Tips for writing competitive Aussie CV's

[Guest nimhug]

Thanks! It was not meant as a criticism!! Just a clarification.

 

Thanks again - very valuable thread.

[Guest iubatvut]

be very much specific when you write cv. do not describe lots of things ... just be short informative

[saback]

I don't suppose anybody would like to comment on my CV? I just started so it will probably keep changing after I post this.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_HmLryP6Ia_lRyGi_PVxeh8YtZ78dle9MW_5GJawOvw/edit

 

Hi everybody,

Can you give me some tips too?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7je2x5lm0e145t6/CV%20HSJ%20RH%20template.doc

And yes, you all can be very honest about it.

Many thanks in advance.

[Freckleface]

Hi everybody,

Can you give me some tips too?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7je2x5lm0e145t6/CV%20HSJ%20RH%20template.doc

And yes, you all can be very honest about it.

Many thanks in advance.

 

 

Hi - your CV is heading in the right direction but IMO is uncompetitive for roles at the CIO level. I suggest you read the advice I provided at the start of this thread.

 

In short your CV screams that you are offshore and you need to minimse that. I would sharpen the writing; consider removing the names of the institutions you studied at; remove the info about the companies you have worked for and replace it with information about your roles; you list your responsibilities - you need to talk about your achievements and remove your interests.

 

I'm sorry but based on the CV, as written, I wouldn't consider you for interview. At the CIO level I am looking for information about what you have achieved and those achievements need to be fairly significant if you are looking for at that level.

 

Good luck with your job hunt.

[saback]

Hi Freckleface

Thank you very much for your comments.

I will make some changes on it to follow your advises.

I know that it would be hard to find a role at the CIO level at the beginning and I don´t care to step back to get local experience.

What is you recommendation?

I would like to start seeking for a role such as infrastructure project manager/solution architect and think about a senior level in the future.

[Freckleface]

Hi Freckleface

Thank you very much for your comments.

I will make some changes on it to follow your advises.

I know that it would be hard to find a role at the CIO level at the beginning and I don´t care to step back to get local experience.

What is you recommendation?

I would like to start seeking for a role such as infrastructure project manager/solution architect and think about a senior level in the future.

 

Hi - same advice as above.

 

However if you are going to target lower levels roles (which I think is a good idea) just remove the CIO after the title on your current role.

 

Good luck :smile:

[saback]

Hi,

I am improving my résumé but I not 100% sure if I am at the right way.

Do you recommend to me a résumé writer to help me to prepare it (or do you do this job)?

 

Job Experience BEFORE

Professional Experience

 

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]October 2007 – Present: Head of IT (CIO)[/TD]

[TD]Salvador, Brazil[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Bahia Mineração (Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation - ENRC - www.enrc.com)

 

BAHIA MINERAÇÃO - is a mining company whose objective is the commercialization of iron ore for the iron and steel industries. It extracts and purifies the iron ore deposits found beneath the earth’s surface in a sustainable manner, transforming it into raw material for products that are essential in modern life, and by doing so it generates tax revenues for the state of Bahia and, consequently, for the rest of the country. It is part of the ERNC group, one of the leading diversified natural resources groups with mining, processing, energy, logistical and marketing operations integrated.

ENRC operates in Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Brazil and Africa (the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa).

I am working as the CIO, based in Salvador, the largest city on the northeast of Brazil and the third most populous Brazilian city.

Tasks and responsibilities:

 

 

• Implemented a disaster recovery program including a main data centre in São Paulo and a DR data centre in Salvador with capacity to support operations in case of failure in the main data centre;
  
• Member of ENRC global IT directors, actively discussing global strategies including implementation, risk assessment and audits to business continuity.
  
• Define and allocate resources and control structures for the deployment of an ERP System (Protheus and later SAP). Duties and responsibilities include: vendor definition, detailed business process mapping, business process objectives and specifications for ERP implementation.
  
