So, what should your CV look like?

Most employers take less than a minute to initially scan a CV, so keep the structure simple. Think carefully about the headings and subheadings that you can use to make the message obvious. Employers won’t keep reading if your CV isn’t relevant, so include any vital points on the first page. Presenting information in reverse-chronological order is usually a good idea.

Consider the recruiters – are they traditional, valuing academic and intellectual attainment, or are your skills or technical abilities more important? Do you have any relevant experience that you could list separately or prior to other experience? Look at the evidence that demonstrates that you meet the employer’s criteria – how can you fit this into your structure?

The format of your CV will show recruiters your ability to:

• prioritise and present information
• communicate clearly
• be accurate
• pay attention to detail.

Unless you have an impressive work-experience record, it’s best to start with your education. Detail your university education first, followed by your school record.

Don’t go into too much detail – there’s a temptation to put down every grade for every course you have taken, but recruiters probably won’t be interested. They are looking for a summary of relevant courses and grades.

Think visually – CV look and feel

You’re ready to progress to the next step – the construction. Follow these simple guidelines for an impressive-looking CV:

• length – maximum two pages of A4
• professional looking – use good-quality print and paper
• accessible information – even on a scan read
• use bullet points and short phrases, not lengthy paragraphs
• presentation and spacing are important – a well laid-out CV gets the message across clearly
• spelling/grammar/layout check – ask someone else to proofread it as they will find it easier to spot mistakes than you will
• use a logical and consistent scheme of chronology and headings
• use a clear font of an appropriate size, eg 11 or 12 point.

Personal details

This means that you must include your name and address(es). Provide your telephone number(s) and your e-mail address (as long as you check it regularly). This information should ideally feature prominently on the first page of your CV so it is easy to find.

Last step: revising your CV