When writing your CV, remember that this is your "sales document". This is the product that will get you selected to the short list for the job of your dreams. However, as you'll want us to represent you in the best possible light, here are some tips which will help ensure that this happens.

Always tell the truth
Honesty is always the best policy. Successful recruiting demands integrity on your part as well as ours. Don't ever risk exposing yourself by embellishing, exaggerating or lying on your CV.

Language
Use active tenses instead of the past tense. For example, not only is 'I designed' a more dynamic way to outline skills and achievements, it's also a lot shorter than, 'I was given the responsibility for designing…'

Sentencing
Try using succinct bullet points instead of paragraphs full of long sentences. Quicker for you to construct; easier for everyone to read.

Elevator pitches
Think summaries. Imagine you've got 15 seconds in an elevator to give a brief snapshot of you. Those few sentences (e.g. 'I've been the chief executive at two of the world's leading banks in Hong Kong & the US over the last 18 years. I'm now looking for a rewarding position as Governor of the Bank of England') become your profile and should be right at the top of your CV after your personal details. Within the text of your CV think about your achievements. Stay in the 'elevator' and think brevity. List benefits that you provided; quantifiable and measurable things you've done that saved time or money, won new or developed existing business, etc. If you're a graduate, think outside the box. Take into account voluntary work, leisure activities and your personal life, as well as work experience. Combine this with your responsibilities, skills and expertise. Include explanations of gaps between positions too. Demonstrate that you have the skills to perform in the position(s) you're interested in. Graduates: again, use whatever's in your locker that's relevant. That's three key elements: who you are, what you can do and how you get it done.

Education
Include full details of your academic achievements including examinations taken and results, place and date of studies. Employers are interested in this information - it enables them to assess whether you have performed to your full potential.

Referees
Make sure they cover your last three jobs, your last five years of work experience, and/or have available written reference letters on work you've gleaned abroad. We will always check with you first before approaching them.

Presentation
Always use a word processor to construct your CV. Include a header or footer on the second page detailing your name in case the pages should ever get separated. Should you ever leave behind a hard copy of your CV, avoid dark colours on a patterned paper, or elaborate bindings - both of which can hinder photocopying. Do not forget to keep a copy of the CV you've sent us! If you customise your resumés, this will be especially important.