When a recruiter looks at and reads your CV, it’s a bit like them walking into a shop. They expect to see certain things in the shop like a till, things to buy, people to help them, etc. If the shop had no shelves or things to buy then you would soon find that people walked out straight away. Your CV works in exactly the same way- if certain information isn’t in your CV, the recruiters will walk away straight away and your CV goes straight into the rejected pile

Your name needs to be shown prominently at the top of the page. First and second names are absolutely fine and shortened versions of your first name are becoming increasingly acceptable. If you prefer to be called Kath and not Kathleen, please make sure the recruiter knows your name. Be careful with nicknames- a shortened version of your name is fine, gummy bear is not.

Basic contact information need to have a prominent place at the top of the CV. Your name, full postal address including postcode, your land telephone line and mobile number as well must all be included. Please make sure that they all are easily readable at the top of your CV

Your personal profile or career statement. Make sure that following the basic information you include a personal statement. It doesn’t need a heading, just go straight into it. Include what you can do (job title), for who (industry sector), where (geography), and also point to your track record. The employer basically needs to know in a nutshell whether you fit with the sort of role that they are looking to fill.

Career history. This needs to highlight your achievements in each of the jobs you’ve done over, say the last 8 years. Work experience further back in the past should be included in an “other” work section towards the end of the document. Work from your most recent achievements in reverse chronological order (work back)

Academic qualifications. These need to be listed with the highest level first. Typically, post graduate qualifications first, then first degree, then higher qualifications (A levels) then lower level qualifications (GCSE). List them in the following way. Qualification title, Educational Institute, dates

There is some confusion about professional qualifications- people think that all qualifications are the same, whether they are academic (gained through educational institutions) or professional. Professional qualifications are usually gained through a company, service provider or perhaps an individual. Make sure they are listed in order of level of importance. This can be a little subjective but try and put the most important/ most relevant first given the type of job for which you are applying

The last section of your CV is made up of hobbies, interests, other information, etc. This information is a bit like the relish on a burger- not much use without the main ingredient, but it can make the difference between a memorable meal or just another snack. Your interests should be factual. Never put your actual date of birth on your CV. There are far too many people who may want to make use of this valuable personal information who may wish to use it to steal your identity