John Lees - Knockout CV: How to Get Noticed, Get Interviewed & Get Hired (UK Professional Business Management / Business)

You write a CV for a purpose to get a job. Knockout CV works backwards from the desired result, analysing each feature of the CV from the perspective of impact on the decision-maker. No frills, no diversions, simply full of practical help.

Shirley Anderson, HR Director, Talent and Reward,
Pilkington Group Limited

This book is essential reading for anyone considering a career move or applying for another position. First impressions are so important and your CV really does have to stand out from all the rest. This is an excellent, practical guide which I believe will really make the difference to securing that interview.

Christine Gaskell, Chair, Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership & former HR Director, Bentley Motors Ltd

John Lees leads you back to the basic document of so many job-hunting campaigns, and yet again opens your eyes to see the real underlying principles. His clear and authoritative voice brings life back into what is often seen as a routine activity CV writing yet is so important in todays hyper-competitive job market. With his clear chapter objectives, insightful exercises (especially the CV data bank), professional insights, and a healthy dose of humour, John Lees sets the standard for modern CV writing.

Matthias Feist, Head of Careers & Business Relations at Regents University London, UK and Chair of PlaceNet: Placements in Industry Network

John has produced an honest and authentic approach to creating a winning CV which speaks to your strengths, and will make the difference to getting noticed and in front of the selection panel. Yes, you can expect to work some, however Johns advice plus your investment in time will produce a great result with the critical bonus of mental and emotional clarity over your next (right) career move.

Angella Clarke-Jervoise, Big 4 Partner Recruiter and International Career Coach

When I read Johns writing, two things happen. First, I feel as if hes standing right there, personally advising me. And second, I always come away thinking over the issue in a new way. Its a rare, but very useful, gift.

Sarah Green, Associate Editor, Harvard Business Review

I know first-hand the joy that being in the right career can bring and I commend John Lees for his books and seminars which help other people do just that.

Rosemary Conley CBE

John Lees is the Career Professionals professional; the doyen of careers experts. His books and advice have helped countless numbers of people to enjoy better, more fulfilling careers.

Dr Harry Freedman, Career and Business Strategist,

Hanover Executive

John Lees approach works, because he gives readers simple, practical steps to help flip their mindsets into the more daring, exploratory and confident mode needed for career transition success.

Stuart Lindenfield, Head of Transitions Practice,

Reed Consulting

How to Get a Job Youll Love is a treasure. Read it, devour it, use it, and find that job you once dreamed about but had almost given up on.

Richard Nelson Bolles, author ofWhat Color Is Your Parachute?

I frequently recommend job seekers or those at a career crossroads to read How to Get a Job Youll Love as it offers practical and easily accessible advice from someone with vast experience in the area.

Jolle Warren, Managing Director, Warren Partners Ltd

Highly recommended always practical, but never patronising.

Ian Wylie, former Editor, Guardian Work

John Lees books provide practical, jargon-free advice for jobseekers. He keeps readers focused on achieving what they really want from their career rather than worrying about what they dont want.

Karen Dempsey, former Editor, Personnel Today

The popularity of John Lees writing lies in his ability to connect with the sense many people have that they can be more than they currently are and deserve greater job satisfaction than they currently have. What makes his work distinctive is his use of his wide experience in careers coaching to provide tools and ways of thinking that any motivated individual can easily use to take control of their working life.

Carole Pemberton, Career and Executive Coach and author ofCoaching To Solutions

Knockout CV: How to get noticed, get interviewed and get hired

John Lees

ISBN-13: 9780077152857
ISBN-10: 0077152859
e-ISBN: 9780077152864

Published by:
McGraw-Hill Education
Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England SL6 2QL
Telephone: 44 (0) 1628 502500
Fax: 44 (0) 1628 770224
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.co.uk

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Copyright 2013 by John Lees. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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With 20 years in career management behind us at Fairplace and CMC we understand the value of a good CV and how as a shop window it has become more critical in these increasingly digital and competitive times. We know that most CVs get a brief scan at best, so they need to stand out while remaining professional and accessible. One spelling mistake or an odd or challenging format will turn the reader off and they will move on to the next CV. The quality of the communication required to create a compelling CV in two pages is the focus of this book.

We have found that distilling skills, experience and attributes and conveying them well is not something many candidates are accustomed to doing. This book can help as a pragmatic and accessible distillation of what looks good in a CV and importantly why it looks good. It will help you understand the CVs purpose and its market, so that you can hit the bulls eye. Rather than take a cookie-cutter approach, the books advice helps you to reveal the best version of yourself, challenging the writer to craft a distinctive CV using real examples and illustrations to bring the points to life. This is important to ensure that your CV, although a self-marketing tool, remains authentic and fresh and is a true reflection of you.

In todays digital world the CV has a rapidly evolving purpose. With social networking and social media increasingly important in job searching, the traditional CV is no longer appropriate; CV writers need to be aware of this and use it to their advantage. Having helped thousands of people find new roles, we understand that getting your CV to work for you on every level remains a major competitive advantage. Sadly, it is often not what people see as a priority, simply listing what they have done, overusing tired phrases and confusing the reader with jargon and clumsy formats. The signal value alone that a CV sends out about an individual and their abilities is significant. This book is timely in that the shifting employment and digital landscapes require a different approach. Understanding the pitfalls as well as the opportunities in this new environment is critical.