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'I am a fresher. What should I highlight in my CV?'
Last updated on: October 16, 2012 12:00 IST
In an online chat with readers on October 15, Mayank Gupta, COO, Edukart.com addressed reader queries on how to draft a winning CV and what young graduates must do to be successful in their careers.
For those who missed the live chat, here's the unedited transcript:
Mayank Gupta says, Hello Everyone. Greetings from EduKart.com. Welcome to the session on tips to write a good CV.
cvtips asked, good afternoon sir. I am a third year bsc student. as i dont have any work experience, please tell me what should i avoid writing in my cv?
Mayank Gupta answers, at 2012-10-15 15:56:53For students in their final year of studies, the key things to highlight are following - 1. Your academic achievements 2. Your projects/internships 3. Your extra curricular activities
megha asked, hi Mayank, why people are shy about self-marketing in the case of job market?
Mayank Gupta answers, One should not be shy if one is confident and honest about what they have written in their resume.
ashu asked, what should be cv head line
Mayank Gupta answers, The CV headline should be the answer to the question 'Who are you and what are you looking for'. For example, A final year electronics engineering student from a premium engineering college looking for a job in embedded systems.
ChingaBunga asked, How many pages should a CV normally have? I have 12yrs exp. and my CV is 5 pages. I understand that a long CV is not good, but I really cannot compress everything in less than 5 pgs.
Mayank Gupta answers, An ideal CV is one or two pages long. However, if you have a high work-ex, you should provide details of only your most recent experience, and provide only the headlines for your earlier job experiences.
ashu asked, we are asked on job portals abt cv headline,so should be answer there???
Mayank Gupta answers, The CV headline should be the answer to the question 'Who are you and what are you looking for'. For example, A final year electronics engineering student from a premium engineering college looking for a job in embedded systems.
advohra asked, Hi, I have experience in C/ C++, Data Structures in both Product based and Service based cos. Should I focus on the work I have done (technology) or the Projects I was involved in?
Mayank Gupta answers, You should mention the technical skills you have developed in the top section of your resume. This should be followed by the details of your KEY PROJECTS.
Rahul asked, Hi Sir - what else can I do beyond study to differentiate myself in the competitive job market?
Mayank Gupta answers, Rahul - you can gain some additional skills to differentiate yourself from thousands of candidates. For example, if you are looking for jobs in IT, you can do a certification in programming languages of your choice.
sanjeev asked, hi, if somebody has worked in a company only for 8 months. How one should highlight this small experience
Mayank Gupta answers, 8 months is a good enough experience to show your learnings. You might not have completed a project but you can highlight the areas where you got exposure.
sayed asked, I have 7 years of exp in Mannual Software testing and not getting any calls
Mayank Gupta answers, Go for some additional skill certifications which show your interest in the field where you want to make a career.
Rahul asked, H Sir - I am finding too many people with similar resume to mine. I am in 3rd year engineering. what do i do to differentiate myself?
Mayank Gupta answers, Go for some additional skill certifications which show your interest in the field where you want to make a career. Since you are fresher, you have lots of opportunities to explore. Visit www.edukart.com to find such options.
Samir asked, After taking job services from www.timesjobs.com, still I am not getting interview call. What should I do?
Mayank Gupta answers, Job services cant help unless your CV shows some value. Highlight your key achievements and go for any additional certifications which will help you differentiate from the rest. You may also consider going for an MBA.
sayed asked, I have 7 years of exp in Mannual Software testing and not getting any calls
Mayank Gupta answers, Have you tried going for higher education? An MCA/MBA might help.
shashidhar asked, what to do if u want to go for the job which doesnt match with your profile how do we make cv.
Mayank Gupta answers, Find out what skills does that job require and match it with the skills you possess.
baba asked, Hi I am and Mechanical engineer have worked in a small MNC for last 4 years. I did not have a special training in sales but have done goods and many projects. What do you suggest should my mail content in my resume distinct from others.
Mayank Gupta answers, This depends entirely on the kind of job you are applying for!
akshita asked, Hi.I am currently a fresher and am pursuing my pg. But, I don't have any work exp, so what are the things that I should highlight in my resume?
