A CV that delivers a KO punch

From CVs and interviews to landing that dream job, John Lees an acclaimed author on managing your career. Here John provides some invaluable insight into what jobseekers need to do to produce a ‘Knockout CV’, which is in fact the title of his latest book. 

Does the popularity of professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn spell the end of the traditional CV?

JL: At the moment a hard copy CV is still important. You will still need a focused and clear CV to get onto some interview shortlists. In broader terms, a CV is no longer a door opener. However, anyone operating in the hidden job market needs a strong LinkedIn profile to back up their market impact and reputation.

What are the biggest mistakes jobseekers make when writing their CV?
JL: Relying on it as a job search tool (it helps firm up relationships but doesn’t create them) and failing to put the most important messages on page one. Using bland, undifferentiated adjectives in the profile that make you look like a school leaver and failing to understand the labelling effect of the first 15 words. Writing chopped up job descriptions rather than proper achievement evidence.

How much time should I spend tailoring my CV to the job I’m applying for?
JL: If your CV is already working, you probably only need to tweak the order of the main bullet points. Put the effort into tailoring the cover letter/email.

Don’t you need a covering letter or supporting statement to give you that extra edge?
JL: There is some evidence to suggest that cover letter/emails get detached, so go for a belt and braces approach. Write a cover letter/email that bullet points your top five matching pieces of evidence, but also make sure these are clear on page one of your CV.

What are your top tips and tricks to get your CV to the top of the pile?
JL: Take more time on the profile, avoiding clichés or empty language. Try to describe what you do in a generic job title (e.g. marketing professional) which helpfully pigeon-holes you. Try to find fresh language to describe your USP as a combination of skills and experience. Provide robust evidence. Don’t over-emphasise the ordinary. Keep distracting details (e.g. irrelevant qualifications) until page two.

And finally, what’s the best piece of career advice that anyone has given you?
JL: Advice when you’re thinking about whether to change jobs: “Make sure the attraction of the new is stronger than the repulsion of the old” – in other words, have a better reason for moving on that hating your current job.

John Lees has written a wide range of careers books, including his latest publication, 'Knockout CV: How to Get Noticed, Get Interviewed & Get Hired'. You can find out more at johnleescareers.com or @JohnLeesCareers.