Your C.V. has one purpose: to get you an interview.

It should present you in the best possible light and convince a prospective employer that you have what it takes to employ you.

Keep to these two golden rules:

1. Make the layout as simple as possible.
2. Keep it concise, ideally no more than two pages. However, don't be afraid to use more if you feel you need to.

You don't have much time to impress with your C.V.
Research shows employers scan, rather than read, C.Vs so make sure it stimulates interest.

Plan

Focus on the employer's needs, not yours. Think 'what would make someone the perfect candidate for this job?' and make sure you cover all aspects in your C.V, illustrating your achievements to demonstrate what makes you a superior candidate.

Concise

Use short sentences and bullet-points. You can always expand on these at interview. If you use factual statistical information, make sure you have the numbers to back it up in person.

Errors

Make sure there are no typing and spelling errors in your C.V. Get someone else to check it for you, just to make sure.

Layout Example:

Include your name, full address, telephone numbers and e-mail address, as well as other details such as your nationality and whether you hold a full driving licence

List both academic and non-academic qualifications in chronological order, giving grades. Do not include irrelevant information.

Begin with your most recent job, and include your responsibilities and the duration of employment.

Listing your interests is important, but do not generalise. For example, instead of simply saying 'football', you could expand and say that you have played for a local club for the last few years.