• Coordinate a team involved in the business processes – designers, project managers, testing teams etc. – and formulate strategies based on PMBOK methodologies to control various project tasks and phases.
  
• Successfully identified gaps in the company’s knowledge management process and solved issues in that area through mapping vulnerabilities and executing retention plans, together with the ICT Team, engineering department and project director. The accessibility and availability of information improved considerably due to the implementation of a Content Management System and the storage of information on file servers. Also, there was a substantial reduction in the loss of information relevant to the company.
  
• Implemented full mash VPN network (Cisco ASA) between company offices for data, voice and video communications over IP and achieve of 50% reduction in telecom costs.
  
• Responsible global and local IT policymaking and follow-up.
  

Job Experience AFTER

Professional Experience

 

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]October 2007 – Present: IT Director[/TD]

[TD]Salvador, Brazil[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Bahia Mineração (Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation - ENRC - www.enrc.com)

 

Provided executive leadership as regional IT Director. Responsible for all aspects of strategic IT planning, implementation and support regional as an integral component of business plan. Transform IT into a strategic business partner. Manage and deliver multiple large scale projects on time and within budget. Responsible for budgeting, design and support of all technology.

 

 

• Developed the corporate technology vision and strategy.
  
• Steered multiple projects to completion within time and budget. Strengthened the relationship with the end-user community.
  
• Designed, installed and supervised installation and support of Acquire Geological Database.
  
• Developed IT strategy and initiatives aligned with group´s vision, goals and objectives.
  
• Established controls and reporting devices to monitor IT performance.
  
• Implemented a disaster recovery program including a main data centre in São Paulo and a DR data centre in Salvador with capacity to support critical operations in case of failure in the main data centre;
  
• Created a high performance team from ground up to plan and implement technology.
  
• Member of ENRC global IT directors, actively discussing global strategies including implementation, risk assessment and audits to business continuity.
  
• Define and allocate resources and control structures for the deployment of SAP. Duties and responsibilities include: vendor definition, detailed business process mapping, business process objectives and specifications for ERP implementation.
  
• Coordinate a team involved in the business processes – designers, project managers, testing teams etc. – and formulate strategies based on PMBOK methodologies to control various project tasks and phases.
  
• Successfully identified gaps in the company’s knowledge management process and solved issues in that area through mapping vulnerabilities and executing retention plans, together with the ICT Team, engineering department and project director. The accessibility and availability of information improved considerably due to the implementation of a Content Management System and the storage of information on file servers. Also, there was a substantial reduction in the loss of information relevant to the company.
  
• Implemented full mash VPN network (Cisco ASA) between company offices for data, voice and video communications over IP and achieve of 50% reduction in telecom costs.
  
• Responsible regional IT policymaking and follow-up.
  

 

Thank you!

[Freckleface]

Hi,

I am improving my résumé but I not 100% sure if I am at the right way.

Do you recommend to me a résumé writer to help me to prepare it (or do you do this job)?

 

Job Experience BEFORE

Professional Experience

 

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]October 2007 – Present: Head of IT (CIO)[/TD]

[TD]Salvador, Brazil[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Bahia Mineração (Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation - ENRC - www.enrc.com)

 

BAHIA MINERAÇÃO - is a mining company whose objective is the commercialization of iron ore for the iron and steel industries. It extracts and purifies the iron ore deposits found beneath the earth’s surface in a sustainable manner, transforming it into raw material for products that are essential in modern life, and by doing so it generates tax revenues for the state of Bahia and, consequently, for the rest of the country. It is part of the ERNC group, one of the leading diversified natural resources groups with mining, processing, energy, logistical and marketing operations integrated.

ENRC operates in Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Brazil and Africa (the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa).

I am working as the CIO, based in Salvador, the largest city on the northeast of Brazil and the third most populous Brazilian city.

Tasks and responsibilities:

 

 

• Implemented a disaster recovery program including a main data centre in São Paulo and a DR data centre in Salvador with capacity to support operations in case of failure in the main data centre;

• Member of ENRC global IT directors, actively discussing global strategies including implementation, risk assessment and audits to business continuity.

