Here's something to think about!

One internet source says that employers spend, on average, only 10-15 seconds on each resume and that 82-94% of applicants get rejected at CV stage.

So, we (as interviewers) timed ourselves. We spent, on average, 80 seconds on each resume before making an initial decision - Yes or No.

Generally we interview no more than 6 people for any one position. Based on the average number of resumes we receive, that's an 80-90% rejection rate.

You'll realize from this that it's not necessarily the most qualified person who is shortlisted for the job, but the one whose CV or resume grabs the attention of the interviewers.

So, if the job you are going for is a senior position or if you suspect the competition is tough, do consider having your CV professionally done. Get a recommendation or do some research to find the right one for you.

In our personal and professional view, there is no substitute for a professionally done CV. They do not have to be expensive and any cost is easily outweighed by the advantage a properly done CV gives you.

We receive between 30-60 CVs for each job we advertise and wed say that less than half are professional CVs. These ones stand out because they are:

Easy on the eye at first glance
Easy to read
Relevant
A good length, and
Flow nicely

We do recognise however, that some of you may be unable or unwilling to pay for a professional CV, so to help you avoid common mistakes, here a CV Writing Guide.

CV Writing Guide - General Guidelines

Remember - your CV is the first impression you give a potential employer.

Like an advert, your resume or CV needs to appeal to the reader, pretty immediately. Four pages of irrelevant text wont do this.

Instead, ask yourself: "Why should the employer choose me?"

Write your CV in such a way that the answer is clear. Pick up on the key skills the employer wants and focus your CV on these.

Be as much to-the-point as possible.
Do your research so your resume or CV is tailor-made for the job and the Company and has more chance of being in the YES pile.
Before you send it off, ask a friend or colleague to read the job advert, look at your CV for 20 seconds and then give you feedback. If its not obvious to them why you're a suitable candidate for the job, review your CV. Then try again.

CV Writing Guide - Layout

This is really up to you. But keep it simple. Complicated layouts are not easy on the eye and can give the wrong impression that you think the packaging is more important that the product! Style is fine, but dont go overboard.

If you want to know more about witing your own CV, goto http://www.job-application-and-interview-advice.com/sample-resumes.html.

Here we give advice on what to write in the following sections of your CV or resume.

Heading
Objective
Qualifications
Work Experience
Key Skills
Achievements
Interests
References

http://www.job-application-and-interview-advice.com/sample-resumes.html