Mayank Gupta answers, For students in their final year of studies, the key things to highlight are following - 1. Your academic achievements 2. Your projects/internships 3. Your extra curricular activities
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'I have experience, but I am not getting the right job.'
Last updated on: October 16, 2012 12:00 IST
Atul asked, Hi ! I have diverse experience in project , sales , technical support and also as a SBU head totalling to 25 years . Do you suggest to creat customised CVs for given JD ...
Mayank Gupta answers, Dear Atul You should create customised CV for every job you apply for, as at your level, different jobs will have a different requirement, which you can fulfill from your vast work experience.
Amar asked, I have rich experience of 26 years, partially in Defence and partially in corporate world. I am without a job since Oct last year. I have floated my Resume on all major Job Portals but have failed to receive a single interview call. What could be the possible reason?
Mayank Gupta answers, You might need to specify clearly your skillset and capabilities - to help the recruiters understand what value you can bring to their organization.
Rahul asked, Thanks for answering the question Sir. Just one more- do such online courses really help?
Mayank Gupta answers, Yes. Online courses are convenient, cost effective, and a great learning tool. You should definitely explore these courses. For industry endorsed certifications, you can explore EduKart.com
tekas asked, hi Mayank, I am working in a Banking software company with experience of 3 Years, in my recent company i have been involved in many roles from Tester to Requirment Gathering and lead for the project. how can i justify it in CV specially when my experience is only 3 yrs
Mayank Gupta answers, Position yourself as a Banking Operations experienced candidate. Add a Certification in Banking Operations and Financial Services to make your resume more attractive.
advohra asked, I have switched around 4 cos in 5+ yrs and looking for a new challenging role. What should be there in the CV to lower the negative effect of frequent shifts?
Mayank Gupta answers, You should highlight the key skills you have developed in all these jobs. Also detail the most recent job and keep the earlier job descriptions shorter.
shashidhar asked, but they demand the work experience and how do i bring that.
Mayank Gupta answers, You might not have work experience, but you can do Certifications to show your inclination towards your area.
sanjeev asked, i have ecp of 4 different companies in a particular sector . Shall i elaborate details of all the experiences or cut it short
Mayank Gupta answers, Mention the recent or longest experience and shorten the others.
Bhushan asked, i have done post graduation in marketing & currently working in indiamart from last 1.6 years, not able to get a better opportunity for change how do i proceed
Mayank Gupta answers, Try adding some certifications in marketing in your resume. They will differentiate you from the rest. Since you have worked in an e-commerce company, digital marketing certification would suit your profile.
kriti asked, Hi Mayank... I have worked with a budding co. for 5 yrs & have also been promoted to sr level... n now when i think of a change there is a general concern that how will the small pond experience will be considered in the industry.. the duty @ the senior level may be far more expecting there. Pls guide.
Mayank Gupta answers, Small company experiences are valued highly in large corporates, as they are intense, detailed and more realistic. So go ahead and apply without any hesitation.
Samir asked, I have done Masters in Human Resource Mgt. In addition I have taken job services from www.timesjobs.com, still I am not getting interview call. What should I do?
Mayank Gupta answers, Job services cant help unless your CV shows some value. Highlight your key achievements and go for any additional certifications which will help you differentiate from the rest.
manish asked, i am having 12 plus yrs of exp in Elctronics services & operation fields ,now looking for Job IN IT Service managment ,done ITIL cerification ,Should I moify my resume accordinly or just ad the Certification details
Mayank Gupta answers, You should definitely highlight the ITIL certification, along with your work experience.
Bhushan asked, mayank sir how do i get digital marketing certification
Mayank Gupta answers, Please write to contact@edukart.com or visit edukart.com for this.
Rashmi asked, i am working as a Test Engineer with an MNC and have over 2 yrs exp.I have worked on multiple projects.I am in a fix as to what to include in the Project details section of my CV...jus to name the projects or include the details of each project? please help. If i include details of evry project the CV becomes more than 3 pages long
Mayank Gupta answers, Mention all projects and give details of the most important project.
mehta asked, dear sir i have 7+ experience in finance and accounts currently i am working in gurgaon but now i want to move Bhiwadi(Rajasthan) so how can i search the job in that location.
Mayank Gupta answers, Bhiwadi is an industrial hub and enough job opportunities should exist there.
