IF you are thinking about applying for a new job, your CV should be one of your main concerns right now.

Although curriculum vitae' literally means life story', a good CV is more like the edited highlights of your working life.

Representing you in your absence, your CV must be of impeccable quality and presented in a way that will inspire the viewer to read on.

Although originality and imagination in preparing a CV is commendable, there are a number of general rules that should be adhered to: * List your qualifications and career history with your most recent achievements first and do not leave gaps unexplained * Restrict your CV to two pages if possible or three at the very most * Type or word-process your CV and print each page on a separate sheet * Double-check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors * Wherever possible, tailor the CV to the job you have applied for * Use third party tense rather than "I"

* Use bullet points for easy reading * List your achievements: successful management decisions, strategies implemented, special projects handled etc * Leave enough white space to make the presentation easy on the eye.

Writing a CV is similar to filling in an application form. It should include your personal details, education, qualifications and employment details.

A well-designed CV has impact, is factual and brief. The idea is to paint an attractive and accurate portrait of your abilities, achievements and interests. It must portray you in a favourable and desirable way, be neat in both content and layout, short, positive and elaborate on your main responsibilities, this way you have the best possible chance of getting noticed.

Employers who are advertising for a job vacancy receive bucket loads of CV's from eager candidates and you will be surprised how many fail to meet these simple requirements.

By ensuring your CV meets all of the above criteria, you will greater improve your chances of winning that dream job. A way of further ensuring your CV receives the attention it deserves is by accompanying it with a covering letter. Highlighting why you feel you are particularly suitable, the covering letter acts like the personal statement/relevant experience section of your whole application.

The main message you're trying to get across is that you will be great at the job in question and that you will fit in well. No employer has the time to wade through page after page of semi-relevant information so it's up to you to select the bits that are right for this application.

By getting the ingredients right, you will demonstrate that, above all else, you have the ability to communicate in a concise and effective way.

For further CV tips, click on the link below.