Great Answers to Tough CV Problems: CV Secrets From a Top Career Coach

by Jenny Rogers

How do I find out what the employer really wants? How do I get noticed when applying online? How can I keep it to 2-3 pages? What is 'CV Language' and how can I learn it? How do I get around the obstacle of something embarrassing in my CV (eg dismissal or unemployment)? What about social networks? And what if I seem over- or under-qualified for the job? "Great Answers to Tough CV Problems" will help you solve these and many more of the burning questions that face today's job seeker. Perhaps you want a career change, have been job-hopping for some time or are returning to work after a career break? Jenny Rogers examines the potential pitfalls across a range of common job-hunting situations and shows how to put together a CV that will make the most of your skills and experience, make an impression and secure that all-important job interview.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Lee Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's be honest - books like this are incredibly dry and dull, and I'd rather poke my own eyes out than read something like this, but I had to re-write my CV, and it was very useful in helping me do so. It's pretty comprehensive and tells you how to show yourself off at your best without looking bland, stupid or egotistical.

But...boring as hell, as is the horror of job-hunting.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this title to be somewhat of a hit and miss. Whilst I liked it from the start with its frank advice and questions on 'getting to know yourself', there is a lot of introduction and too much focus on the personality quizzes. It's helpful for those who want to narrow down the type of work they wish to do but for me that wasn't what I was looking for - though to be fair I wouldn't discount it as being useful advice to some people.

This is the first job book I've read that's covered how much detail to include in regard to early jobs, and I particularly liked the Word Magic chapter with its aim to help you craft your CV with consistent and compelling language. However the author does go over the top in some places, most notably where she says to "avoid the use of the word optimise" because it's "ugly"

Importantly, the book does touch on the fact that a well written covering letter is equally as important as a quality CV.

Also some slightly outdated advice from this 2011 title when reading in 2017; "always send your CV by post." In all, some very good points amongst some not so great ones.