Da Booga

Hi,

I'm currently updating my CV as I am just starting to see what other jobs are around (accountancy).

I currently work for an accounts practice and also run my own net based business on evenings and weekends selling performance car parts & vinyl stickers etc. My current employers haven't minded one bit about my other business and i've been fully open about it from the outset.

My question is, do I mention my own business on my CV as it has helped improve a lot of my qualities (public relations, PC skills etc.)?
I say yes as it shows that i'm not afraid to give things a go and am able to use my initiative etc. but my friend says no as they may well count it against me and see me as a big risk as I may quit to persue my own business. This is my ultimate aim but not for several years yet as it is still relatively small and wouldn't be able to support me financially.

What does everyone else think I should do?

Cheers,

Gareth

midget1500

gareth, you get what you pay for advice and personally i wouldn't mention it. it is a bit of a catch 22 but i think you'll scare them off.

Da Booga

Yeah, I know what you're saying. I'm coming around to that way of thinking. Is it too big a thing to leave off the CV and then just mention it when (and if) I get an interview?

Gareth

RB5320

it's a tricky one. If you were applying for a job in marketing, then perhaps you could use your business to demonstrate drive, enthusiasm, initiative, etc. But for accountancy I am not sure that the above qualities are entirely relevant.
If your CV landed on my desk I would probably put it in the "thanks but no thanks" pile, as I would be concerned that your nighttime activities (so to speak ) would detract from your actual job. So on that basis I would suggest leaving it off your CV.
I hope this comes across in the positive way it was intended.

Steve

TopBanana

I always look for quick reasons to reduce the CV pile size... this may well be one of them. Whether or not you mention it in the interview is another matter

alistair

Leave it off.

Remeber, your CV is for one thing - and it's not to get you a job ! It's to get you an interview. It should be complete enough to get across what you can do, but brief enough to leave something for the interview.

cookiemonster

Who are you applying to ?

Big corporate ? Then no, as staff are expected to be dedicated to the firm. Small, flexible place, then maybe mention it.

IMO

MIRP !

I'm also looking for a new job and have found this site helpful, it has CV and Interview advice.

http://www.alec.co.uk/

All the best in your hunting.

Matt

Edited to say.
Just re-read your post this is not realy what you wanted but may help.


[Edited by MIRP ! - 5/30/2003 2:43:51 PM]

Da Booga

Thanks for the comments, much appreciated. You've convinced me to leave it off now

alistair - that's a good way of looking at it, thanks

CM - I will be applying to a couple of small local firms.

MIRP - thanks for the link i'll have a look through the site shortly

Cheers,

Gareth

Pete Croney

The prospective employer will assume that you will be...

a) thinking about your other job all day long
b) stealing stationary
c) using his photocopier for your business
d) throwing sickies when you need to have meetings about your business
e) going through the motions until it is time to leave him in the lurch


...all of which will be correct

Da Booga

I don't know what you mean Pete. I've NEVER done any of those!














Oh wait, hang on.




Ahhh OK then, you're absolutely correct

Davestamf

It's definitely worth including details of your internet business, since it demonstrates several characteristics that must be regarded as positive. If I were a prospective employer, it would be the type of additional expertise or initiative that I would look for in an individual.

Pete Croney

Dave

Have you just got back from a long liquid lunch?

I have been an employer for nearly 20 years, if you told me you had your own business you wouldn't even get an interview. As for the thought of paying you whilst you did all of the above...

MarkO

I've got a 'sideline' (software I developed in my own time, and sell via the web). I've mentioned it on my CV for years and never had a negative response yet.

As long as it's perfectly clear that it's done in your own free time and won't impact on a prospective employer's business, then they're unlikely to mind, and would probably see it as a positive thing, showing you have drive and innovation.

Davestamf

Pete

I must have misread the original post, I somehow had the distinct impression that Gareth's Web business was exclusively during evenings and weekends. If, as you say, he intends to conduct his moonlighting during Company hours, and the employer pays, I agree with you. The very idea! In my own case, I'm keep quiet about my Warhammer collection. If my boss ever finds out.......!

Gidney&Knowlesy

Unless the boss is a secret Warhammer player.......