• Define and allocate resources and control structures for the deployment of an ERP System (Protheus and later SAP). Duties and responsibilities include: vendor definition, detailed business process mapping, business process objectives and specifications for ERP implementation.

• Coordinate a team involved in the business processes – designers, project managers, testing teams etc. – and formulate strategies based on PMBOK methodologies to control various project tasks and phases.

• Successfully identified gaps in the company’s knowledge management process and solved issues in that area through mapping vulnerabilities and executing retention plans, together with the ICT Team, engineering department and project director. The accessibility and availability of information improved considerably due to the implementation of a Content Management System and the storage of information on file servers. Also, there was a substantial reduction in the loss of information relevant to the company.

• Implemented full mash VPN network (Cisco ASA) between company offices for data, voice and video communications over IP and achieve of 50% reduction in telecom costs.

• Responsible global and local IT policymaking and follow-up.

Job Experience AFTER

Professional Experience

 

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]October 2007 – Present: IT Director[/TD]

[TD]Salvador, Brazil[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Bahia Mineração (Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation - ENRC - www.enrc.com)

 

Provided executive leadership as regional IT Director. Responsible for all aspects of strategic IT planning, implementation and support regional as an integral component of business plan. Transform IT into a strategic business partner. Manage and deliver multiple large scale projects on time and within budget. Responsible for budgeting, design and support of all technology.

 

 

• Developed the corporate technology vision and strategy.

• Steered multiple projects to completion within time and budget. Strengthened the relationship with the end-user community.

• Designed, installed and supervised installation and support of Acquire Geological Database.

• Developed IT strategy and initiatives aligned with group´s vision, goals and objectives.

• Established controls and reporting devices to monitor IT performance.

• Implemented a disaster recovery program including a main data centre in São Paulo and a DR data centre in Salvador with capacity to support critical operations in case of failure in the main data centre;

• Created a high performance team from ground up to plan and implement technology.

• Member of ENRC global IT directors, actively discussing global strategies including implementation, risk assessment and audits to business continuity.

• Define and allocate resources and control structures for the deployment of SAP. Duties and responsibilities include: vendor definition, detailed business process mapping, business process objectives and specifications for ERP implementation.

• Coordinate a team involved in the business processes – designers, project managers, testing teams etc. – and formulate strategies based on PMBOK methodologies to control various project tasks and phases.

• Successfully identified gaps in the company’s knowledge management process and solved issues in that area through mapping vulnerabilities and executing retention plans, together with the ICT Team, engineering department and project director. The accessibility and availability of information improved considerably due to the implementation of a Content Management System and the storage of information on file servers. Also, there was a substantial reduction in the loss of information relevant to the company.

• Implemented full mash VPN network (Cisco ASA) between company offices for data, voice and video communications over IP and achieve of 50% reduction in telecom costs.

• Responsible regional IT policymaking and follow-up.

Thank you!

 

 

 

That's getting better but you need to keep working on it. I would take out the website and remove the city and country names as well.

 

You need to tighten up the writing. For instance the opening would be much sharper if you removed some of the words and instead said - Provide executive leadership for all aspects of etc etc

 

If you are considering a professional resume writer I would wait until you are in Australia. To answer your other question - no, I don't do that myself.

I think if you keep re-reading the info I put in the first post and keep working on it yourself it will end up being alright. :smile:

 

When you get to Australia (if you are going to one of the eastern states) go and see M&T Resources. They specialise in IT roles (contract and permanent ones) and they would help tailor your CV as well. I'll get their link and post it for you in a minute.

[Freckleface]

Here is the link to the M&T Resources site.

 

http://www.mtr.com.au/Home.aspx

[saback]

That's getting better but you need to keep working on it. I would take out the website and remove the city and country names as well.

