Classic Job Search Moment – CV Related

Just had one of those “what?!!” moments when reviewing a new clients CV.

Caveat: Client is a good guy, but not the greatest knowledge of ‘managing perception’ – which is kinda what marketing, sales and CV writing is all about.

He included the following on his CV:

• Designed prisons back in the 70′s (in South Africa)
• Managed the design and set up of death row cell blocks
• Designed the gallows infrastructure

Sheeesh! And add to that the facts that he has a very Afrikaans cultural name and his age and we’re … edited … (not positive stuff, guaranteed).

So it’s my job to fix it. Looking forward to it. People have value. But not always a past that places focus on it. And even worse, the past may prejudice readers. Not great in a tight economy. Smarter tactics required.