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CV Advice

Remember your CV may be read in under 20 seconds, just to screen you into the "yes" or "no" pile. Do everything you can to end up in the "yes" pile by making the recruiter's job easier.

Make your CV clear and interesting, but keep it concise. It isn't your life story; a CV only has one function - to get you the interview.

Don't forget to include an appropriate e-mail address, (one that you check often), unless you want to appear a techno-dinosaur. Be careful that you choose an address appropriate for professional communications.

Sell yourself on the first page! Start with a profile of who you are, plus your key skills and achievements, followed by a brief career history and tailor this for each application.

Your CV should make claims about who you are and what you can do, and then provide evidence to back up those claims. Translate what you know and what you can do into terms that will appeal to a recruiter - talk about solving problems, adding value.

Be specific, make claims and then give evidence. Express achievements in terms of awards, money, time or percentages.

Try to include something under "interests" which is neither bland nor run of the mill. Include interests which make you appear a rounded person, and those which have some relevance to the job.

Avoid empty adjectives such 'creative, dynamic, enthusiastic'.

Focus on what you have achieved.

Avoid clip art and photographs.