Want to learn something new.

[systemcrash]

This isn't really computer based but im needing advice... Basicaly at the moment i am in and out of work, nothing stable and im getting a bit tired of it. I want a career change. The thing is, i am a practical type of person. I want to do work that is physical and challenging, but i have no qualifications. I was looking into apprenticeships in mechanics or similar type of work. Allthough i have a banging CV im going to make a portfolio. But do i need one for the type of work im searching for? Which led me to think should i also make a online portfolio? attatching the web address to my CV so that potential recruiters could view my archievments before the interview stage. I was thinking it might also help if i sign up to job searching websites.

Basically im thinking do i need a online portfolio or should i stick with a hard copy for the type of work im looking for? If i make a online portfolio what can i do to make it stand out? and if i publish my CV details on there is it safe? or can a random person find it and decide to steal my identity? What would people reccamend?

[1002richards]

Hi,
I'd not use an online CV service 'cos you can't adjust it easily to fit the skills/competencies that employers are looking for when they advertise a specific vacancy. It's quite normal to tweak your CV to move certain attributes up/down the list to try to match a particular job advert.
Also, a lot of employers have their own in-house application forms in order to more easily compare one canditate's info against another's.

Have you looked at Adult Education in your area? College eveining classes & the like? They often have skills-based courses on offer.

If you have time, what about looking in to voluntary work of some kind to boost your CV both in terms of personal qualities and other work experience?

Hope these ideas are of use?

Richard

[kendall.a]

I certainly can't speak for all types of jobs and all types of locations. But, I can tell you that I do a lot of hiring. Keep in mind that I am in an agricultural community in a conservative area of Colorado. Also, I work in the "helping profession". So, I am hiring people to do counseling and case management and those kinds of things.

Personally, I don't like nor do I view online portfolio's. In fact, I kind of view it as "over the top" or even pretentious.

Keep in mind, though, that I'm old.

[MidnightCowboy]

I've been on both sides of the fence here as applicant and hirer.

I remember well being interviewed for a job by a teenage personnel assistant who was so engrossed with ticking boxes, I doubt we made eye contact more than twice during the whole process.

IMO CV's whether written or online are so open to misuse they should only serve as an initial filter for shortlisting. The only way you can assess an applicants suitability is to sit in front of them using only your ears, eyes and mouth as tools.

Theres a very famous line in the movie "Training Day" that goes "it's not what you know, it's what you can prove". With job applicants, it's not what they say, but what they mean, and you can't deduce that from words on a piece of paper or monitor image

Here in Brazil you cannot even get an interview with a major company without having an online CV in their database. Whatever your opinion as to if this is good or bad, the standard of service you receive here speaks volumes about something.

[Awgeewhiz]

Originally Posted by MidnightCowboy

Theres a very famous line in the movie "Training Day" that goes "it's not what you know, it's what you can prove"..

And another famous quote: "Never judge a book by its cover... or it's center page fold out."

[systemcrash]

thanks for the tips, i was thinking along the lines as a CV shouldn't be more then 2 pages long, but if i put on my CV the link to my online portfolio they can get more information about me and also see a picture of myself. And maybe add pictures of the work i done. That way they can see more about me rather then words on a sheet of papper