Creating a red hot CV is essential for securing the best possible job opportunities. Check out our quick tips and short CV Tips and Guidance video to learn the key to a sizzling CV.

ALL ABOUT THE WORDS...

Avoid long essays, humour or anything quirky.

Show career progression over time. Adjust job titles, responsibilities, work etc. to show this.

Get to the point. The reader must be able to get the guts out of it in 5 to 10 seconds.

Leave no significant gaps in your job history (but don't feel every small period needs to be accounted for).

Highlight value added - record particular achievements, quantify improvements or outcomes where you can.

Write what is true and defensible. There is no need to include anything that might count against you - but be prepared to answer questions on vulnerable areas in an interview.

ALL ABOUT THE LOOK...

Be serious and professional. No gimmicks, coloured paper, fancy binding etc.

Use bullet point format and leave lots of white space.

Be brief. It should be no more than two sides of A4. Do not print on both sides of a page.

Arrange your CV chronologically and concentrate on the last 10 years (there are other formats but this is the most commonly used).

Proof-read your CV carefully and do not rely on a spell checker. Double-check what you write. Think how it would come across to someone who doesn't know you. Ask an honest friend to give you feedback.

Be readable. Use a clear font: 11-point Verdana and Arial are easy to read (do not go smaller than 10-point).