The secret of a successful CV is to give yourself an edge over your rivals by showing the employer that you're just the person to fill that vacancy.

1. Make yourself stand out

You have about 30 seconds to grab the employer's attention and convince them you're just the person they're looking for.

That means your CV has to promote you as powerfully as possible. It must be targeted to your kind of work and – ideally – customised to each job you're after. So keep your CV up to date and ready for use immediately.

There's no set format except to make sure you stand out from all the others. Take time over it and write several drafts if necessary.

2. Look at your skills

Take a fresh look at yourself and you'll realise you have far more skills than you imagine – and not just work skills.

Start your CV with a list of all your skills and highlight those you love using and are good at (your prime skills). Also explain how you have used them in a particular situation. Include lots of details – employers don't like being left wondering – plus any evidence that demonstrates those skills.

Keep this list separately too – it's your skills portfolio. Make sure you keep reviewing and improving it right through your career.

3. Find out what they need

First research the organisation or job role and decide if you have the skills or experience required. This lets you tailor your CV to match the job and show how you're suited to it.

Find out as much as you can from the company itself and its website as well as from business journals, the agency or anyone you know with contacts (competitors, clients, suppliers). Note any qualifications or specific skills or experience the employer wants.

If a qualification is important (e.g. in the medical profession), it will usually say so. But unless this is an essential, don't be put off. You could still be stronger than another applicant.

4. Show why you're right for the job

Make sure you show how your skills match what the employer wants.

Compare the job description with your skills portfolio. Take a fresh look at yourself, as if through the eyes of the employer, and focus on the skills and experience that are vital for the role.

Ask yourself:

• What key features of my CV will make me really stand out from the rest?
• What would the employer be trying to find in my CV?
• What format or style will make most impact?

5. Make it eye-catching

To be marketable, you need visual impact so choose good quality A4 paper and envelopes and keep it to two pages at the most.

Use a sensible type size 10-12 point ensure headings are consistent in size and avoid fancy typefaces. Use bold text and/or capital letters to highlight key information.

6. Structure it clearly

Key sections should include:

Personal details – keep them simple and brief

Personal profile – a powerful businesslike statement written in the third-person
Summarise exactly what you offer this employer in three or four lines

Key skills – ideally grouped under headings in the order listed in the job advert

Employment history – highlight your major achievements in each role and avoid any puzzling time gaps

Professional qualifications – include qualifying dates and any necessary explanation

Education and qualifications – highlight the level if relevant

Hobbies and interests/achievements – this gives employers a real flavour of who you are so include sports and leisure interests plus any voluntary work

References supplied on request – usually your current and previous employer

7. Make every word count!

Your CV can create a vital first impression and win you that all-important interview.

Your words need to make the right impact and help you stand out.

Spend time – don't expect your first draft to be a winner

Make it flow – ensure there are no gaps or repetition

Don't ramble – you can go into more detail at the interview

Check spelling – just one error could land your application in the bin!

Be positive – just one error could land your application in the bin!

8. Add a covering letter

You can send our CV by post, by hand or electronically but in all cases it needs a covering letter to create an immediate first impression.

Refer to the role advertised to show this is a unique application Remember to call and check your application has been received safely – this will put your mind at rest and make contact with the employer

9. Get feedback

If you gained an interview, your hard work has paid off and your preparations will make the interview much easier.

If not, the next step is to get feedback for your next application. Don't be afraid to call the company – the effort will pay off. Looking at the feedback, ask yourself if there are areas that you can improve or any gaps that you can fill. Start thinking of ways you can fill any gaps or try a different format next time.

10. Stay motivated

Remember that rejection is an inevitable part of the journey to finding your ideal job.

Don't give up – and be realistic. There are many reasons for not getting an interview. It may not be your CV – just an overwhelming response to the advert.

Ask yourself – honestly what could have been done differently?

Now go back to the first tip and start the process again; keep trying, as in time the process will become natural to you.