There is no right or wrong way to write a CV but the following general rules apply:

• Your CV should be targeted on the specific job or the opportunity for which you are applying and should bring out the relevant skills you have to offer
• Your CV should be clearly laid out, logically ordered, and easy to read
• It should be informative but brief
• It should be accurate in content, spelling and grammar
• Your contact information should be clearly visible and easy to find

Over and above the above mentioned points, your CV should include the below sections:

Skills

You should include a Skills section on your CV. This section should mention key skills that can help you to stand out from the crowd. Examples include: communication skills; computer skills; team working; problem solving or even spoken/written language. Try to relate the skills you have learned to the job role you're applying for.

Interests

The Interests section should include anything that portrays you as a diverse, interested and skilled individual. Don't include passive interests like watching TV or irrelevant hobbies that add not value to your CV. Make yourself sound really interesting.

Experience

In the Experience section you should use assertive and positive language under the work history and experience sections, such as "developed", "organised" or "achieved". For example: "The work experience involved working in a team," or "This position involved planning, organisation and leadership as I was responsible for a team of people".

You should try to get to grips with the valuable skills and experience you have gained from past work positions, even if it was just working in a restaurant – every little helps.

References

References should be from someone who has employed or managed you in the past and can vouch for your skills and experience. This can also be colleagues you have worked closely with. If you've never worked before you're OK to use a teacher or tutor as a referee. Try to include two if you can.

Keep your CV updated

It's crucial to review your CV on a regular basis and add any new skills or experience recently acquired. For example, if you've just done some volunteering or worked on a new project or in your community, make sure it’s on there – potential employers are always impressed with candidates who go the extra mile to boost their own skills and experience.