Why You? CV Messages To Win Jobs
9 July 2007
Everyday thousands of hopefuls send off their badly composed CVs in pursuit of jobs they simply don't understand. And, even the better CVs often fail to get shortlisted because they just don't communicate the right message. Today, recruiters spend an average of only 17 seconds reading a CV! Britain’s best-selling careers author and transition coach, John Lees, is launching Why You? CV Messages To Win Jobs.
In Why You? Lees draws on over 20 years' experience of training recruiters and offers his insider secrets on what really gets a CV noticed and read, and the kind of CV that will get you short-listed for the interview (that is the purpose of the CV after all!) – Why You? is the ultimate guide to presenting & selling yourself in job applications.
Says Lees: "Talk to any recruiter about CV's and you'll learn one important fact: Your CV message needs to be clear, uncomplicated and has to prompt the reader to do something positive - to shortlist you, to see you, or to recommend you! They have to see all your key information straight away for the best chance of success. Knowing how to sell yourself is vital.”
Why You? reveals the best - and the worst - practices and deals with key questions such as "how long should my CV be" and "should I include a profile?". John recommends a distinctive CV format which majors on the all-important page one, focusing on key achievements, evidence - and pitching it in the right language/tone. This fine honing of your message and clear presentation of your achievements is crucial to CV success and getting through to the all-important interview.
Here are John’s top tips to selling yourself on a CV and how to achieve that all-important shortlisting!
1) Make sure you include clear contact details including a telephone number with voicemail and an email address you check at least once a day. Be wary of using gimmicky email addresses - think about how you wish to be perceived and what's appropriate!
2) Avoid empty adjectives, and focus on concrete achievements. Use strong one-word active words (e.g researched, organised, created, shaped, led, changed, built).
3) Include details of voluntary work, community work, work placements, and temporary or contract jobs if they communicate skills.
4) Offer short, uncomplicated explanations for any gaps in your CV and do not include negative information e.g. reasons for leaving last job – but do prepare an honest interview answer on this topic.
5) Write about any interests you have outside work which communicate good organisational or team working skills. Mention any language skills.
6) Communicate in the simplest language you can, using short, punchy language. Think newspaper style rather than business report.
7) Don’t use obscure abbreviations, acronyms or jargon.
8) Don’t use fancy layouts, a binder or coloured paper, and don’t include a photograph.
9) Don’t include reference to your current, or hoped-for salary.
10) Don’t include a date of birth on your CV, or the date you achieved particular qualifications.
Why You? CV Messages To Win Jobs will be published in October 2007 by McGraw-Hill, RRP £9.99.
