CV writing looks like it should be easy to do. However, anyone who has tried it knows that it is not as straightforward as it seems. This is because the seemingly innocuous CV works on many different levels. 

On the one hand, it is a straightforward historical record of your skills, qualifications and employment history. While on the other, it is a carefully crafted business proposal that sets out the business case for why you should be invited to interview. It is deceptively tricky. The chances are that you are reading this book because you have realised this, either because you are writing your CV for the first time, updating your old one or because your existing one isn't getting you shortlisted. 

Whether you are a first-time job-seeker or a seasoned employee, you are also likely to be aware that the quality of your working life and the career opportunities that you can access are likely to be influenced by the effectiveness of your CV. Your CV can mean the difference between falling at the very first recruitment fence or going on to win the race. 

The aim of this book is to help you create a CV that is going to get you to the interview for the job you want and position you as a front-runner for the interview finishing line. Divided into logical sections, the book helps you gather the information you need and then build a CV which offers a meaningful and highly persuasive portrait of you as an ideal candidate. 

All the chapters are clearly signposted in terms of content so that you can either read through the book from start to finish or dip into the sections of most relevance to you. Also included are activities to help you research the information you need in a more fun and accessible way. It is highly recommended that you complete these activities as you will find them invaluable as the main building blocks for your CV and as preparation for interview. You can complete them within the book or copy them onto paper or your computer. Keep them handy because you will need them often. 

The great thing about your investment in this book and the time and energy you spend on working through it, is that there is a direct return. A CV that works is time efficient, can increase your earning potential and job satisfaction, and improves your employability and choices for the future.