Thread: --> Curriculum Vitae (CV)

naked pics of girls would be inappropriate.

other than that, i got nothing.

are you in a medical field?

Haha, thanks for the tip. No, actually I'm in the business field and international business as well.

When these are required then a very thorough background check will follow ... normally. Make sure you're straight as an arrow on every little point. I've often seen CV's get followed up with a polygraph.

You can google the structure and probably even find a template but just double check dates and facts and expect every detail to be scrutinized.

What job are you applying for Kent?

Thanks BC. I'm not applying for anything too fancy. It's with the company Pioneer and the reason a CV is required is because it is an international position (it'll be in China).

One of the sample CVs I've found online includes a photograph. I don't know why but I find that pretty funny. Do you think it would be a good idea for me to include an attached photo? Not to sound egotistical, but it might work in my advantage? I'm not sure I have any ones where I'm in a suit though.

Has Pioneer assigned you to an HR person?

Originally Posted by KentDog

One of the sample CVs I've found online includes a photograph. I don't know why but I find that pretty funny. Do you think it would be a good idea for me to include an attached photo? Not to sound egotistical, but it might work in my advantage? I'm not sure I have any ones where I'm in a suit though.

If you look attractive (nice smile, handsome), I'd include a picture. It'll work subconsciously.

AFAIK, you can put whatever you want on your CV. There are no straightforward rules, but what you mentioned is the norm. Keep it objective, but don't be afraid to promote yourself a bit.

If you speak Chinese then send one in English and another in Chinese


Don't send your picture with it unless you're a model or actor...

Yeah, don't send your pic unless your female, under 25, athletic and nubile and hot.

I'm currently recruiting for a secretary.

Thanks guys. I speak Chinese, but I'm not fluent in it, definitely not fluent enough to write an entire CV in Chinese in under a few hours, though I have the resources to have it proofread.

BC, I haven't formally met the HR director of the China division, but I've been talking to someone in HR who is setting me up to meet him after my CV is reviewed.

Still on the fence about including a photo. I know it sounds like a douchebag move and the following is def a douchebag thing to say, but I've been told people would stop me in China to have their picture taken with me. How about letting the HR person (she is female and Chinese) know this is my first CV and some examples I've seen online included a photo but some did not, so I've attached one instead of implementing it in my actual CV?

Sounds like a good idea. It's honoust too.

Originally Posted by KentDog

Thanks guys. I speak Chinese, but I'm not fluent in it, definitely not fluent enough to write an entire CV in Chinese in under a few hours, though I have the resources to have it proofread.

BC, I haven't formally met the HR director of the China division, but I've been talking to someone in HR who is setting me up to meet him after my CV is reviewed.

Still on the fence about including a photo. I know it sounds like a douchebag move and the following is def a douchebag thing to say, but I've been told people would stop me in China to have their picture taken with me. How about letting the HR person (she is female and Chinese) know this is my first CV and some examples I've seen online included a photo but some did not, so I've attached one instead of implementing it in my actual CV?

CV is the same thing as a resume....don't know what Bone crusher is talking about getting boxed by a CI agent. Its not like you need a SCI clearance working at Pioneet. CV is just the terminology the rest of the world uses for resume.

I have never heard of including a photo with a CV or resume...In fact it comes across as unprofessional IMO unless you modeling or going to be camera. Maybe its different in China <<shrugging>>

Pioneer is a US publicly traded company...Asking for a photo has got to be illegal against US hiring practices.

Originally Posted by KentDog

Thanks guys. I speak Chinese, but I'm not fluent in it, definitely not fluent enough to write an entire CV in Chinese in under a few hours, though I have the resources to have it proofread.

BC, I haven't formally met the HR director of the China division, but I've been talking to someone in HR who is setting me up to meet him after my CV is reviewed.

Still on the fence about including a photo. I know it sounds like a douchebag move and the following is def a douchebag thing to say, but I've been told people would stop me in China to have their picture taken with me. How about letting the HR person (she is female and Chinese) know this is my first CV and some examples I've seen online included a photo but some did not, so I've attached one instead of implementing it in my actual CV?

My reason for asking is that sometimes you get assigned to an HR person who can guide you through this stuff. As long as you're articulate in how you ask about what they will need from you she can guide you in.

CV is the same thing as a resume....don't know what Bone crusher is talking about getting boxed by a CI agent. Its not like you need a SCI clearance working at Pioneet. CV is just the terminology the rest of the world uses for resume.

I have never heard of including a photo with a CV or resume...In fact it comes across as unprofessional IMO unless you modeling or going to be camera. Maybe its different in China <<shrugging>>

Pioneer is a US publicly traded company...Asking for a photo has got to be illegal against US hiring practices.

The pioneer part of this came out after my post. At that point I didn't know if he was going into a government or corporate environment with SCI protocalls. Also, he started this thread because they wanted more from him than just a short resume. A CV is much more detailed than a resume.

Anyway, if you've been assigned an HR person by name you're in good shape. That person will be able to tell you exactly what the higher ups in China will want to see on your CV and whether they'll want to see pic's. Don't be shy. They already know you're just getting started ... it's part of your appeal ... so they will expect you to be discreet but still ask. It's easier to mold you into what they want you to be from scratch than retrain you.

Exciting times for you Kent. Enjoy. I know you'll do well.

Thanks for the encouragement, BC. I'm both excited and scared about everything at this time in my life.

Originally Posted by lnvanry

Asking for a photo has got to be illegal against US hiring practices.

