CV Length
A CV should be no more than two A4 pages. Keep it concise and easy to read.

Include a personal statement
A personal statement may be the first thing that the employer looks at and may be the deciding factor in whether they continue to browse and look at your qualifications. Alternatively, a strong personal statement could be what gets you an invitation to interview if you are up against a similar candidate. Use this segment to demonstrate your work history that is relevant to the role in which you are applying.

Be honest and factual
Dishonesty could jeopardise any employment if discovered. Providing false and inaccurate information will be found out, as employers will check facts. If you are fortunate enough to make it to the interview stage without suspicion, the likelihood is that inconsistencies will become evident very quickly and you will slip up.

Make it compelling
Try to avoid using archetypal CV jargon and give strong evidence and facts. For instance; instead of saying: 'I increased sales'. Say: 'I increased sales by 30% within a four month period.' This instantly demonstrates your abilities and will make whoever is reading your CV want to find out more.

Ensure it is mistake-free
It is imperative that you are meticulous about grammar and spelling. With most job vacancies, there is a large volume of applicants, and one of the quickest ways to have your CV put to the side is the presence of avoidable errors.

Content
In some occasions, your CV will need to be accompanied by a Covering Letter. While your CV sets out the skills you have for the post, your covering letter presents your motivations and adaptability.

Highlight what makes you suitable for the position and how you fit the job description, providing evidence of your experience and how your key strengths reflect the job requirements. Use it to put your CV in context, highlighting particular selling points on your CV, demonstrating your interest and knowledge of the company and outlining how you relate to its values, ethos and aspirations.

Style
Address to a named person, even if this means phoning the company to ask the name of the person who deals with recruitment. This will ensure it reaches the right person. Your covering letter should be no more than one page long and with short and clearly themed paragraphs - aim for no more than four paragraphs as a rule.

Interviews can be a daunting experience if you let the nerves get the better of you. It is important to remain calm and present a good and memorable first impression. Here are 4 vital tips when attending a first interview:

Making a strong first impression
Make a confident entrance, smiling and maintaining eye contact while shaking hands. Body language can be extremely telling and avoiding eye contact shows a lack of confidence.

Know the company that you are interviewing for
More often than not, the first question in an interview will be: 'What do you know about us?' By going to the interview ill prepared and stumbling over your first question, you are displaying disinterest in the company and the role, therefore you may not be considered.

Enhance your achievements
An interview is an opportunity to exhibit why you are best suited for a particular role. Prior to the interview, pick some key accomplishments that best relate to the role and be sure to emphasise these at interview.

Prepare specific examples for competency based questions
The theory behind competency-based questions is that past work behaviour is a good predictor of future job performance. Therefore, employers are trying to infer how effectively you would tackle future problems if they were to offer you a job. Always link a competency or achievement back to a specific real life situation from your past experience, and be ready to talk about your example in a lot of detail.

Congratulations on making a good first impression. Being invited to a second interview is a big indication that the company is interested and this is your opportunity to help secure an offer. Here are three things to keep in mind:

Review previous interview questions
You may be asked the same or similar questions to that of your first interview. It is crucial that you review what you have and haven't said so to be sure not to repeat yourself and further identify why you are the person for the role.

Be prepared for practical tasks
Following your first interview, you should have some indication as to what the role entails. Use this to your advantage and consider what sort of practical tasks you may have to complete. In doing this, you can be fully prepared for anything that is asked of you.

Make a positive impression on employees
There is always a chance, in a second interview, that you may be introduced to departments or potential colleagues. It is imperative that you make just as good an impression with the team, as it is with the person with whom you are interviewing. The employer needs to know that you will fit into their organisation and this is your chance to extend a connection with other people in the company.