There’s no formula for the “perfect CV” but these tried and tested tips could be enough to tip the balance in your favour and get you that longed-for interview.

Missed out on the perfect job? It might be time to rewrite your CV

 Missed out on the perfect job? It might be time to rewrite your CV.

1. Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for. Employers will spot a generic CV a mile off.

2. Show a genuine interest in the industry you are applying to. Even if you don’t have direct experience, show how the experience you do have is relevant to the role.

3. Thoroughly research the job and company you’re applying to. You’re bound to be questioned on what they do and who their rivals are if you get an interview.

4. Be concise. Too many adjectives can make an insincere read and flowery language just takes up space without making you sound any more intelligent or enthusiastic.

5. “Never use a long word where a short one will do” – George Orwell’s sound advice. You shouldn’t need more than 2 A4 pages to sell yourself, so don’t waffle.

6. Avoid jargon and tired clichés. Everyone has a “proven track record” with “excellent communication skills” and can work “well as an individual but also as part of a team”.

7. Don’t lie. Even if you get the job and aren’t caught out, three months down the line do you want to have to confess you can’t deliver on something you promised was your forte in the interview?

8. Explain any gaps in your CV. If you had six months unemployed, say why and how you made the most of that time off. Did you work on your own project or do any volunteering for instance?

9. Be positive and don’t underplay your previous experience. If you tried to implement a scheme that didn’t work, it doesn’t mean you didn’t learn from it. Show how you have improved and grown as a result of this setback. Using active instead of passive language will help this come across.

10. What you achieved in a previous role is much more impressive than a description of the tasks you carried out. It shows your value. What have you achieved that sets you apart from other candidates? Back up your answer with examples of key skills like leadership and communication.

11. Testimonials from previous employers or colleagues can give your CV some colour, as well as objectivity.

12. Make your CV easy to skim read. Employers have stacks to get through, so if yours is easy on the eye, it’s more likely to get read and remembered. That said, don’t over format. Be consistent but sparing with colour.

13. Don’t try to be funny (unless you actually are funny). A professional attitude is key.

14. Be selective. Do you need to put in your GCSE results and the fact you were in the Scouts? You can always add an “Additional Experience” section if you have experience that is relevant but not recent.

15. Got an online presence? Make sure your Facebook page is private and your Twitter account isn’t embarrassing. Employers cyber-stalk too, you know.

16. If you have CVs in multiple places online, check the basics match up. It wouldn’t be very professional if you got caught skewing dates or adding roles.

17. Introducing yourself with a mini personal statement isn’t always a great way to stand out. A summary of the role you are looking for, what you want to achieve and why, is a better idea.

18. Use key words to tap into what is being asked of you but don’t overdo it, your CV shouldn’t replicate the job specification.

19. Prove your aptitude for the position you’ve applied for. Showing you have a future with a company might just get you one.

20. Grammar and spelling are important. Check everything you’ve written thoroughly because getting the company’s name wrong will make a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.

And then you have to get through the interview...