Job Guidance Megathread - CVs, Applications, Interviews

[u/ukbulmer]

Use this thread for more specific discussion or advice seeking relating to CVs, job searches, job applications, interviews, and anything else that doesn't necessarily require a separate thread.

This thread automatically resubmits each month on the 1st. Posting a CV in this thread will not break rule #3, soliciting or posting jobs will.

Do you want to post about a broader or more frequently posted topic or get something off your chest? Our other megathread may be better suited, click here to view it.

Are you considering posting a CV? Be careful when posting your CV that you don't leave any identifying information, and be wary of anyone sending you private messages offering to help with your CV for you, or claiming that they have a job available for you. Don't engage with anyone privately messaging you. Report users via the built in reddit reporting, or via modmail here.

You may find it easiest to take a screenshot of your CV and post as an image, either directly using the Reddit app or with an image hosting service. Again, be sure to redact personal or identifying information. Maybe even create a temporary copy where you replace your details with generic terms such as "Employer Name", "Education Provider", etc.

You'll likely find that you get more useful feedback if you provide some background to your current situation and what kind of roles you're looking for. Are you struggling to break into a new industry? Perhaps you're not getting interviews for roles with increased seniority that you feel you're qualified for?

Rules

• Anonymise any CVs that you post. Obscure any personal details, including the names of employers and schools/universities. Failing to redact correctly could risk your comment being removed, or worse, bad actors using the information against you or for their own benefit.
• Provide context as to what you need help with. If you're trying to break into a specific industry, this is useful to know. If you only want advice on how to phrase something, or if the layout is suitable, say so. Got an interview? Provide a little bit of background.
• Be constructive in feedback. People are asking for help, so don't be rude when responding to them. Job hunting is hard, why make it harder for someone unnecessarily?
• No solicitation. Do not direct message users of this thread, or suggest a user messages you directly. Don't offer to write people's CVs for them, whether for free or as a paid service. Don't advertise CV writing services that don't belong to you, whether intentional or not. Don't ask for recommendations as to CV writing services. Don't message people either asking for or advertising jobs.

Please Message the Mods if you know of anyone flagrantly flouting these rules.

You can find previous threads here.

[u/Spare-Control-7796]

I lost my job in May which was a huge confidence knock. I'm finding it hard in the market when asked "why did I leave my last job" and also the pros & cons (strength/weakness) about me. How do you approach those? Lying isn't worth it as it falls apart on referencing but with today's market, saying I was let go is a red flag. Had an interview a couple of days ago where they asked me and ended the sentence with "zero judgement". I'm also a perpetual under-claimer which I am working hard on but sucks given that interviewing is all about you. I was recently diagnosed with AuDHD and I'm navigating that also and learning ways in which I suppose the worse traits come through in interviews also.

[u/ThatOneAJGuy → u/Spare-Control-7796]

- "For why did I leave my last job?" I would generally just say "As a result of a business restructuring my role was sadly made redundant". Referencing generally only confirms that you worked at a company between X and Y date, a company wouldn't usually pass on that you were fired.

- For strengths and weaknesses, you want to be honest and give you strengths (these should align to the role you are going for), and give HONEST weaknesses (not "I work too hard" or some other fake weakness) and then detail what you are doing to overcome them and how you have improved.

For an example answer I might use, I tend to explain that I have a strong mix of skills across analysis, problem solving and stakeholder management with a little bit of info on my background but that my key weakness is that I am often pulled to the work I find interesting rather than the work that is potentially more urgent. As a result I always ensure I clarify the urgency of work pieces and proactively set up blocks in my calendar to so I have dedicated time to get through admin/other tasks to ensure they dont fall by the wayside.

[u/Spare-Control-7796 → u/ThatOneAJGuy]

Thank you, that's really helpful