What kind of resume/cv are agencies looking for in the UK?

Question

Here in Texas, if your resume is more than one page they will throw it away. Are they the same there or are do they want more lengthy ones? I would like to send one to an agency soon even though I'm not coming till spring or early summer of next yr...is this a good idea or too early? I'm not "highly skilled" so I thought by sending one soon I can get an idea of what's out there and see how much trouble I may have finding a job, kinda start testing the waters so to speak.

I work for a insurance company but have some accounting, customer service and wholesale experience. Also, are there any computer programs that are commonly used there and that I might need to look into now? I know Winbroker, Word Perfect, Excel and a few others. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! :)

Answer 1

Hello,

It's grand that you are looking ahead so here's a few tips to help you along the way.

1. Work at the computer programs you use to improve your skill level in them all.

2. Investigate the programs most used in the UK. Make telephone calls to accounting firms is necessary; it is very cheap to telephone the UK. You can just pick a few firms out of the UK Phone Book on Line and it could be very worth while. You may learn what program is number one over there and be able to "master' that program as well.

3. Your resume should be short but it must include all the facts that will "sell you" to the reader.

i.e.

a. List of computer Programs and skill levels.

b. List of previous all  experience if any or schooling.

c. Keep your resume short as possible but do not leave any information out - that is what you must convey to potential employers - exactly what you can do and why you should be hired.

d. End with the date you will be available to start work and that you are very keen to do so.

e. Don't send any out until February or March  if you want to be hired in the spring.  A resume received before a job is posted is often disgarded.

Cheers! and good luck.