SNAKEBITE Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 When writing a CV for a new job is it best to include a section that is written by hand rather than computer printed? I was having a discussion at work with a chap who was of the opinion that a CV printed on a computer is more proffesional looking and exactly what an employer was looking for. However i am of the opinion that whilst some of it should be computer printed, it shows you can operate a computer, important in todays enviroment, a section should be hand written so you can show you are at least able to write correctly and able to express yourself in an acceptable manner. This way you have all bases covered. What do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Unless you are applying for a job as a handwriting expert, or the prospective Employer requests it, NEVER submit a handwritten CV. I see loads of CV's from jobhunters, it never ceases to amaze me how many contain multiple speling mistaks, absolutely unforgiveable, they go straight in the bin. Cat. P.S. Professional has one f and two S's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Depends on the industry and type of job really. In my field it wouldn't be an advantage and it would also mean some of the auto sifting and processing wouldn't work. Personally, as long as your written word is exceptionally neat then a hand written covering letter can open certain doors, depends on the person who will read the CV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webber Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Speaking as an employer; I like to see a computer generarted CV, accompanied by a hand written letter of application. the reasons for this should be obvious. I have had beutifully produced letters which did not ring true. Sure enough the pre interview forms which are completed on arrival for interview quite often indicate that the candidate has had some help. Any one in Blackpool area looking for a driving job? webber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 When I was an employer, I would prefer to see a typed CV/Application Form (which makes it easier to read quickly) accompanied by a written letter (which I believe is a common courtesy). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Snakebite, for my sins I spent a few years working as a head-hunter in London, and I had literally thousands of CVs cross my desk. I'm fairly clued up on CV lay-out and content. If I can help, please PM me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyjaimz Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 When I was an employer, I would prefer to see a typed CV/Application Form (which makes it easier to read quickly) accompanied by a written letter (which I believe is a common courtesy). I always stuck a passport photo on there aswell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gully Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Always typed. I like to see if applicants can write so I get them to fill out a quick form (things like are you a smoker, do you have a criminal record, driving licence etc when I interview them). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSA Shaun Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 When I was an employer, I would prefer to see a typed CV/Application Form (which makes it easier to read quickly) accompanied by a written letter (which I believe is a common courtesy). I always stuck a passport photo on there aswell And the photo is why you never get an interview Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 I always stuck a passport photo on there aswell Are trying to tell us you are good looking? I helped out with a CV for one one of the girls in the office as she wanted her picture as the watermark on the paper she printed the CV on. I know it sounds absolutely bizarre, but she got what she wanted - and yes, she was a bit 'ding dong' which probabaly helped no end . . I should add, if you hand write anything, they will get it analysed, and suss out you are psychotic anyway - better to save that for the interview Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the last engineer Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 with Cranfield on this one, most that cross my desk are computer generated, of which many are completly overboard with graphics and ****, i just want to see the parts i need, a handwritten form is requested at the interveiw, again some people cant write worth a dam,,,,, im one of em, lefty pigeon scratch. keep it simple and plane enough to read. who you are, what your looking for, what you can do, what you did before, references (legit ones, i check) some hobbies and pastimes, not a life story. Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNAKEBITE Posted July 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Thanks for the replies. I am not in the process of writing a CV myself, just having a discussion with a chap at work. However in the event that I need one at least I have a little more knowledge now. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 I would go with a very well laid out and put together CV and a personalised application letter - this can be manuscript, but to be honest I see nothing professional in someone's handwriting. It really depends what sort of game you are in. A personalised application letter can be typed but it should indicate that you have bothered to address it to the right individual and not a Dear Sirs or Madam number. I also got a digital photo of me and had it scanned into the top right hand corner of my CV. The photo was taken by a mate who was a professional photographer and my CV looked very professional. The reason for the photo was that my surname sounds "foreign" but I am not. I am not getting into the nuts and bolts of it, but I realised that most employers within my profession were going to be white and middle class and upwards. I was not prepared to disadvantage myself and yes I know more than most how equal opportunities works, but the rules and practice are two different things. When I left university with no better marks than most, I was the only person in the year to have 3 training contracts offered. I would say that 80% of my year were offered nothing. One other factor that scored well for me was that I was, as one firm said "the only normal candidate they had seen". I turned up with a smile on my face and an Essex boy's desire to make a few quid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berettaman1 Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 Unless you are applying for a job as a handwriting expert, or the prospective Employer requests it, NEVER submit a handwritten CV. I see loads of CV's from jobhunters, it never ceases to amaze me how many contain multiple speling mistaks, absolutely unforgiveable, they go straight in the bin. Cat. P.S. Professional has one f and two S's. cwite rite mr cat, Hi am hapy to say i ave nevr ad any bover wen askin for a job wen i send in mi aplikayson i am amased wen they rite bak so kwik telin me i was to late and then askin me were i got my eduectayshon from, this prufes too me that thay wood ave took me on if hide av bin cwiker with my replie. so anybody hout there askin for a job don dispare doo wat i did werk for yerself and and bicum a self imployd persin and reep the awards /from me cardboks number 3 rotten row rode. notingam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonsey Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 In my experience you are less likely to be discounted at the first hurdle if your CV is printed, to the point and factual. Getting the interview is the hardest part as often many people are trying to get the same job so a CV that is too different will not do you any favours. Your CV is your sales pitch. You want your CV to stand out but not in an odd or weird way. I’m not saying submitting a CV with a handwritten section is weird but it certainly wouldn’t get you very far in the industry I work in. Recruitment time in my company is everyone’s favourite time. CVs cause great hilarity if they are different or weird. We often get photographs on CVs or funny hobbies and interests listed. If only people sat and thought “hmmm will they think I look like Ian Brady?†My all time favourite CV had listed in the interests and hobbies, walking in the backwoods and Scouting, oh! how we laughed. Get the job first, get through the probation period over with and then show how weird you are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorfolkBoy Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 I love the CV's with pictures - only last month a young lady thought that I'd be interested in seeing her and hubbie enjoying their dinner on honeymoon .......Only in America Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loopy bunny blaster Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 there are loads of templates on the t'interweb just google it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyjaimz Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 I always stuck a passport photo on there aswell Are trying to tell us you are good looking? depends how many pints you've had Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyjaimz Posted July 5, 2007 Report Share Posted July 5, 2007 When I was an employer, I would prefer to see a typed CV/Application Form (which makes it easier to read quickly) accompanied by a written letter (which I believe is a common courtesy). I always stuck a passport photo on there aswell And the photo is why you never get an interview I never said it was a picture of me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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