1. Think about your key achievements: what they are, how you achieved them and when.
   
   
2. If you are responding to a job advert, focus on the key skills, experience and personal attributes listed and relate them to your own. Try to use the same key words and phrases that have been used in the job description.
   
   
3. Try not to include too much information: a recruiter sifting through CVs will not have the time to read every word, so be concise. Keep it to a maximum of three pages, although two pages are generally sufficient.
   
   
4. Make sure that the content is relevant to the job you are actually applying for, not your last one. Think about your transferable skills.
   
   
5. Avoid empty adjectives: anyone can say they are creative, focused or enthusiastic. You have to be able to demonstrate your qualities through your achievements, so focus on your job-specific strengths.
   
   
6. Your CV should be well structured and clear. This will make it easier for a recruiter to review and help to ensure they don’t overlook any relevant information.
   
   
7. Use a simple modern font like Arial (10-12pt) and try to avoid italics and underlining as they make it harder for someone to read.
   
   
8. Watch out for spelling and grammatical errors! Always use spell check and if possible get someone else to read over it for you.

• Start with a brief overview of your skills, experience, and achievements. This is where any fundamental information relating to the job should be presented; don’t make the reader search for it.
  
  
• Give a summary of your educational and professional qualifications.
  
  
• Don’t forget to include your name and up to date contact details.
  
  
• If you are seeking temporary work you should also include your availability and the locations you are willing to work.

• Detail your employment history, starting with your current or most recent job.
  
  
• For each position try to list any achievements as well as responsibilities, using bullet points not lengthy paragraphs.
  
  
• If you have only worked for one company, break the job down into the different positions you have held or projects you have dealt with.
  
  
• And finally, give two referees, including their professional title and contact details. Where possible these should be work related, but academic and character referees are also acceptable.

• Take a break away from drafting your CV: a fresh pair of eyes are much better for proof reading and editing.
  
  
• You no longer have to include your Date of Birth
  
  
• Look at examples of other CVs to get a feel form them. There are lots of formats available to look at online.
  
  
• Download a copy of our CV Writing Guide below.