 

You need to tighten up the writing. For instance the opening would be much sharper if you removed some of the words and instead said - Provide executive leadership for all aspects of etc etc

 

If you are considering a professional resume writer I would wait until you are in Australia. To answer your other question - no, I don't do that myself.

I think if you keep re-reading the info I put in the first post and keep working on it yourself it will end up being alright. :smile:

 

When you get to Australia (if you are going to one of the eastern states) go and see M&T Resources. They specialise in IT roles (contract and permanent ones) and they would help tailor your CV as well. I'll get their link and post it for you in a minute.

 

Here is the link to the M&T Resources site.

 

http://www.mtr.com.au/Home.aspx

 

Thank you! I am working on it.

[Guest chertique]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and actively looking for a job now.

I've sent almost 30+ applications online last 2 weeks.

But there are no replies so far... normally how long it takes to get a reply?

Edited July 18, 2012 by chertique

[Freckleface]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and actively looking for a job now.

I've sent almost 30+ applications online last 2 weeks.

But there are no replies so far... normally how long it takes to get a reply?

 

 

It's not unusual not to hear anything for a month or so if they are interested in interviewing you. If they aren't interested you might never hear from them.

 

It is highly unlikely you will hear if you sent applications to a company that didn't advertise a role. Also if you are off shore it is unlikely they will contact you unless you have a niche skill set they are having trouble finding.

 

Don't sit around waiting for responses - keeping looking for other roles.

 

Good luck.

[Guest chertique]

It's not unusual not to hear anything for a month or so if they are interested in interviewing you. If they aren't interested you might never hear from them.

 

It is highly unlikely you will hear if you sent applications to a company that didn't advertise a role. Also if you are off shore it is unlikely they will contact you unless you have a niche skill set they are having trouble finding.

 

Don't sit around waiting for responses - keeping looking for other roles.

 

Good luck.

 

Yes, I'm not in Australia now. But think that I need be onshore to be more aggressive in finding jobs, and also going to the job agencies. Besides, I can only provide overseas telephone number and my email.

 

I guess Australian experiences is very important to the employers, so maybe I have to do some part time courses.

Thank you for your comment!

[walvia]

It's not unusual not to hear anything for a month or so if they are interested in interviewing you. If they aren't interested you might never hear from them.

 

It is highly unlikely you will hear if you sent applications to a company that didn't advertise a role. Also if you are off shore it is unlikely they will contact you unless you have a niche skill set they are having trouble finding.

 

Don't sit around waiting for responses - keeping looking for other roles.

 

Good luck.

 

Excellent job you're doing on this thread. I have picked up loads of great advice to be used when the time is right.

 

More grease to your elbow.

 

xx

[Lilly16]

Hi Freckleface! Your thread is very useful. I am currently writing a cv for teaching jobs in oz any advice?x

[Freckleface]

Hi Freckleface! Your thread is very useful. I am currently writing a cv for teaching jobs in oz any advice?x

 

 

No sorry I don't have any idea about those at all. Have you checked the various dept of education websites? They might have info on them about how to apply for roles - its worth having a look.

 

Good luck

[Lilly16]

No sorry I don't have any idea about those at all. Have you checked the various dept of education websites? They might have info on them about how to apply for roles - its worth having a look.

 

Good luck

Thanks. I found a criteria on their website.

[happycat]

Hi FrecklefaceI've had your thread saved for a while now and as I plan to move in January 2013, I've felt it was about time to prepare my CV and use your advice. I have used your template as a guide and hopefully have taken on board some of your tips.

 

Thanks for the tips

 

Happy Cat

Edited August 14, 2012 by happycat

[indy6160]

Hi Frackleface,

 

My husband works in the IT industry and he recently accepted a new job in the UK. Shortly after accepting the job we received our Australian PR visa.

We want to make the big move to Aussie in Feb 2013, but by this time he would only have completed around 3-4 months at his new workplace.

Would this look bad on his CV to prospective employers in Australia?

