The CV Confidence Coach Podcast | CV Writing Tips | CV Tips | Lis McGuire | Giraffe CVs

This week, discover how biscuits can improve your CV. Really! Also - big news! I have just published my first book on Amazon Kindle. It's called 'Ace Your CV, Elevate Your Career: A Five-Step System to Increase Career Confidence, Build Professional Visibility and Open Interview Doors' and you can download it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01IDLQT9S

How do you know if your CV is good or not? This week's podcast examines five sources of CV feedback.

In your job search, do you ever feel that you are taking part, but not really competing? If so, you may have fallen into the easy trap of being a contestant, when your heart's true desire is to be a contender. This week's podcast covers how to change that.

When it comes to applying for a role, you are very likely to email your application. If you do, you'll need to write a cover email, attaching relevant documents, such as your CV and cover letter. Faced with this final hurdle before you hit the send button, you may ask yourself: What should I actually write in my cover email? Should the content of my cover email duplicate my cover letter and, if so, should I still attach my cover letter? How can I make the most of this opportunity and make a positive first impression? This podcast has the answers!

Tune in to discover the two questions that can cut right to the heart of your experience, helping you to create a gripping, page-turning career story.

The 2000-character LinkedIn summary section can strike fear into the heart of the bravest of job seekers. Stifled by the fear of professional embarrassment and good old-fashioned writer's block, countless members leave their summary blank.  If your LinkedIn summary is terrifying you, tune in to discover why you should complete it, what you should write about, and tips to ace this all-important LinkedIn section.

The job of proofreading your CV is a crucial one. This week's podcast shares tips to help you achieve a methodical and thorough job.

Have you ever considered writing a blog to support your job search and career goals? A blog can act as the interview before and after the interview, allowing you to set out your stall at leisure and position yourself as a must-hire candidate. Writing a blog can develop your reputation as a subject matter expert, and as a candidate with true interest and motivation in your desired field. It's truly worth the effort. A blog can be a powerful differentiator, helping you stand out from the crowd. As Wayne Dyer said, "It's never crowded along the extra mile", and this is especially true in relation to blogging. This podcast outlines the benefits of blogging for jobseekers, how to blog, what to blog about, and tips to ace your new blog.

Are you thinking that a personal website is beyond your reach? A step too far? Too time-consuming, too costly, too technical? Think again. This week's podcast explains the benefits of a personal website and how to go about creating one.

In this week's podcast, I share five online tools to support and enhance your job search. They are: PhotoFeeler Dropbox Google Alerts WiseStamp Canva / PicMonkey

Should you write 'Seeking new opportunities' in your LinkedIn headline? Tune in to find out the pros and cons of this approach, then discover how to ace your LinkedIn headline, and nail your first impression. 

Find out about three different CV formats (chronological, skills-based, hybrid) and discover why you shouldn't use one of them.

Tune in for a seven-step guide to auditing and enhancing your online presence, ensuring your search results work for, not against you.

Do you feel a little embarrassed or just unsure about proclaiming your current professional status to the world at large? If so, this podcast is for you. Tune in to find out why you should own it and rock it.

I imagine that most of us have had one, a worst job ever. Here's four lessons I managed to take away from mine!

When you submit your CV, providing it doesn't immediately rule you out, it's highly likely that someone will check you out online. This week's podcast looks at how you can take charge of your search results and improve your credibility online.

Words are the main ingredient for your CV, and your choice can make your CV either weak or wow. In this week's episode, The CV Confidence Coach shares five types of word you should avoid for a wow CV.

How you present yourself directly affects how others perceive you. You actually have an incredible power to change their minds and tell them a new story, one based on your hopes and desires. This is vital in a job search scenario, especially one where you are looking to up-level your career. You need to clearly signpost your intentions. If you don't, you'll be whispering your dreams to an audience of one, and that will be you.

Everyone has a back story, right? But, does the recruiter or hiring manager need to read about it on your CV? It depends. Tune in to find out the five signs you need to edit your career back story.

Facebook have recently unveiled five new profile changes which could have a big impact on how members are perceived online. Tune in to discover what the changes are, and how to use them in your job search.

Are you revealing more than you should in online communities? This week's podcast looks at the risks of oversharing in social media groups and online forums, helping you to safeguard your reputation online.