Believe me, I thought the same thing. But it seems including nationality, date of birth (so essentially age), gender, and marital status is so common that it is expected on CVs.

Also, I have found on various sample CVs that some people include their high school education while others do not... some even include middle school and junior high. It is not clear cut one way or the other; it is relatively split. It seems silly to me to include all that, but I should note that I have lived in five different states, three of which would appear if I were to go as far back to the second grade. Perhaps this may be appealing to potential international employers? However, my question is whether or not I should include high school, because going back to middle school is just ridiculous to me.

Is this a question I should ask the HR rep?

Originally Posted by KentDog

One of the sample CVs I've found online includes a photograph. I don't know why but I find that pretty funny. Do you think it would be a good idea for me to include an attached photo? Not to sound egotistical, but it might work in my advantage? I'm not sure I have any ones where I'm in a suit though.

If it's an American company, I think it's still illegal to attach a photo on a resume/CV.

Is this position, in Shenzhen?

Originally Posted by KentDog

Also, I have found on various sample CVs that some people include their high school education while others do not... some even include middle school and junior high. It is not clear cut one way or the other; it is relatively split. It seems silly to me to include all that, but I should note that I have lived in five different states, three of which would appear if I were to go as far back to the second grade. Perhaps this may be appealing to potential international employers? However, my question is whether or not I should include high school, because going back to middle school is just ridiculous to me.

Is this a question I should ask the HR rep?

Sounds like they want to do a complete run-down of your past. The more details you include the easier that is for them to do. Be thorough. You're not hiding anything anyway so all you're doing is showing the ability to do what is asked of you. But yeah ... that HR rep is the key to you getting this job. Work the rep ...

Thanks BC, I have found how important relationships with HR reps can be; it astounds me how much influence they have.

Originally Posted by Big Smoothy

If it's an American company, I think it's still illegal to attach a photo on a resume/CV.

Is this position, in Shenzhen?

I was going to post "good point, I don't want to immediately eliminate my candidacy with a photo," but that was before I had heard back from a friend of mine, who has experience in China and being in interational relations, he has a lot of friends who have worked there or are still currently working there. He recommended me this site, specifically on finding work in Beijing (to answer your question, the position is not in Shenzhen but near Beijing).

The first post I read was someone asking about work for his girlfriend. The following was THE first response, regarding tips to finding work (and this girl has a relatively impressive resume, with a previously six figured salary in the US):

"if she looks more white than asian, be sure to include a photo -- as they all ask for photos along with the resume.

if she looks more asian, then tough luck."

Further adds to the photo dilemma.

Originally Posted by KentDog

"if she looks more white than asian, be sure to include a photo -- as they all ask for photos along with the resume.

if she looks more asian, then tough luck."

Further adds to the photo dilemma.

East Asians officially discriminate against other Asians in certain industries.

They might even offer less money (lower salary) because you are of Asian descent. And they'll even say it to your face.

But don't assume this is the case, for sure.

Originally Posted by KentDog

Thanks for the encouragement, BC. I'm both excited and scared about everything at this time in my life.


Believe me, I thought the same thing. But it seems including nationality, date of birth (so essentially age), gender, and marital status is so common that it is expected on CVs.

I think because other countries refer to resumes as CV the places you are looking at are probably not sensitive to US rules for Equal Opportunity Employment....

Originally Posted by KentDog

Thanks BC, I have found how important relationships with HR reps can be; it astounds me how much influence they have.


I was going to post "good point, I don't want to immediately eliminate my candidacy with a photo," but that was before I had heard back from a friend of mine, who has experience in China and being in interational relations, he has a lot of friends who have worked there or are still currently working there. He recommended me this site, specifically on finding work in Beijing (to answer your question, the position is not in Shenzhen but near Beijing).

The first post I read was someone asking about work for his girlfriend. The following was THE first response, regarding tips to finding work (and this girl has a relatively impressive resume, with a previously six figured salary in the US):

"if she looks more white than asian, be sure to include a photo -- as they all ask for photos along with the resume.

if she looks more asian, then tough luck."

Further adds to the photo dilemma.

I'm not referring to the influence but the direction ... the personal and personnel guidance. What you're worrying about here that HR rep will happily nail down for you. Even to the point of targeting your CV.

Originally Posted by BoneCrusher

I'm not referring to the influence but the direction ... the personal and personnel guidance. What you're worrying about here that HR rep will happily nail down for you. Even to the point of targeting your CV.

Good point, I will run a few of these questions by her .

Meanwhile, I believe I have a working copy of my CV ready. It's nothing impressive, as I'm still relatively green as far as work experience goes. If anyone is willing to review my CV in a serious manner, please PM me your email address and I will send out a copy.

Another question that was raised by my father.. I am not sure what to put as "Nationality." I originally had "Chinese" down, but my dad pointed out that I was not born in China so that may be inappropriate. He suggested I put "Chinese-American." Searching definitions online, there are varying ideas on what is nationality. I was born here (United States) but my parents were born in Taiwan.

Its pretty much what I do for a living (putting together resumes for people) and we only include pictures in the attached cover / interest letter, not in the actual CV.

A chronological CV is in order if you have good, relevant working experience. Educational background can include anything from kindergarden to ur Masters Degree, and every possible training or skills upgrade/updates you may have under your belt that could be related to the position ur applying for. A clear description of tasks performed, responsibilities assumed and goals met in every job is also helpful. Job titles can be random and misleading, employers like to know exactly what you did and what ur capable of.

Hope this helps!

Thanks crazy enough. Would you be willing to review my CV before I submit it tomorrow morning?