Get into the science of CVs and craft a winner

Unfortunately there's no such thing as the perfect CV. Every individual is different and no two jobs are the same. An impressive CV is one that clearly shows an employer how well suited you are to them. Make sure yours:

• Does justice to your skills, abilities and qualifications
• Is easy to follow
• Clearly shows you meet the requirements of the job
• Uses language you're comfortable with when talking about yourself
• Shows you have researched the employer thoroughly.

Start by thinking about the format, content and presentation.

Getting the format right

There are two main types of CV - chronological and functional/skills-based. The one that you choose depends on your background, and your judgement of what the employer you're targeting will find acceptable. Combining the two formats can work well. A chronological CV is more interesting if you highlight the skills you have gained. Many employers are suspicious that other forms of CV are being used to hide gaps. Reassure them by placing a brief work and education history at the end.

A chronological CV is the one most people are familiar with. This historical account of work experience and qualifications is easy to write, a familiar format for employers and a good way to show career development. Because it places emphasis on career progression it doesn't work as well if you have had career breaks or a patchy employment history.

A functional CV highlights your skills and aptitudes. This gives you the chance to describe yourself through what you can do, rather than jobs you have had. It's an effective way of showing what you have to offer if you're going for your first job, returning to work after a break or have had lots of different jobs.

Content is king!

One of the great advantages of a CV is that you choose what to put in. Use it to show yourself off to best advantage.

• Keep it short and to the point
• Look critically at every item you include. If you can't immediately see why it's there, take it out
• Don't include things that happened more than ten years ago unless they still have relevance to this application

Essential items

• Name and full contact details
• A short career objective or career profile
• Education and qualifications
• Relevant work experience
• Interests, activities and achievements that clearly show desirable skills for this application
• Details of referees if they have been specifically asked for - otherwise write 'References on request'

Don't include the following unless they're requested

• Marital status
• Details of children
• Your photograph
• Health details
• Nationality

Presentation tips

How your CV looks is important, as this is what creates the first impression a potential employer will have of you. Go for clean, crisp and clear by doing the following:

• Type or word processing your CV as black text on a white background
• Print each page on a separate sheet
• Keep it plain. Fancy fonts are more of a distraction than a help
• Make it easy to follow by being consistent with headings, fonts and use of emboldening
• Leave lots of white space so it doesn't look cluttered

Once you've finished, get someone else to look it over and comment on it. If they know something about the occupation you're targeting that's a real bonus.

Now give your finished CV a boost with these tips