Other side of the desk

[suityou01]

ClientCo is currently hiring for a BA. The rate is crap and they have procured the CVs already. Just piling through them and it's interesting to see the broad state of contractors' CVs at the lower rate end of the spectrum. I am on a panel of 3 reviewing and interviewing.

The common problems are (believe it or not)

• Poor spelling and typos
• Poor grammar
• Poor layout (one cv had no headings and the whole document was in the same size font, no bold or italicised text - gave me a headache trying to scan for important info like dates, roles held etc.
• Agency cover sheets. (Hard to see where the cover sheet ends and the cv starts. Also spelling mistakes on the cover sheet do not set the scene well, have to consciously put that to one side and try and whittle out the CV)

And in very general terms, just getting the basic information like, what did you do and when. I have lost count the number of times I read this morning "Working on a project that . . . " or "The project was to . . . ". It is good background information but what I need to know at a glance is

What did you do
When
What were your successes

Also if you list your skills without a profile or measure of strength it is more difficult to get a feel for where your strengths lie.

This is purely my first impressions of being on the other side of the desk, and I thought they might provide some food for thought for any benchees. I'll prolly get ripped by dodgy agent and the rest of you but this was posted in good faith and I hope it prompts a fruitful discussion.

SY01

[Platypus]

I hope it prompts a fruitful discussion.

I'm particularly fond of strawberries, with crème fraîche rather than cream.

[Clippy]

ClientCo is currently hiring for a BA. The rate is crap and they have procured the CVs already. Just piling through them and it's interesting to see the broad state of contractors' CVs at the lower rate end of the spectrum. I am on a panel of 3 reviewing and interviewing.

The common problems are (believe it or not)

• Poor spelling and typos
• Poor grammar
• Poor layout (one cv had no headings and the whole document was in the same size font, no bold or italicised text - gave me a headache trying to scan for important info like dates, roles held etc.
• Agency cover sheets. (Hard to see where the cover sheet ends and the cv starts. Also spelling mistakes on the cover sheet do not set the scene well, have to consciously put that to one side and try and whittle out the CV)

And in very general terms, just getting the basic information like, what did you do and when. I have lost count the number of times I read this morning "Working on a project that . . . " or "The project was to . . . ". It is good background information but what I need to know at a glance is

What did you do
When
What were your successes

Also if you list your skills without a profile or measure of strength it is more difficult to get a feel for where your strengths lie.

This is purely my first impressions of being on the other side of the desk, and I thought they might provide some food for thought for any benchees. I'll prolly get ripped by dodgy agent and the rest of you but this was posted in good faith and I hope it prompts a fruitful discussion.

SY01

Then why not post it in the Business section of the forum?

[suityou01]

Then why not post it in the Business section of the forum?

Did think of that, but I wanted a more "General" perspective. Also a lot of benchees lurk in general so it might get better coverage.

Now, off you pop.

[Mich the Tester]

I'm particularly fond of strawberries, with crème fraîche rather than cream.

A little sprinkling of well aged balsamic vinegar is a lighter alternative.

[Clippy]

Did think of that, but as I am inherently insecure and am in desperate need of some attention I posted it in Gerneral.

And, yes, I am a

FTFY.

[suityou01]

I'm particularly fond of strawberries, with crème fraîche rather than cream.

A little sprinkling of well aged balsamic vinegar is a lighter alternative.

Don't forget to give a little shake

[DimPrawn]

At this rate SY01 will be headhunted!

[MarillionFan]

Well not only are they poorly written CVs they are now no doubt covered in popcorn, greasy fingerprints and the subtle aroma of ammonia.

[norrahe]

A little sprinkling of well aged balsamic vinegar is a lighter alternative.

Black pepper is also nice