The first impression of your CV is vitally important as it is an essential tool in most job searches. It must outline your skills, experience and qualifications to sell you as a potential employee to the reader. The person reading your CV has probably got numerous other CVs to consider, so if you do not immediately catch the reader's attention your chance of getting an interview is greatly reduced.

If you are applying to a specific job application, any skills or duties listed that apply to your experience should be included in your CV. However, having a previously prepared CV enables you to respond quickly to suitable vacancies.

C.V. Content
Your CV should ideally be two pages long and must be concise and easy to read. It should include:

Personal Details
Name, address, telephone number, mobile number (if applicable), e-mail address (if applicable) and date of birth (not age).

Education & Qualifications
List your qualifications and education history. Start with the highest qualification and work down.

Professional Qualifications
State if you are a member of a professional body or if you have professional qualifications.

Training Courses
Only include courses or training qualifications that are relevant to the position that you are applying for.

Employment History
Start with your most recent position and work backwards. List your job title, dates of employment, company name and a brief description of what they do. For each position held you need to describe the duties, responsibilities and work undertaken. Include information about the level of responsibility and any achievements that are relevant. Be specific when referring to your achievements and relate them to sales, production or financial terms.

Most employers will mainly be interested in your most recent jobs so concentrate the detail on your last two positions.

If you have only worked for one company, break it down by each position held. If you have had any gaps in your employment, describe what you did with your time e.g. travelling, attending training courses etc.

References
It is recommended that two referees are given, including the referees' official titles, addresses and telephone numbers.

Presentation
Your CV should be typed on a word processor and should be printed on good quality paper. Handwritten or poorly presented CVs can be difficult to read and may be put aside. Always check the spelling and grammar of your CV. Also, ensure that you use the correct spelling of the contact's name if you are responding to a job advertisement.

The Covering Letter
Your CV should be introduced by a covering letter, which should explain why your CV is relevant and should highlight your key skills that make you suitable for the position. This can also save you from having to rewrite your CV each time to apply to a specific job advertisement.