A CV is a short document that gives you a chance to show a prospective employer the best of what you’ve got. It sells your skills, experience, and shows them you’re the right person for the job.

Making a good impression is important in today’s competitive job market. Your CV will be your first contact with employers so it’s essential to get it right.

• A mistake-free CV says you’re professional and care how you come across (ask a friend to read it through)
• Don’t just write out your job description; say how you made a difference at work, or describe a project from college
• Different jobs require different strengths: a little research can help you highlight relevant strengths for a specific role
• Bullet points make it easier to scan for key skills
• Keep it short: no more than two pages
• Don’t leave gaps: if you’ve had time to travel or care for a relative, say what you learned from the experience.