Your CV will be your first point of contact with any potential employer. It is therefore essential that it makes the right impression and optimises your chance of securing an interview.

Our consultants are happy to advise you on the content and layout of your CV, but we have also put together a few suggestions for you:-

• Presentation is of paramount importance. Use plain, easy-to-read fonts and clear headings.

• Do not rely on the computerised spell-checker, as it will not pick up every mistake. Ensure that you either proof read your CV yourself, or ask somebody to do this for you.

• Although you may feel that you want to include as much information as possible, in order to “sell” yourself, resist the temptation to provide too much detail. Remember that your CV is just a “taster”, on which you can expand at interview.

• Your CV should be tailored to each specific position for which you apply, highlighting your relevant strengths in each case.

• List your work experience chronologically, beginning with your most recent position. Explain any gaps on your CV when you were not working, by giving reasons, eg travelling, bringing up a family or a career break.