Online CV checkers
 

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Online CV checkers

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Not wanting to go into details (because I’m pretty nervous about the steps I’m taking), but I need to turn a 16+ page cv into a 2 page resume to persuade potential employers that I am worth considering to change sectors (19 years in academia to industry!). ChatGPT helped with a decent framework but it’s not ‘right’. BiL taking a look for me. Anyone recommend a decent online tool?

Also, the basic ones I’ve used said you need to quantify impact of your work, which as an academic in a non applied field is tricky. Any suggestions very welcome. There is a job I’d really like to have a decent punt out (and turn my life long academic career on its head! 🫣) 

Thanks 


 
Posted : 08/02/2025 10:37 pm
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Between jobs after being made redundant I used to write CV's for an agency and recall one professor / lecturer with a CV like yours. Pages of publications and a similar length. To cut a long story / CV short, we split the CV into a main section and appendix if needed with the publications. The main section matched the job spec closely based on transferrable and deliverable skills. Project work along the lines of the job requirements, evidence of doing that and numbers to show values, engagement, cost savings, sales etc etc.

I just found this today as a review of CV wring services. The company I worked for is mentioned (I won't say which one...). The owner was quite unstable, often writing that she had resigned, had enough, we were idiots etc etc then witholding pay... but all that is another story. Clients got good service and good outcomes. 

Applicant tracking systems scan and filter CVs. Its worth a google on those to fine tune what you write. There are a lot of people on here offering good advice, I'm sure they will be along soon. 

It was interesting but I don't do it now though. 

https://uk.topcvwritersuk.com/


 
Posted : 09/02/2025 7:01 am
Posts: 6071
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(relevant) Features and Benefits (to the employer)

Do you have a trusted industry contact or two to ask?

 


 
Posted : 09/02/2025 8:22 am
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I sit at the bridge between academia and industry.  For a succinct CV, you need to list your relevant experience in expertise and skills and then through a number of recent examples demonstrate how you’ve used those skills to produce something useful and preferably measurable.  You can reduce your publications to “over x scientific publications in y journals and z conferences including…” a brief list of the most recent/relevant. with a link to your researchgate in your CV personal information. 

Depending on the role you’re going for - Somewhere it will be valuable to state where you’ve built projects from the ground up including the consortium and people needed to achieve it along with the success of this endeavour.  You only need a few impactful examples of each.  
It should be: intro, qualifications, experience, skills, publications and awards.  Don’t forget a cover letter.  

 
Posted : 09/02/2025 9:01 am
Posts: 3139
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Topic starter
 

Thanks all. Really useful feedback. Looking at what I’ve done so far it’s ok, but very meh! Will certainly give it another go taking the above into account.

I’d be looking to stay in my approx topic area but as successful full Prof it feels quite the leap away from what I know. But one I need to make. 


 
Posted : 09/02/2025 11:30 am
 dpfr
Posts: 633
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You have a DM


 
Posted : 09/02/2025 9:05 pm
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Folks have given good advice. 

Many make the mistake of listing ‘everything’ on their CV/resume. They then compound that with either some vague personal statement or the responsibilities they had in their previous work. I’m disappointed when I see these applicants’ documents. Lots to read, not much to conclude. 

better is to do as @daffy described and ensure you include some STARs - what was it? What was your task? What did you do? What came of it? If it is more than 4 sentences consider a headline. Have a stack of these examples prepared for interview. 

if you want to use LLMs and machines then go for it. Better though to consider what you’re applying for and do it in your own, authentic, words. 

Hopefully with your experience you’ll be applying for positions that have human interaction for the intake and review. Otherwise, some ‘SEO’-like consideration may be needed to pass the CV filtering robots. 

Good luck!


 
Posted : 10/02/2025 6:53 am
Posts: 1955
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my wife might be able to help...

 

https://peoplefindingconsultancy.com/

 

CV revamp & LinkedIn optimisation: I provided guidance on crafting a compelling CV tailored to their target roles and optimised their LinkedIn profile to attract the right attention from recruiters and hiring managers.


 
Posted : 10/02/2025 9:37 am
Posts: 1955
Free Member
 

my wife might be able to help...

 

https://peoplefindingconsultancy.com/recruitment-services/

 

 


 
Posted : 10/02/2025 9:43 am
Posts: 41642
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Between jobs after being made redundant I used to write CV's for an agency and recall one professor / lecturer with a CV like yours. Pages of publications and a similar length. To cut a long story / CV short, we split the CV into a main section and appendix if needed with the publications. The main section matched the job spec closely based on transferrable and deliverable skills. Project work along the lines of the job requirements, evidence of doing that and numbers to show values, engagement, cost savings, sales etc etc.

+1

Engineering has a similar attitude to CV length, the bots want to scrape through 20 pages listing every project and client (and it certainly works for passive job hunting just uploading it to recruiters), then the HR person needs a 2 page summary.

Depends on the job though, some jobs are (very well paid) bum-on-seats bulk resourcing roles where they just need 200 engineers to deliver a project.  Recruitment into those roles sometimes feels like little more than a sanity check and see if they last the probationary period.  Anyone sidestepping into leadership or management is usually expecting to be a bit more of an individual.

 

 

 


 
Posted : 10/02/2025 10:40 am

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