As if there is not enough to do when looking for a job, you now need to take into account that larger companies and recruitment agencies select C.V.’s using computer scanning.

To make sure that your C.V. has a better than average chance of being selected,

Here are some tips

Always use a simple format with no elaborate shading or fancy font styles. This includes, brackets, underlining, vertical or horizontal lines.

Always white or cream A4 paper and original.

Never staple, fold, bind,clip or place in transparent folders.

Use common typefaces with font size between 10 and 14.

Put your name first and never put in bold, this includes your address and phone number.

Research similar jobs and locate the buzzwords, keywords, or talents/qualities which include the techno speak or other adjectives and nouns which can be used to describe or label you or the job.

You can make sure these words are included in your profile or key skills section, putting the most important words first.

So a computer friendly C.V. is not the same as one designed to appeal to a real person.

You just need it to have enough detail in an organised order to make it through the scan, so that yours is generated when the computer is sifting for someone with your qualifications.

If you have any friends in H.R. or recruitment, you can ask them for information regarding what they look for in their scans. All information helps.

Lastly, do make sure you back up or save copies of everything you write at this time, including application forms.

You will find that you will be asked for the same information over and over again so doing it once and being able copy from or alter it will save you bags of time and irritation.