Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

New Book: Why You? CV Messages To Win Jobs - from the UKs leading Careers Coach

Everyday 1000's of hopefuls send off their badly composed CVs in pursuit of jobs they simply do not understand. And, even the better CVs often fail to get shortlisted because they just do not 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 (October 2007, McGraw-Hill, £9.99).

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 e-mail address you check at least once a day. Be wary of using gimmicky e-mail 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.

John is available for interview, quotes and features on all aspects of the job search, CV's, the interview process, career management and life/work balance.

For further info please contact Sue Blake Media.


John Lees is also author of How to Get a Job You'll Love (now in its 4th edition), Take Control of Your Career and Job Interviews: Top Answers to Tough Questions, also McGraw-Hill. Formerly Chief Executive of the Institute of Employment Consultants (now the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, REC), John is an international speaker and workshop presenter.

He will also be participating in the careers fair, Forum 3, Business Design Centre, Islington on 12-13th October. One to one pre-booked interview slots available at this event.

All UK publicity enquiries to Sue Blake Media on:

Tel: + 44 208 979 5220
Mob: 07966 538108
Email: sue@sueblakemedia.co.uk
www.sueblakemedia.co.uk