A CV, or curriculum vitae, is an essential sales tool that will help create a good first impression. It is important to get a CV right first time, as it is usually the first form of contact you will have with a prospective employer.

Below is some advice on how to write your own CV.

Tips & advice on how to write a CV

Preparation: Think about your skills, qualifications, experience, achievements and strengths. Note these down. If you are replying to a specific job advert, think about the key words that have been used and which apply to you. Note these down as well.

Format: Keep it simple! Make sure your CV is logical, well structured and well laid out, as this will make it easier for the employer to read. It is best to avoid pictures, borders and coloured paper. Target your CV towards your chosen profession or the position you are applying for.

Structure: Your CV should include the following:

• Covering Letter – CVs should always be introduced with a covering letter. This will allow you to identify the position you are applying for, provide more details to support your CV and application that may be relevant and which have not been included in the CV itself, and let your personality come through.
• Personal Details – name, address, telephone number, email address.
• Profile – keep this short, as it's purpose is only to provide a summary of your skills, experience, strengths.
• Education – note these down in reverse chronological order (e.g. most recent first), and provide details of dates spent in education, institutions attended, subjects/courses studied, grades/qualifications obtained.
• Employment History – again note these down in reverse chronological order (e.g. most recent employment first), and provide details of dates employed, title of the position(s) held, brief description of your duties and responsibilities.
• Training – give dates and names of any courses attended (if applicable) that may be relevant to the job for which you are applying.
• Additional information – provide details of any other relevant information, including; voluntary work, professional membership, skills and abilities, awards and achievements, hobbies and interests.
• References – detail a minimum of two referees that will give you a good reference and support your job application (where possible, one should be your last employer).

Text: Use a simple font, minimum 10 point. Avoid using fancy fonts and coloured text.

Length: You may have to be selective as to what information to include in your CV. Whilst there is no restriction on length, it is best not to exceed three pages, as you don’t want to bore the employer with pages of irrelevant information! Providing a shorter but more informative and job specific CV will interest the employer more than a long and irrelevant CV.

Spelling & grammar: There’s nothing worse than submitting a CV with lots of spelling mistakes. It is important to check your spelling and grammar, and get someone else to proof read your CV as well. Also, pay close attention to reply instruction in job adverts (e.g. spelling of a contact’s name).

Dates: Present your education and employment information in reverse chronological order (e.g. most recent job first), ensuring dates are concurrent and that you account for any gaps.

And most importantly, tell the truth!