He has already resigned from his old job, so he can't go back to that either.

 

Thanks for your help.

Indy

Edited August 28, 2012 by indy6160

[Freckleface]

Hi Frackleface,

 

My husband works in the IT industry and he recently accepted a new job in the UK. Shortly after accepting the job we received our Australian PR visa.

We want to make the big move to Aussie in Feb 2013, but by this time he would only have completed around 3-4 months at his new workplace.

Would this look bad on his CV to prospective employers in Australia?

He has already resigned from his old job, so he can't go back to that either.

 

Thanks for your help.

Indy

 

Hi Indy

 

It shouldn't be a problem because he can link leaving the new UK role to your move to Aust. If anyone did ask about the time frames all he needs to do is tell them exactly what you just told me - he got the job before you got the PR and he had already resigned from his old position.

 

Don't worry about it. Good luck with your move.

[indy6160]

Thanks freckleface !!? ??

 

Hi Indy

 

It shouldn't be a problem because he can link leaving the new UK role to your move to Aust. If anyone did ask about the time frames all he needs to do is tell them exactly what you just told me - he got the job before you got the PR and he had already resigned from his old position.

 

Don't worry about it. Good luck with your move.

[TheGrahams]

Hi Freckleface,

 

I have been a stay at home mum for 7 years now and after our move to Aus in October both children will be in school by Feb, so it will be time for me to start looking for work. I have volunteered as breast feeding supporter at local baby groups run by the council and also worked part time running the admin side of our family tree services business during that time. But I am also proud of being a stay at home mum and would like to include it on my cv, but I am also aware of it not being regarded very highly in work place.

Do you have any advice on how I could go about including this on my cv?

Also do you know what the term is in Aus? Is is stay at home mum, homemaker etc?

Thanks

[Freckleface]

Hi Freckleface,

 

I have been a stay at home mum for 7 years now and after our move to Aus in October both children will be in school by Feb, so it will be time for me to start looking for work. I have volunteered as breast feeding supporter at local baby groups run by the council and also worked part time running the admin side of our family tree services business during that time. But I am also proud of being a stay at home mum and would like to include it on my cv, but I am also aware of it not being regarded very highly in work place.

Do you have any advice on how I could go about including this on my cv?

Also do you know what the term is in Aus? Is is stay at home mum, homemaker etc?

Thanks

 

 

As a mum myself I can appreciate why you would be proud of the time you have spent looking after your children and running your home. However, unless you are applying for a job as a housekeeper or child minder it really isn't relevant. The same goes for the breast feeding support work you did.

 

Given you have undertaken part time admin work in the business I would concentrate on that and simply list it as a part time role covering what really amounts is a gap in your employment history.

 

Including 'stay at home mum' will weaken your application. The fact you have worked in the business means you don't have to go into it.

 

Hope that make sense.

[indy6160]

Hi Freckleface,

 

Could I please clarify something you had mentioned above about what to include and not in the CV?

 

My husband was studying full time for a Masters degree in between his first job and his second job which took about two years to complete. Would he need to specifically mention this period as full time study on the CV so as to explain the break in employment? His CV is structured in a way where employment and education are two different sections so all the relevant info is already in there, but we were wondering if it was worthwhile to explain the break in the employment section itself?

 

Hope that made sense...and thanks in advance for your help!

 

Indy.

[Freckleface]

Hi Freckleface,

 

Could I please clarify something you had mentioned above about what to include and not in the CV?

 

My husband was studying full time for a Masters degree in between his first job and his second job which took about two years to complete. Would he need to specifically mention this period as full time study on the CV so as to explain the break in employment? His CV is structured in a way where employment and education are two different sections so all the relevant info is already in there, but we were wondering if it was worthwhile to explain the break in the employment section itself?

 

Hope that made sense...and thanks in advance for your help!

 

Indy.

 

 

Hi - yes, absolutely mention it in the employment section as well. Life long learning is important to most Aust employers so it will be viewed in a positive way.