Career Craft

Book Overview

INTRODUCTION

• Why This Book Matters

• Who This Book is For

• How to Use This Book

• The Psychology of Job Seeking: Confidence, Clarity, and Conviction

PART I: MASTERING THE JOB APPLICATION LANDSCAPE

Chapter 1: Understanding the Modern Job Market

• Job Hunting in the Digital Age

• The Role of AI, Recruiters, and Algorithms

• Skills vs. Degrees: What Employers Really Want

• The Hidden Job Market (Unadvertised Roles)

Chapter 2: Personal Branding 101

• What is Personal Branding?

• Building a Consistent Online Presence

• The Power of LinkedIn and Professional Social Media

• Elevator Pitch: What You Bring to the Table

PART II: THE CORE APPLICATION PACKAGE

Chapter 3: Crafting a Winning CV/Resume

• Types of CVs (Chronological, Functional, Hybrid)

• What to Include (and What to Skip)

• Tailoring Your CV to Each Job

• Action Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements

• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Sample CVs (Entry-Level, Mid-Level, Executive)

Chapter 4: Writing a Personal Statement That Stands Out

• What Is a Personal Statement and Why It Matters?

• Key Elements: Who You Are, What You’ve Done, What You Want

• Storytelling Techniques That Work

• Adapting Your Personal Statement for Jobs, Scholarships, and Grad School

• Sample Personal Statements for Different Sectors

Chapter 5: Writing a Powerful Cover or Introduction Letter

• Cover Letter vs. Letter of Introduction

• Anatomy of a Great Letter: Hook, Body, Close

• Addressing Gaps, Career Changes, or Lack of Experience

• Personalizing Without Overdoing It

• Examples of Letters That Got Interviews

PART III: BOOSTING CREDIBILITY THROUGH REFERENCES & PORTFOLIOS

Chapter 6: The Art of the Reference Letter

• Who to Ask and How to Ask?

• What a Strong Reference Letter Should Contain

• Templates and Samples for Referees

• Thanking and Following Up with Referees

Chapter 7: Creating a Professional Portfolio

• Digital Portfolios: When and How to Use Them

• What to Include: Projects, Testimonials, Reports, etc.

• Presenting Your Portfolio in an Interview

PART IV: APPLYING STRATEGICALLY AND CONFIDENTLY

Chapter 8: Job Searching Like a Pro

• Where to Find Jobs: Boards, Agencies, Recruiters

• Identifying Keywords and Tailoring Your Application

• Tracking Applications and Following Up

• Dealing with Job Search Fatigue

Chapter 9: Prepping for Online Applications

• Navigating ATS Systems (Applicant Tracking Software)

• Optimizing CVs and Statements for Keyword Relevance

• Avoiding Automation Pitfalls

PART V: INTERVIEWS, FOLLOW-UP & NEXT STEPS

Chapter 10: Preparing for the Interview

• Types of Interviews: Online, Panel, Technical, Behavioural

• STAR Technique and Confidence Boosters

• Dressing for Success

Chapter 11: Post-Interview Etiquette

• Thank-You Notes That Make You Memorable

• Handling Rejection and Seeking Feedback

• Negotiating Offers and Evaluating Jobs

PART VI: SPECIAL TOPICS & TEMPLATES

Chapter 12: Applying as a Fresh Graduate

• No Experience, No Problem

• Highlighting Transferable Skills and Internships

Chapter 13: Career Shifters and Mid-Level Applicants

• Repositioning Yourself for New Roles

• Addressing Career Breaks

Chapter 14: International Jobs and Remote Work Applications

• Understanding Cultural Differences in CVs and Letters

• Visas, Relocation, and Remote-Readiness

Chapter 15: Templates and Samples

• Sample CVs (3 tiers: Entry, Mid, Executive)

• Sample Personal Statements (For NGOs, Corporates, Tech, Academia)

• Sample Cover Letters

• Sample Reference Letters

Conclusion