Besides the obvious, like scrupulously checking and double-checking for any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors or layout and formatting issues, there are various things you should keep in mind when writing your CV.
1. Know the job you want to get and write your CV for it.
This means if you want to land a job as a receptionist your CV should showcase why you are suited to this job, that you have the skills required, and if necessary the experience.
Don't just create a boring, generic document listing your skills, education and work history. Instead, write your CV with the intention of getting yourself an interview.
2. Although you might spend hours on your CV, prospective employers won't. In fact when perusing your CV prospective employers will probably make the decision of whether to read it further of drop it in the trash within five seconds of opening it.
This means you've got to consider what your CV looks like at a glance. Are your Titles clear and informative? Is the most important information at the top of the document? Have you used bullet points to summarise?
The fact is that no matter how eloquent you might be your prospective employers are not going to read through paragraph upon paragraph of long-winded text. You should therefore use bullet lists where possible, summarise text and make your headings etc. as clear as possible.
3. Sell yourself! Your CV should list the benefits of your skills to your prospective employer.
You can do this by relating the benefits of your skills to your prospective employer's industry. Also, if you're going to include information about how at your previous job you increased sales in your department, make sure you mention that it was by 73% (or whatever amount). Numbers and figures mean more to employers than non-descriptive, vague sentences.
4. Leave off the things that aren't relevant.
This could be the video shop you worked at when you were 17, the band you sing for on the weekends, your sexual orientation or your religious beliefs. Bearing in mind that you are trying to tailor your CV to one specific industry or employer you should consider how the information contained therein betters your chances of landing the interview.
On the other hand you should include the things that are relevant even if they aren't official yet. If you're currently doing a ten-week marketing course, rather mention this and the end date than mention nothing at all.
5. Keep your target salary in mind.
When writing your CV, always at the forefront of your mind should be your target salary.
Is the style, layout and information included in your CV in line with the salary and level of responsibility of the job you are applying for? If not you might find your CV is ending up in more paper shredders than employer's desks….