Description
Book SynopsisPaul Hichens is the head writer at one of the UK's leading CV consultants. He has developed his approach to the one-page CV by employing well recognized and highly successful sales and marketing principles. His client base spans the globe and he's well recognised in the media as a CV expert.
Trade Review'Nothing stands out like a one-page CV, and no CV book shines like this one.'
Clare O'Sullivan, Head of nurtureHR – HR Consultancy and Corporate Coaching
'Informative, incisive and exceptionally engaging.'
Roland Gulliver, Edinburgh Book Festival
'The CV world is full of amateurs masquerading as experts. If there is one real deal it is Paul Hichens. No one but no one knows CVs, writes CVs, or writes about them quite like Paul.'
Steven Tucker, Director, CV Template Ltd
Table of ContentsContents
About the author: a mini CV of sorts ...
Acknowledgements
The best CV you’ll ever write
1 – CV overview
CV writing in perspective
2 – CV templates, CV examples and sheep
Templates precursor
CV templates and examples
The long and short of er ... CV length among other things
Template sources
3 – Pre-write foresight
Unmasking the unasked
Pre-write foresight action (with hands-on session)
Your new CV canvass
Who are you aiming at?
4 – Unlocking the secrets
Rules v guidelines
Top ten CV tips
Sit (down and think) rep
Dissecting the art of CV writing
Different CV types
Career change CVs
Standard-ish CVs
Personal profiles
Career history – an experience
Short course qualifications
Competencies section – a skill in itself (with hands-on session)
Reviving your CV
Spotting a good CV
Fitting the pieces together
Strengthening your message
Generic v speciality
Reverse generic engineering (with hands-on session)
Adapting to adaptability – job specifications (with hands-on session)
Kiss of life
5 – CV writing myths
Size matters – length
The truth about lies – CV (un)truths
Poor form format
Let me qualify that – your qualifications
Off the mark – grades (with hands-on session)
A structured approach – format
(Un)kind candid camera – photographs
The devil's in the detail – personal information
Golden (and golden oldie) ages
Gender(eering)
Pride and prejudice – names
Great expectations – salary
To whom it may concern – references
Hobby horses (for courses) – interests
Stating the obvious – objectives
Traits that grate – personality
Out of (job) order
Brief aside for some tips...
Back to the myths
Firm objections – company profiles
Order disorder – section positioning
If it’s possibly broke, maybe think bespoke
Questionable advice – recruiters
6 – The most asked CV questions – and some you hadn't thought about
CV questions and answers
7 – Develop your CV writing skills
Writing what is relevant (with hands-on session)
Writing concisely (with hands-on session)
Writing even more concisely (with hands-on session)
Writing proactively (with hands-on session)
Writing flexibly
8 – CV speak – laying it out
CV ESP
9 - Cover letters
Cover story
Afterword
Contact and further help
Index
