Originally posted on our forums, this article about CV tips is a summarised version of the thread that I felt was worthwhile to preserve. Check the orginal CV Tips article here:
CV Tips - Tips on how to write your CV
CV Tips - some tips on how to write your Curriculum Vitae
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands of sites out there offering tips on how to write your CV or Resume - this article covers the basic CV and Resume tips you need to get started.
CV Tips - Use clear formating on your CV - there's no point having having great content if it is horrible to look at!
CV Tips - Don't make your CV too long - your Curriculum Vitae isn't an essay!
CV Tips - Only certain groups of people need photos on their CV (actors, models, etc) - NOT everyone!
CV Tips - Your CV /Resume is about tomorrow, not yesterday. Concentrate on experience and achievement that equips you for an even better future and leave out stuff you have gone beyond.
CV Tips - Put yourself in the mind of the reader and ask what will make them excited. Your CV is not a list of demands for what you want so don't focus on an objective or a naive profile; replace both with a strong but simple list of the assets (knowledge, skills, track records, achievements) that you will contribute to your NEXT employer.
CV Tips - PELLING. Check it once. Check it twice. Have others read it.
CV Tips - There is no conventional grammar in a CV -resume (it's all bullets; phrases; headlines and captions) so turn the grammar checker OFF and don't try to use full sentences.
CV Tips - Never use the first person, I, me, we, our - unless you are very young and want to seem cute.
CV Tips - No text boxes or tables under any circumstances; agencies may wish to manipulate and reformat your CV and that will hinder them.
CV Tips - Watch for repetitions like "responsible for" and try to make your points more than just a job spec or an embarrassing list of "action words" - being all functional and results biased is already old hat - read our advice for more sophisticated and thoughtful alternatives.
Thanks to Gnorf for starting the thread, and CVsage and Onikaze our moderators for the great tips on how to write your CV.