Your CV is the first (and sometimes only) impression a future employer will have of you - make it work!

In a competitive market, time and effort needs to be spent producing a CV which will grab the reader's attention and result in an opportunity for you to market yourself in person at interview. Your CV needs to do one job very well ..... get you to the next stage!

It may have been four or five years since you last wrote a CV so before you begin, make a few notes about:

• your strengths and weaknesses;
• areas you excelled in during your current or previous position;
• your ideal work environment; and
• your mid to long-term professional goals.

what are employers ideally looking for?

• Proactive experience and development within your previous employment history
• A stable work history.
• Supervisory skills are also highly sought after to prove you can take the lead on projects and be confident with responsibility from the start.

other issues to consider and ensure you address

• Make sure your CV is punchy and precise, but don’t fall into the trap of listing bullet points.
• Make sure you quantify your achievements - relate  them wherever you can to cost savings to the business, profits made or process times reduced.
• Ensure that you highlight any professional qualifications you have gained such as first time passes for accountants.

The most impressive CVs are those which show that someone can think strategically and laterally.

But remember, keep your CV short and to the point – it should be no more than two sides, three at the absolute most.