Tune in to discover why including a photo on your UK CV is not a good idea, and what you should do instead.

Are you a jobseeker who is having a serious case of the motivational wobbles? This week's podcast features seven tips to help you rediscover your job search mojo.

  Would someone who decides to search for you on LinkedIn, having read your CV, be able to quickly identify your profile from the search results? Once they have clicked through, would they be clear and confident that the profile relates to one and the same person presented by the CV?   Not sure? Log out of your LinkedIn account and conduct a search for your name, as presented on your CV. If the above rings true, I'd recommend that you address the issue. This week's podcast outlines why.     If you are keen to optimise your LinkedIn profile, and use the platform to your advantage, then why not order LinkedIn Explained? This easy-to-follow eBook guide shares proven strategies and tips to help you build a strong presence on LinkedIn, supporting your professional credibility and career goals. Whether you intend to use LinkedIn to search for a new job, would like offers to come to you, or would like to build and maintain your network; this book will help. Buy now for $14 (about £9 plus VAT), and pay in the currency of your choice. Immediately after your payment has been approved, you will be provided with a link to download this report in PDF format.  

Gatekeepers can play a vital role in your job search, determining whether your CV makes the first pass. Or not. This week's podcast discusses how to treat gatekeepers in your job search, with lessons inspired by a roadblock.

  Google Alerts is a handy, free, and powerful tool that can make a big difference to your job search. Quick to set up, and easy to use, Google Alerts can keep you informed of emerging news in relevant areas, sending updates straight to your inbox. This week's podcast discusses three ways to use Google Alerts in your job search.  

Is your LinkedIn background blank? Are you wondering how to fill it? This week's podcast has seven ideas for your LinkedIn background image, with bonus advice on how to source the right image.

Did you know that LinkedIn allocates specific character counts to its profile fields? This week's podcast outlines three specific character counts that you should know to optimise your LinkedIn profile. You may also be interested to check out Andrew Foote's handy infographic for a full complement of LinkedIn character counts. Want to find out more about LinkedIn? Order LinkedIn Explained! If you want to master LinkedIn and use the platform to your advantage, why not order Giraffe CVs' easy-to-follow guide? Click here to order this new eBook, which shares proven strategies and tips to help you build a strong presence on LinkedIn, supporting your professional credibility and career goals.

If you are struggling to identify your personal qualities and capture them on your CV, then I'd recommend building a sandcastle. It may seem like a strange suggestion, but tune in to find out why.    

A black hole on your CV is an area of your experience that is clouded by uncertainty, shrouded in mystery, and which can cause uneasy wonder. These black holes can have a negative, consuming impact on the other data you present to market your skills and achievements. This podcast outlines how to demystify black holes, and discusses how to present a career gap in a positive light.

In this podcast, I interview David Shindler, employability expert, author, career coach, blogger, and speaker. David's insights are really helpful to anyone considering a job or career transition. Whether you are a student or graduate seeking to enter the workplace for the first time, looking to change your job or career, return to work after a career break, or achieve a promotion, David has practical advice to support your transition and help you optimise your employability.

Colour can deliver an instant and powerful message about your self-perceived qualities and evoke a lasting memory of your personal brand. Yet colour is often underrated in the job search. Tune in to find out how to use colour confidently and appropriately on your CV. You may also be interested in this blog on colour and your CV, which contains relevant links mentioned on the podcast.    

  Lis McGuire interviews Tony Restell, social recruiting entrepreneur and founder of specialist social media marketing agency Social-hire.com.   Tune in to find out:   How recruiters are sourcing candidates via social media in 2015;   How active candidates should best engage with would-be recruiters on social media;   How passive candidates should best present their social media profiles;   The best social media platforms for candidates to focus their efforts on in 2015;   Dos and don'ts for candidates using social media;   How candidates can engage on social media whilst keeping their job search under wraps.

Lis McGuire interviews House of Colour image consultant and personal brand expert, Jane Lowther, about the power of colour and its impact on your personal brand. Tune in to discover: how your personal image can positively or negatively impact your job search; how colour can affect how you are perceived; how to dress for a face-to-face interview; tips for a Skype or video interview; how to dress for a telephone interview; tips for attire in LinkedIn headshots; how to carry your personal brand forward in other areas of presentation.  

