A top quality CV is really, really important if you want to get that dream job (or just any job for that matter). I provide an online proof reading and editing service and the number of CVs I've seen which haven't been up to scratch is unbelievable. The CV is the first sales window between you and potential employers; whatever the role the employer needs to read your CV and put you onto that interview list. So what is it in a good CV that does just that?

1) A good organised structure makes you look professional and therefore like you've really taken some time and effort. My general favourite CV structure would include:

2) A good bold title of probably just your name, followed by your address, email, phone number and possibly date of birth - basically all the information needed to contact you. I usually centre all the text, and enlarge the text for the name, to give a professional appearance to your CV.

3) Next is your 'Personal Information' section - this is normally two, three or maybe four bullet points creating a summary of who you are and what you can offer the organisation. The first bullet might point will say - who you are (eg graduate, experienced barman) and the role you are applying for. If you apply separately it might be nice to include the company name here. The second bullet will briefly outline you skills and experience relative to the role. The third bullet point will be your general skills such as motivated or ambitious and will say how they help you become a valuable asset wherever you work. A fourth point might explain why you are leaving your current role for this one but isn't really necessary. In this section you really need to sell yourself - keep it short but make yourself sound like the ideal candidate.

4) Next is the 'Education History' session; here you will have the dates to the left and the qualifications and place you studied to the right - the more recent and relative the education the more fleshed out you will be - don't list all your GCSEs for example but maybe just Maths and English.

5) Now comes your 'Work Experience' section- again date on the left and a brief summary of where you worked and the role you undertook. Underneath this you might list the skills and experience you have developed which is relative to the new role.

6) Next you may include an 'Interests' section and/or and 'Other Important Skills' section - in bullet point form make yourself sound both qualified and interesting - if you've run a marathon or worked for a charity this shows your motivation and hard work - tell the employer this (keeping it concise of course).

7) Finally come your references - try to select the two most professional sounding references you can but ensure they have something nice to say about you. Again lay these out with phone number and address and keep the whole layout running consistently and professionally throughout.

I hope my tips have helped you out - if you do want further help my website offers a very useful editing service to get your CV as professional as possible.

My name's Matt Graham and I've recently started my own online business at http://www.writeprofessionalenglish.weebly.com. I provide a proof reading and editing services so if you are struggling with your English writing check out the site. I hope you enjoy these articles and thanks for reading.