A CV or Curriculum Vitae is often the first opportunity for a potential employer to assess how you present yourself. A CV is a sales document if tailored to the job you are applying for, it will provide evidence that you are a good quality candidate for the position on offer. A poorly written CV, no matter how relevant the content, will probably create a negative impression.
Seeing the recruitment process from both client and applicant perspective, Fortune 12 has some suggestions to help you make that all-important first impression a positive one.

1. One page is too short, two or three pages are fine though three or four pages for contract personnel where there are more assignments is the norm together with a covering letter that highlights your specific skills and abilities. The prospective employer will scan read your CV for suitability so it needs to have impact within the first 30 seconds.

2. Tell the truth.

3. First page should be really impressive. It should include the highlights and summary of achievements in your career.

4. A personal statement and/or technical skills summary allowing a prospective employer the chance to see you have the relevant skills immediately.

5. Describe each employer briefly. Most people have heard of Microsoft, but many companies or the relevant division you worked for require some explanation / introduction.

6. Give a brief description of what you do/are, or were responsible for - and highlight with some key achievements /responsibilities (number of staff, value of sales, reduction in costs, length of projects etc.).

7. Be specific, focused, and factual and give full explicit details and provide evidence for any claims you make.

8. If you have any peculiar or company specific job titles that mean nothing to the outside world, give a generic description of what you did.

9. Before submitting your CV check it thoroughly for errors, not just for spelling and grammar, but also to make sure it is a clear representation of you. Get a friend to read it.

10. Ensure your CV is written in a suitable font that is clear and easy to read. Use bold to enhance particular points, especially those skills summaries and educational achievements that are at the front of the CV

What NOT to include

• Don't include any negatives or anything critical.

• Don't include poor grades, or unfortunate work experiences.

• Don't include a photograph.

• Do not include matters about your health or any disabilities you have.

• Do not include any trade union or political affiliations.

• Don't include the number of children you have.

• Don't include humour.

• Don't show your existing salary or expected salary.