The Layout

Keep lines short and to the point – Simple sentences are easy to scan and take in. Always put the most relevant information first.

Separate and bullet point – Every point must contain relevant information and be kept relatively short

Keep the layout consistent – Dates and employer details should be easy to read so the important information can stand out. It is vital that the size and font of text are the same throughout.

Check and recheck – Proofread your copy and get someone else to check it. A misspelling or grammatical error will be noticed immediately.

The Content

Have an opening profile – A profile is useful to add certain characteristics such as honest, reliable, flexible etc. It is also good to add what you are good at and have previous experience of, for example, able to work well in a team, cope under pressure, work to deadlines etc. Three or four lines is plenty.

Work in reverse chronology – A prospective employer wants to know what you last did and how that makes you an ideal candidate.

Qualifications or experience? – It is up to you which you put first. There is no need to list every module of a course or every grade of GCSE’s or 'A’ levels instead list the overall grade and full name of the course or state how many grades you have over C.  State the months as well as the years for employment history and explain any gaps.

Key skills – It may be useful to list key skills but if you do this, back it up with information about where and when you gained them.

References – This information can be given at a later date.

Interests – These can sometimes act as an ice breaker in an interview. Be honest though!

The CV need not be any more than two pages. There is no need to go back more than 20 years if you have been working for some time.