It’s said that a potential employer will give your curriculum vitae the much needed attention once over for a matter of six or seven seconds only before it’s regarded as a ‘maybe’ or simply kept in the ‘round file’ (or if your really unlucky, into the ‘shreds things up into hamster bedding’ file.)

Your CV represents you. It is your first impression and the only way for you to let prospective employers know just how good you are. Added to this, it will usually be competing against many other resumes and cover letters. You might be the perfect person for the job, but if you’re poor at writing a CV, you’ll be passed by. There is a fine line between submitting a stand alone resume and a gimmick that screams ‘I’m crazy’.

Make it count – remember it’s your first impression.

Here are ten points you should consider to make sure your resume is a keeper.

• A GOOD START – Open with a punchy statement that highlights the very best of your key strengths and achievements. RELATING DIRECTLY TO THE JOB IN HAND. This of course will be backed up further on, but serves to get the facts in first.

• NO TO NOVELTY – no wacky colored paper, photographs or ‘original’ methods of delivery please. People haven’t got time to be impressed.

• Hit ‘EM – Don’t use convoluted or flowery language. Attempts to be unnecessarily technical won’t go down well either. Short and to the point language gets the message home every time.

• TAILOR MADE – Make sure your resume is targeted exclusively to that particular job or company. Be aware of the specific company needs and promote your skills and experience accordingly each time. Identikit DOES not attract attention.

• CLARITY IS KING – your resume needs a clear and concise structure. Nobody wants to be flipping back and forth for information.

• PANTS ON FIRE – It sounds obvious, but make sure your resume tells the truth. Embellishment would be fine, if there is evidence to prove it. Don’t forget, a quick google by HR could find you out easier than you thought.

• MIND THE GAP – To avoid any embarrassing silences during an interview, make sure there are no glaring spaces in your career history. Maybe you had to take a 6 month break to look after your poorly parrot. Just tell ‘em.

• CHECK THIS! – If you show sloppiness with spelling and grammar on your first impression, it says a whole lot more about you than your lack of English skills.

• AND CHECK IT AGAIN – Get it proofread, again, again, and again.

• MAIL RETURNED – Make sure your precious spanking new resume goes directly to the right person. Don’t waste your time assuming it’s been received either. Send it the right way, to the right person.