May 26, 2007
somebody hire paul, dammit
Paul Fabretti, a regular gapingvoid commenter is looking for work. Here he talks about putting his CV online:
I am looking for work. simple as that. If you think there may be an opening in the Manchester area [UK] for a marketer of all trades/digital marketer, or know of someone who knows someone (you get the picture!) please do get in touch! Yes, the CV is a bit stuffy, but skip through it — get the overall picture. If you are looking for someone who has practiced a lot of what he preaches and is creative and reliable, do please get in touch.
To be honest, I am terrified about the response. Several recruitment companies suggested I don’t even put my blog on my CV so to put it online is tantamount to suicide in conventional books!
I think it’s a good idea. To heck with the recruitment companies. When I started gapingvoid in 2001, I was seriously unemployed. So landing a job was a big goal for it. Though I’m not unemployed anymore, creating business opportunities remains its primary raison-d’etre.
When there is a sea of people,
what person would you see?
With gapingvoid on your side, (Paul) I am sure the right people have spotted you!
Best wishes to all!
Hi Hugh,
I think it’s interesting that at the same time Paul receives that type of advice that there are a number of folks arguing for the end of the CV in favor variously of a blog, a wiki, or nothing at all — for this last sending someone a preconstructed Google query for example.
The position I currently have I received through networking. I submitted a CV late in the process, but I am convinced it will be the last CV or resume I submit. I am taking the blog/wiki route and will be building a wiki that contains references, presentations, publications, etc.
Anyway, can’t help Paul specifically but feel free to forward my response.
Cheers, and when can I buy the book?
Sorry — I’m not convinced.
Posting comments like ‘the CV is a bit stuffy, but skip through it — get the overall picture’ don’t endear Paul to anyone. It’s a kind of shorthand for ‘I can’t (or can’t be bothered to) really craft a decent CV that grabs your attention quickly and in a way that helps you, my prospective employer’.
Yes, CV’s may be on the wane as a means of self promotion and on-line activities may soon set a new standard in terms of helping people find new jobs. But while CV’s are still important, and especially if you’re going to rely on one then putting the work into making it a great one seems like it could be time well spent.
Whether it comes through the CV or the web though — all the best in getting the job you were born for Paul.
Two things:
1) Hugh, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. It means an awful lot. As I said, putting myself out there is as thrilling an experience as it is daunting. As uncomfortable as it is, when it feels the right thing to do, it is a fantastic feeling. You and Tara have shown me that.
2) Sean. Point taken, although I could maybe have worded it better. The point I was making is that the blog is a more conversational/interactive overview of what I am/do. In relation to the blog, the CV may appear more formal and stuffy.
Hi Paul,
I think the best way to find a job is through your online professional network, who know you well. For e.g. what Hugh has done right now by writing a post on it.
For all those other friends/contacts within your network who don’t have a blog, could be on professional networks like LinkedIn (I’m the community evangelist there), I’d strongly recommend a makeover for your LI profile and can work with you on figuring out how you could find that elusive job, if you haven’t found one yet.
Mario from LinkedIn
Mario, that is awesome and thank you too for your offer. Given that today is a Sunday, I will leave you on peace until tomorrow!
finding the right job is hard so i was told