Vijay asked, Hi, How to mention previous employer and curent employer as Parent-Child Company
Mayank Gupta answers, Mention like this - Child Company Name (A Unit of Parent Company Name)
Samir asked, May I know apart from Masters degree what other degree should I have?
Mayank Gupta answers, After Masters, the only degree left is of Ph.D. However, you can do certifications to enhance you skillset. This will also help you get identified in the industry as a differentiated candidate.
sagar asked, Dear Sir, I have 10 Years of experience in IT(Hardware)industry,I have experience of Various technologies.I have good experience in Various widely used current Technology. Currently Working as Sr.Executive -IT.lOOKING FOR Managerial Post.Wht i should do.Because i am not getting any offer.
Mayank Gupta answers, Dear Sagar For moving up to Managerial profiles, consider going for an MBA. If you dont want to leave your job, you can explore online MBA.
Indrajit asked, I have been in BPO sector since last 10years; hence my degrees of MBA (Finance) and MIBA are not proving helpfull in returnng to manufacturing sector. How do I portaray myself better tjrough my CV to return to non-BPO profile (preferably manufacturing sector.
Mayank Gupta answers, Indrajit - Mention the skills you have earned and highlight the interpersonal and managerial capabilities. This may help you draw attention towards your profile in a non-BPO profile.
harish.joshi@rediffmail.com asked, I am a post Graduate teacher having 8 years of teaching experience and also well versed with supplementary educational program. I have post my resume on all the major portals, but the response is very limited. Kindly help me to build an attractive resume.
Mayank Gupta answers, Dear Mr Harish You will need to highlight your achievements as a teacher, so that you can get an interview call.
Charles asked, Hi Mayank, is completing a HR course necessary for a person applying for HR executive/Manager even though the same has been performed in defence for the past 20 years.
Mayank Gupta answers, Not really. Work experience should get you equal credibility as a certification. However, if the 'Eligibility Criteria' of a job demands that, then it may be required.
Samir asked, I am not in a position to do any certification course. Please suggest. My only concern is I want job.
Mayank Gupta answers, Samir - In that case, you will need to approach job portals and placement consultants.
Mahesh asked, Hello Mayank, Despite me having an experience of 5+ years in java, my last company fired me after working with them for 7 months , and now I have a gap of 2 months, how can I get a new job without detailing much about this, although I have a good experience in multiple brands.
Mayank Gupta answers, A gap of 2 months would not overpower your 5+ years of experience. Be honest about what happened to you when you are in an interview. Mention the key skills you developed and the important projects which you did.
Prakash asked, I am working in pharma for the past one year in supply chain I have 3 years experience in logistics but i am not getting a proper job. I am also pursuing PGDSCM from symbosis Regards, Prakash Iyer
Mayank Gupta answers, Prakash - You may also consider going for Project Management or Six Sigma certifications to show your passion and ability in this area.
arun kumar asked, Hi ,Please mention how to capture multi-field experience in CV [R & d and Formulation].
Mayank Gupta answers, Just mention each experience with the key skills developed in BOLD. Also summarize your profile in the CV Headline.
joe asked, I am mainly from R&D domain having 12 years of exp now i move to Pre sales side customer facing role. How i go about my CV as i don't have sales/marketing experience?
Mayank Gupta answers, Dear Joe Focus on the product knowledge you have developed, and the ability to understand new products. A good sales person is one who understands the product inside out.
jeevan asked, I am an architect & planner with 10 year exp in different sector like PPP, Disaster Management, Urban Infrastructure...in ur opinion how can i put all these exp in my cv
Mayank Gupta answers, Just list them in reverse chronological order (current workex on the top). Summarize your experience in the CV Heading.
Mayank Gupta says, I hope all you have got answers to your queries. Feel free to write to us on contact@edukart.com and visit edukart.com for your career enhancement related queries. Thank You!
Naveen asked, I have the experience of Insurance and FMCG experience but from past one and half years I am into facility Management company I wanted to shift back to Insurance. can I show my present experience or how..
Mayank Gupta answers, Highlight your Insurance experience and mention it on the top of the resume.
Mayank Gupta says, Thank you everyone for visiting this chat. EduKart.com will be back soon with more such sessions. All the best!