CV, CVs, CV writing, CV template, Sample CVs - from Peter Brown, life and career coach

There's lots of free advice on the 'net about writing a CV, but you still have to use the right words to really make your CV stand out from the crowd.

Or maybe you just don't have time to write a winning CV, because it can take a lot of time.

I can write your CV FREE as part of a series of 6 or more coaching sessions, or for just £49 as a separate service.

Email me for more information:

I write and edit CVs and covering letters for my coaching clients, and have designed and produced two CD-ROM programmes about writing CVs and preparing for job interviews.

These programmes are sold nationally by Focus Multimedia. You can find them in large retailers such as John Lewis and PC World, or you can buy the programmes directly from Focus Multimedia by clicking on the title screenshots on the right.

Here are my top CV writing tips - feel free to use them and the free stuff on the right hand side of the page.

1. Make sure your CV is error-free. Spell-check it, then check it again for errors both on-screen and from a print-out. It's also a good idea to get someone else to check it for you.

2. Tailor your CV for each new application. Don't use the same CV to apply for different jobs.

3. Don't include a photo with your CV unless you're applying for a job where your appearance is important - eg when you want to work as a model.

4. Never fold a printed CV. If you're sending your application by postal mail, put it in a large (C4) envelope so the employer gets it in the best possible condition.

5. Keep your CV to just 2 pages. If you've already had a long career and many jobs, you can leave out, or summarise the jobs you did more than about 10 years ago.

6. Always include a covering letter with your CV. This shouldn't mention details you've already written in your CV. Write one paragraph summarsing your skills and experience, and a second paragraph telling the employer why you want the job and could do it successfully.

7. Use good quality paper (90 or 100 gsm) to print your CV, not cheap copier paper. Your CV should stand out from the crowd because it looks professional and well-produced. Cheap paper gives a bad impression.

8. Don't include details about your age, your date of birth, your marital status, religion or other personal details. Employers don't need to know about these things, and it might be illegal for them to ask you about them in an interview.

9. Make sure your contact details are up-to-date and accurate.

10. Don't use wacky fonts, colour or other unusual formatting. Employers are quite conservative people and expect to see a CV in a standard format.