified for one.

      Also, CVs aren't meant to have personality, I'm sure....

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  • IDiGAFi

    Everyone thinks they know it all about this kind of things, when actually they contradict one another. You are right about that. Don't beat yourself up. It's fine to consult first in order to have some idea of what should be done. If you find something almost all of them agree on, then you should consider it. But with all the other stuff, just do as you feel and don't worry so much. There's no absolute truth on these matters. Not all interviewers think alike, so there's no guarantee of success.

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  • Terence_the_viking

    Your C.V. is an account of your lifes work so go write it the way that best describes it.

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  • kelili

    I was told that a CV should be kept to one page because most people wouldn't bother to read a two-page CV.

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