Your CV is an important sales tool and it should be tailored to make prospective employers sit up and take notice. 

• Make the layout as simple and structured as possible, ideally no more than two or three pages.
• Prepare your CV in Microsoft Word format so that it can be easily opened and read by prospective employers.
• Ensure that you include your basic details such as your name, address, telephone numbers and email address.
• If you are using a personal email address make sure this is of a professional nature.
• List your relevant education or qualification details.
• Start with your most recent job and work back accordingly.
• Include the names of any previous employers, positions held and a list of responsibilities that you held or undertook.
• Use short sentences and bullet-points. You can always expand on these points at an interview.
• Account for gaps in your employment history – For example travelling or taking time off for maternity leave is fine.
• Include activities outside work e.g. sports, club membership, community work, hobbies, volunteer work.
• Include contact details for at least two referees, with ideally at least one from your former employer.
• If you are a student or a graduate with no working history then list the name of a relevant teacher or lecturer.
• Ensure that there is plenty of white space to make it easier for the interviewer to view the pages and make notes.
• Make sure that you spell check your CV or alternatively get some one else to read it beforehand.
• When printing your CV ensure that you use good quality paper.
• Do not attach copies of any certificates or formal qualifications (unless requested), simply bring these along to your interview.