...how do you format your GCSE grades? I went for a job interview today and was told that putting x number of A-Cs was "misleading" because I only had Bs and Cs. I was always told just to put A(*)-Cs as that is how they are classified. Maybe before I had a Degree there would have been a bit more space to say what I got in each subject, but I don't really see them as being as important now, especially since I got at least a C in everything. I have done a little research into CV writing since getting home tonight and found a few University PDFs from various places which state to just put x A-Cs. A Times Online article even states as little information as "GCSEs: 7 including Maths and English" is adequate. So, how do you guys have yours written down?
I... uh... huh. Hold on, I'll check. Mind you, I'm still unemployed. Although hopefully not for long. >.>
I used to have what each one was in, but I don't see the point when I have less space to list stuff I've achieved since then.
When I did my O & A Levels, GCSE's didn't have an "S" in them, so I don't put grades into them - I've got degrees since then, and they and 15+ years work experience count for more than exam grades. I was always told, though, that your most recent qualifications are most important, the further back exams are, the less relevant they become, and they are superseded by more the recent results.
Any CV i've put in (Which is admittedley few at my age) I've just put the most recent/relevant/highest ones to save on space.
All you need to say if "Good academic standing". Avoid putting your grades. Grades doesn't mean that you'll be good at your job. From university, there are several people I know that have 10-15 years of experience in the work field, their still work, but decided to get their degree just because. And they are not top of class student. In my computer science program, many students, top of class, A's everwhere. I asked them, "did you ever done a software for yourself, or others.. you know any kind of experience?" I got as answer basically saying: - No I never made software, I have no idea what to do, I have no idea how to make one. I just do the assignment. - I expect to be told what to do, and do it. They are companies out there that are grade only, if you don't have A's or B everywhere, they put your Resume in the shredder. It happens, they exists. I would not like to work in such environment, as probably I'll be fired if I am 1 min late, even if I do the work ask done, and more at the end of the day. Work should be fun, not a choir.
You've got a degree and you're still putting on your GCSEs? When did you complete your GCSEs, and what sorts of jobs are you going for? (note: if the answers are "not long ago" and "my first", then answers may differ slightly) I'd be tempted to leave your A-Levels off too. I wouldn't even consider putting them on a CV now, and don't think I did when I was job hunting 2 years ago either (I'm 27 for reference) I've reviewed a handful of CVs in the last few weeks, and only one of them included anything remotely related to lower education. From my reckoning based on the applicant's experience, they couldn't have been from less than 15 years ago, and I just thought "bothered?". all A*s in your GCSEs isn't going to impress any potential interviewers - best case scenario they gloss over it, worst case it goes against you. "Well educated to degree level" with details of your higher education is perfectly adequate. Fill your space with what counts: experience, work ethic, and a cracking personal statement.
Well this is what I thought, I had put them on there as I was basically told to when making a "CV and Exit Plan" as part of my dissertation, and just never took them off. This particular interviewer was very interested in my GCSE and A Level results, though I am not sure if he was trying to provoke me into slipping up by saying that he doesn't consider 10 A-Cs as "good" GCSE's. Either way, the interview was quite confusing and intense, but I guess if nothing it was good practice.
I leave all school results off. I mention that I graduated for my Software Development Diploma with Distinction, even though that was 7 years ago.
I guess I have mine listed like this too, mind you I havn't updated my CV in about 3 jobs, really must get round to that.
It's been a while since I did my CV, but I'd put the focus on your best qualification and condense everything else. Unless you're a specialist, a CV shouldn't need to be longer than 1 - 1.5 pages, so you need to prioritise space: BA HONS English Linguistics and Creative Writing Graduated with 2:1 from Lancaster University in a joint course focused on developing a range of writing styles and scientific approaches to language. Other Qualifications A-Levels - English Language (A), Philosophy and Ethics (C) GCSEs - 8 A-C, including Bs in English and ICT, C in Maths That said, I'd cater the above some. If I was applying for general jobs, that's what I'd use, but in the more likely scenario of applying specifically for another journalism job then I'd drop off the GCSEs entirely and go Degree + Experience, because that's what counts.
10 GCSEs, 5 Grade A, 5 Grade B Employers don't give 2 shits about your GCSEs once you're over 18 and have A Levels or a degree also under your belt.
See, I don't have any experience or qualifications beyond my GCSEs that are applicable. So I put them down. Otherwise my CV would consist of "HAY THIS IS ME I'M PRETTY COOL EMPLOY ME PLZ?" Which is, admittedly, how I approach prospective employers.
