Your CV is one of the most important documents you will ever have to prepare. A successful CV is a marketing document, which should entice the reader into offering you an interview. Presentation is key. In order to convince the reader to invite you for interview it should give them a picture of who you are and make it as easy as possible for them to read by giving them clear, concise information. You should communicate your strengths, skills, experience, achievements, personality and your suitability for the role. A well-prepared CV adds credibility to your application and a professionally prepared document is an indicator of your ability to perform in a professional role.

• keep the document to 2-3 pages. Don't complicate things. A CV is a sales document designed to get you in front of a prospective employer - and there's a maxim in sales: K.I.S.S - Keep It Simple, Stupid
• prepare it using Microsoft Word - which is benchmarked as an industry standard
• use the spell check facility as one mistake can spoil a good first impression.
• use a suitable typeface
• keep text to blocks of 6/7 lines maximum and keep text to point size 10- 12.
• use bullet points to emphasise key achievements.
• reserve bold text for headings.

what to Include:

what not to include:

• instead of heading your document 'Curriculum Vitae', use your name instead.
• do not be tempted to send press cuttings or copies of qualifications with your CV as this will only get in the way of your application.
• above all, resist the opportunity of overselling yourself, as during the interview process you could be made to look foolish if you are asked to substantiate yourself.
• don't make false claims as professional interviewers easily spot inconsistencies!
• avoid using technical jargon, as most interviewers are Human Resource Managers rather than individuals who specialise in your field.
• don't spend too much time outlining or discussing your hobbies or outside interests about 1- 2 lines are adequate.
• avoid stating your current salary as if you are earning too little or too much you could rule yourself out of the process. Similarly if you state your desired salary this could be off putting to the reader.
• don't mention an employer without explaining what they do. With a big company it's self-explanatory; with many other companies the name gives nothing away. Say briefly what business your employer was/is in and what your function there was (or is)
  
• don't leave unexplained chronological gaps. You may think that a six month sabbatical shouldn't be listed in your Work Experience but people will think the worst if they can't very quickly work out your career history.
• don't talk about yourself in the third person - it's totally naff
• don't leave out an Interests section. Recruiters like to get a feeling for the whole person. But keep it short - and it's probably best not to say what your favourite book, film or food is.