Be prepared to re-write your CV for each applicationYour resume should change depending on the nature of the vacancy. "If [you] are replying to a job advert, the CV should reflect the requirements of the organisation as described in the advert or company website and provide evidence from actual events/experiences that [you] have what the company is looking for," says Margaret Holbrough, from London South Bank University.

This can seem long-winded but it’s worth it to get the right role. Most jobs will take up eight hours a day or more – so it’s worth the investment in time to make sure you spend those hours doing something you really love rather than settling for what comes easily.

Below are some of the types of headings you could use to organise your CV.

Related ExperienceIf you have work experience or volunteering experience which is important for the job you want to do as your paid jobs in the past, we recommend a ‘related experience’ heading. You can use this to list relevant paid employment, too. List other jobs which are not relevant to your current search under ‘other employment’.

EducationIf you’re still in education or have only recently graduated you should place this section near the top as it’s likely the most impressive/important part of your CV. If you’ve had two or more jobs since then this should come after your related experience.

Don’t just list your degree: break it down for employers so they can see how relevant and useful it will be to the role. You need to flag up your unique selling points and emphasise achievements within specific areas such as a relevant final year project, an industry placement, or particular expertise in a specific subject.

Skills accrued during your period of study need to be included too. For example: problem solving, commercial awareness, technical abilities, IT knowledge, analytical talent or accuracy to detail.

Skills Languages Playing a musical instrument IT Skills

Awards/Achievements in Work Any relevant professional qualifications or training courses Any awards – such as employee of the month

Accomplishments/Extra-Curricular Activities Any awards (non-professional or not related to your line of work) If you’ve had anything published Interests – not all CVs have, or require, this information but if you think your CV

is looking a little light, or you have any interests which are relevant to the

position (i.e. if you’re applying for a job in a gym then mentioning the sports you enjoy outside of work could be useful)

Volunteer experience /community involvement List any volunteering work List any role such as neighbourhood watch, the PTA, etc.

References Available on request – don’t give your referees’ details out at CV stage – they

won’t be contacted until a later stage, once the employer has decided they want to interview you or offer you the job. In the meantime protect your referees’ data and fill your CV with more relevant information which will help you to secure an interview.