The number one priority is for your CV to be 100% accurate both grammatically and content. Typo’s and errors are too common and a stickler for any potential employer that if a candidate is happy to represent themselves as less than perfect that they represent their organisation in the same way. Check your language is set to English UK, use your spell check programme and ask someone to complete a final check over the document for you with a critical eye. Dates should tally, formatting should be consistent, spelling and grammar should be correct

It is ideal for your CV to be aprox 2 pages long, however if it goes over this to maybe three pages don’t worry – so long as the content is clear and relevant.

Do not adjust the font size below 10 points or above 12 points except in title

Do not use detailed fonts or boarders as this just deflects from the content (Ariel, Tahoma, Times New Roman are the clearest fonts in cv formats)

It is good practise to have a short profile at the beginning of your CV

Keep educational qualifications chronological by date with most recent first working backwards. Do include any relevant formalised training courses you have attended. If your experience is your strongest asset go straight into this and put your educational information near the end of your CV.

Keep experience chronological with most recent position first working backwards, you most recent 2-3 jobs should contain most detail with general overviews on older positions, unless specifically relevant to a job you are applying for.

As far as possible use bullet points to outline your job detail in terms of duties and responsibilities – few people take the time to go look for the information they require, it should be presented to them clearly.

A “achievements” section within each job outlined is a useful way of giving two to three points of achievement you are proud of. ie. Sales targets achieved, top performer status, awards etc.

Inject some personality to your CV. The hobbies and interests section is the opportune area to add a little of your outside interests. Most people think their outside interests are mundane because it is your own everyday life – others can find this fascinating so be a little bit more descriptive in your approach. If you like cinema – what sort of cinema or film? Foreign cinema, British cinema, classic cinema, modern cinema? If you enjoy the Gym what do you enjoy – regular spin classes, circuit training, freestyle swimming, yoga? If you like travelling, where have you seen? Do you like short breaks? Where would you most like to visit? – Probably best at this point not to say you would like to take a year out any time soon to travel! The idea here is that you can sell your hobby as interesting to you, that you have some passion for life and you know how to relax.