How to make your CV read well

• Keep it simple. Keep it plain. Keep it short. Remember, it's a fact sheet.
  
• Begin with your personal details (name, address, etc.).
  
• Focus on what you have to offer.
  
• Don't start with a paragraph that says you're a good team player, have plenty of initiative and are hard working, honest and reliable. Almost every CV has this at the top. Most employers completely ignore it.
  
• List your work experience on the first page (start with most recent and work backwards).
  
• Add only relevant education details (employers don't care what primary school you went to).
  
• Don't refer to yourself in the third person (‘Ian Brown is motivated, hard working and a good communicator’).
  
• Keep it to 2 pages (3 pages if absolutely essential).
  
• Be prepared to adapt your CV for each vacancy.
  
• Use employers, rather than someone like your neighbour, as referees.
  
• Spell check everything carefully. CVs with spelling mistakes give a terrible impression.
  
• Print it on plain, white, good quality paper.