Use standard font types that are easy to read. Steer clear of condensed or script fonts
Use a letter size of no less than 11 or 12
Print your CV to check that it fits nicely onto A4 paper and does not lose formatting when printed
Format your CV so that it is atheistically pleasing and will attract the initial attention of the reader
Use a professionally designed template if necessary
List your career and education from the most recent first and then work backwards
Use short and punchy sentences that are not difficult to read but will eloquently portray your key achievements and confidence
Think carefully about your achievements in each position and try to include the ones that are specifically relevant to your industry / the industry you are applying to work in
Portray what you have to offer the employer
Take ownership of your CV, this is your marketing material and maybe the only chance you have to sell yourself
Include a very short section on your external interests (this shows you have a life outside of work)
Make sure that your email address is professional and doesn’t give the wrong impression of you
Check, double check and triple check your spelling, grammar and punctuation
Make sure that the language on your PC is set to English UK and not English US (unless you are applying for a job in the US)
Be factual. Don’t lie
Explain gaps in employment in a way that will reassure or add value to your CV
Keep your CV to a maximum of 2 full pages if possible
Keep industry jargon to a minimum
Use power verbs such as ‘implemented’, ‘achieved’, ‘developed’, ‘directed’
Target your CV if you are applying for a particular position
Ask someone else to read your CV and offer constructive feedback
Invest in good quality paper if printing your CV and posting your application
Include a cover letter to introduce yourself to the employer
DON’T
Include a photograph unless you are applying for a job in the modelling or acting profession
Include unnecessary personal information such as the names of your spouse or children, your religion, your home owner status etc
Rely on your spell checker, always double check grammar and spelling, especially words such as ‘their’ and ‘there’, ‘whether’ and ‘weather’
Include your reasons for leaving your past jobs or be unprofessional in any way about your past employers
Include your referees – only provide these if they are requested
Include anything that looks misleading i.e. a degree without mentioning your grade or where you studied
Try to include humour or sarcasm as this can be especially irritating
Include anything negative
Provide too much information on employment more than 10 years ago
Use the first person, ‘I’ or ‘me’. This is too informal and can seem arrogant
Describe yourself as if you were someone else, i.e. ‘John is a strong negotiator’
