For further assistance with writing your CV please click on the link on the right to use our example CV template.

Before you sit down to write your CV it is important to remember that it is an advertisement for future employers. Whilst it will not necessarily guarantee you a role it will certainly help to secure an interview.

Content

Include your personal details, work experience, skills and achievements and education details. List your employment history in reverse date order, ensuring your most recent is first. List your education in reverse order putting your university results before your school results. Do not waste space with school addresses and unnecessary information. Keep hobbies and interests to a minimum. If you can include references do however if you do not wish to put them on your CV it is possible to say references available on request.

Avoid Lengthy Paragraphs

It is important to avoid a wordy CV - you should ensure that you communicate clearly and concisely the information you wish to convey. Bullet points can be used to minimise word usage. Ideally it should be no more than two pages long and should consist of black writing on white paper. Try to avoid using unusual fonts and borders, stick to simple professional styles. The use of bold and italics can also make important information stand out on the page.

Achievements

Instead of just listing your responsibilities and re-writing your job description try to include things you have achieved for the company since you have been there - make sure you can back these up with facts and figures. Put down any skills you may have for example driving licence/languages/computer skills. Also any recent training that may be relevant to the role.

Work History

Don't leave gaps in your work history; ensure that all of your dates are accurate. It is important not to lie on your CV as many employers will find out via references or contacts within the industry. If it doesn't hinder you getting the job in the first place it will certainly not help you in the future if your employer finds out that you lied.

Language

Be positive in your CV. Don't say anything negative about any of your previous employers. Use action verbs such as 'developed', 'managed' and 'achieved'. Show evidence of your leadership skills by portraying your actions and decisiveness.

Finally ensure that you read through your CV thoroughly. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors. All of the details you provide will be a basis for the interview so it is vital that it is accurate - be prepared to answer questions such as reasons for leaving your previous positions. Remember your CV alone won't get you the job, it is only the first step. The rest is up to you.