Introduction; 1 First things first; 1."Find out what skills, qualities and abilities the job requires; 2."Match those skills, qualities and abilities with your own; 3."Prepare examples of how, when and where you have demonstrated them in the past; 4."Present those skills, qualities and abilities clearly and confidently both in writing and verbally; 5."Demonstrate in your presentation, appearance and behaviour the personal qualities required; 2 The highly employable candidate; What makes someone stand out?; What every employer wants; A guarantee of professionalism; 3 Making a start Key tasksSkills, abilities and knowledge; Qualifications and training; Results and achievements; Transferable skills; Match the skills you've got to the skills they want ; Using an advertisement to improve your CV; Reading the advertisement; Putting it in your CV; 4 The skills they want from everyone; Teamwork; Communicating with others; Problem solving; Analysing; Organizing and planning ; Flexibility and adaptability; Drive and determination; 5 Your CV; Attract attention; Create a good impression; Present your relevant skills; Keep your CV relevant; 6 CV problems Problem: there are gaps in my career historyProblem: my career history isn't straightforward; Problem: my relevant experience is in a voluntary role; Problem: I've had lots of very different jobs; Problem: my CV is more than two pages long; Problem: I'm doing more than one job; Problem: I've only ever had one job; Problem: a lot of my jobs have been the same; Problem: I've been unemployed for over a year; Problem: my current job isn't very impressive or relevant, or it's a bit of a step backwards; Problem: I haven't got much experience for the job I want; Problem: I'm over-qualified Problem: I'm under-qualifiedProblem: I'm over 50; Problem: I'm under 25; 7 CVs with special considerations; CVs for school, college and university leavers; CVs after a career break; CVs for career changers; CVs when you already have a CV; 8 CVs for specific jobs; The clerical CV; The sales and marketing CV; CVs for technical jobs; The management CV; CVs for creative jobs; CVs for practical jobs; CVs for customer relations jobs; 9 Application forms; Application forms section by section; 10 Covering letters; Appearance; Layout; Readability; Content; What goes into the letter? 11 Telephone callsGeneral points; Information calls; Speculative calls; Follow-up calls; Telephone interviews; When they call you; 12 The job search; Job search stages; Job market research; Ways of job hunting; Using your skills effectively; 13 Your online job search; What the internet can do for you; Online recruitment resources; Your online CV; Online extras; Privacy and safety online; 14 Job search strategies; Answering advertisements for vacancies; CV and follow-up call; Personal letter; Recruitment agencies; Networking; Job fairs; Personal appearances; Foot in the door

Ultimate Job Search contains invaluable advice on networking, CVs, cover letters, interviews, aptitude and personality tests, offers, rejections and follow-up letters.