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CVs are used to tell your potential employer about your skills and abilities so that they can decide if you would be the best person for the job.

Don't use exactly the same CV every time – be prepared to make little changes depending on the job you're applying for

It is 1 or 2 nicely set out pages of A4. It needs to be easy to read, so keep it simple.

The golden rules

• Get together the details of your education, work history and anything else you need.
• Use a computer to produce your CV, if you don't have one use the library's or your local Connexions Centre.
• Use a simple font like Arial or Times New Roman, 12 or 10 point.
• Keep it short – 2 sides of A4 maximum, one side if possible.
• Don’t use exactly the same CV every time. Be prepared to make little changes depending on the job you’re applying for.
• Always check it before you send it.

Things to put in a CV

• Full name, address, postcode and phone number.
• Date of birth.
• You can include a couple of sentences about yourself. Click Selling yourself for tips on this.
• Education – your most recent school/college first.
• Current course (the subjects and exams you are taking).
• Work history – most recent work first, not forgetting part-time jobs, voluntary work, or work experience.
• Any qualifications you have achieved from school and/or work.
• Include any other skills or interests you have, particularly if they are useful for that job.
• Names and addresses of two people who will give you a reference. Remember to ask them first!

You might be expected to send a covering letter with your CV – click Writing a letter for things to remember as you do this.