DO

• Use standard font types that are easy to read. Steer clear of condensed or script fonts
• Use a letter size of no less than 11 or 12
• Print your CV to check that it fits nicely onto A4 paper and does not lose formatting when printed
• Format your CV so that it is atheistically pleasing and will attract the initial attention of the reader
• Use a professionally designed template, only if necessary
• List your career and education from the most recent first and then work backwards
• Use short and punchy sentences that are not difficult to read but will eloquently portray your key achievements and confidence
• Think carefully about your achievements in each position and try to include the ones that are specifically relevant to the industry you are applying to work in
• Portray what you have to offer the employer
• Take ownership of your CV, this is your marketing material and maybe the only chance you have to sell yourself
• Include a very short section on your external interests (this shows you have a life outside of work)
• Make sure that your email address is professional and doesn’t give the wrong impression of you
• Check, double check and triple check your spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Make sure that the language on your PC is set to English UK and not English US (unless you are applying for a job in the US)
• Be factual. Don’t lie
• Explain gaps in employment in a way that will reassure or add value to your CV
• Keep your CV to a maximum of 2 full pages if possible
• Keep military jargon to a minimum, make sure your message is clear and easy for a commercial employer to understand
• Use power verbs such as ‘implemented’, ‘achieved’, ‘developed’, ‘directed’
• Target your CV if you are applying for a particular position
• Ask someone else to read your CV and offer constructive feedback
• Invest in good quality paper if printing your CV and posting your application
• Include a cover letter to introduce yourself to the employer and tailor it for each position

• Include a photograph unless you are applying for a job in the modelling or acting profession
• Include unnecessary personal information such as the names of your spouse or children, your religion, your home owner status etc
• Rely on your spell checker, always double check grammar and spelling, especially words such as ‘their’ and ‘there’, ‘whether’ and ‘weather’
• Include your referees – only provide these if they are requested
• Include anything that looks misleading i.e. a degree without mentioning your grade or where you studied
• Try to include humour or sarcasm as this can be especially irritating
• Include anything negative
• Provide too much information on employment more than 10 years ago
• Use the first person, ‘I’ or ‘me’. This is too informal and can seem arrogant
• Describe yourself as if you were someone else, i.e. ‘John is a strong negotiator’
• Mention your salary – past or present

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