Over the past week six weeks, I've made some big changes to my LinkedIn profile. This week on the podcast, I talk about the changes I made and the impact this had on my LinkedIn visibility and ranking. Check out my new profile here.

Sometimes, we all need a little inspirational pick-me-up. The right words at the right time can give a mental boost, inspire a positive mindset, and encourage powerful action. This week, Lis shares six of her favourite career quotes to ignite your career mojo.

Stumped for what to say or share on LinkedIn? This podcast outlines 11 status update ideas, helping you to raise your credibility and visibility on the platform.

  Could your CV be leaving money on the table? For two pages of A4, your CV can have a surprising and lasting impact on your career prospects and earning potential. Assuming that it has done its job, and secured you an interview, there is still a chance your CV isn't working as hard for you as it might.  

What would your CV look like in a parallel universe? Did a split-second decision determine your current career path? This week, Lis McGuire mulls over the concept of your career played out in another dimension, determined by a career crossroads or sliding doors moment.

This week I'm delighted to interview the extremely talented Lisa Whalley-Smith of Klarity Marketing. In my very first podcast interview, Lisa shares top tips on building and maintaining your personal brand online using social media platforms. Whether you are actively searching for a new job, or simply seeking to build your professional profile, this podcast is jam-packed with tips for you. Connect with Lisa Whalley-Smith on: Twitter: @lisafromklarity Instagram: @lisafromklarity Pinterest: @lisafromklarity Facebook: /klaritymarketing LinkedIn: Lisa Whalley-Smith  

Ever tempted to rehash your five-year- or decade-old CV? This week, Lis outlines why your old CV can't and won't reflect your here and now, and why you owe it to yourself to rip it up and start again.

Should you list referees on your CV? Or perhaps write 'references available on request'? Tune in to this week's podcast to find out!

This week's podcast looks at why you should (and how you can) add multimedia elements to your LinkedIn profile.

  When writing your CV, sometimes the hardest thing can be knowing where to start. You can stare at a blank Word document for what seems like eternity, devoid of ideas that will turn the shiny white backdrop into a stunning presentation of your credentials and capabilities.   Sound familiar? Don't worry, help is at hand. I'm going to share nine helpful and potentially overlooked sources of information that can kick-start content creation, setting you on track to achieve a full and compelling CV in no time at all.  

You may well have spent hours crafting your CV, but it can make or break your application within just 8.8 seconds. This week's podcast looks at what else can be achieved in under nine seconds, giving you context for this fleeting timespan. Can your CV win over the reader in this time?

Tune in to discover the five factors which are preventing you from writing a great CV, and discover how to overcome them.

Get your spelling and grammar right and you'll take a huge step towards securing that all-important interview for your next job. Listen in to learn some grammar tips guaranteed to uplevel your CV. Links: This article on the Cult of Pedagogy website explains why two spaces after a full stop used to be the norm, but are no longer best practice. Check out these rules on the capitalisation of job titles. Here are some observations on the Oxford comma.

The once popular term ‘team player' is now seen as a hackneyed cliché that you should avoid at all costs when writing your CV. Despite this, the sentiment it represents – in essence ‘an ability to work effectively with others to achieve common goals' – is as important as it ever was. Recruiters want to see that you are able to communicate with colleagues in a variety of contexts, and that you have the desirable interpersonal skills needed to link up with others and harness the power of your combined skills and experience. This paradox can cause some head-scratching when writing your CV.  So, how should you use your CV to show that you are a team player, without actually saying you are one? Read the full transcript here.

Lis McGuire shares practical tools to help you get clear on your career goals and define your next move, BEFORE you start writing your CV.

  You've written a fantastic CV and covering letter, your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and fully optimised to reflect your current job search, your approach is focused and targeted, and yet you're still not getting invited to interview.    Sound familiar? Believe it or not, your email address could be talking you out of a job. Why? Listen in to the big three reasons on this week's podcast.  

Is your money mindset sabotaging your CV?  Last week, I spent an incredible day learning about money mindset with the fabulous Denise Duffield-Thomas.  Having opened my mind to changing my money beliefs, I wanted to share some thoughts on how our money mindset can limit our opportunities, especially on our CVs.