We all know that giving a rounded and clear picture of yourself when all you have are words is a hard and daunting task. But that's exactly what you have to tackle in order to secure an interview for your perfect job.

Your CV is a picture of you and what you can offer to a new company. That's why it's important to make the reading of it an easy task. A subtle balance between simplicity and excitement is what you should aim for, ensuring you provide all relevant information.

The Ten CV Commandments:

1. Name

2. Your contact telephone and email address. Be mindful of the suitability of giving work details.

3. Your home address including postcode.

4. If you're name doesn't immediately give it away include your gender.

5. A personal statement which is direct and succinct. Don't use flowery language and avoid clichés.

6. Summary of achievements to point out how you have successfully used your skills and character traits to produce results.

7. Work history with your most recent employment first. The most important pieces of information are the company's name, your position and the dates. A short explanation of your responsibilities, the skills utilised and what you gained should follow underneath. Make sure you write simply and not narratively. Your reason for leaving the position is also important to state but make sure you keep all the content factual and not derogatory.

8. Your education is also relevant but keep it concise. It should be obvious at a glance and not taxing to read through.

9. References can be highlighted through a simple statement, 'References available on request.' It is at your discretion if you write down names and contact details.

10. Your spelling and grammar should be spot on. Write your CV once. Take a break and then make sure you check it through again. Spell Checker is fantastic but cannot pick up everything.

Make sure to bear in mind that your CV is a marketing tool. Tailor it to the job you are applying for, highlighting the most relevant skills and achievements. By doing this you can dictate the direction of an interview and be in command of the way you sell yourself.

Write logically and factually to make your CV an honest and crisp depiction of yourself. The past tense is the best option and action words emphasise decisive abilities and skills.

Make your CV stand out by formatting the text. But don't go too crazy, we all know how unintelligible modern art is, don't follow this example! Ideally it will be 2-3 pages long, a manageable read.

Make your CV the one at the top of the pile, don't leave it to the mercy of the bin. If all else fails seek the advice of a professional and let them show you where to go.

Let's be honest, once you're in an interview your mind is filled with a multitude of things, perhaps not all constructive to clear thinking. So we have some advice to cut through this and help you both enjoy and excel in an assessment environment.

We can summarise this in one simple, unremarkable word: PREPARATION.

But the secret is how you choose to respond to this.

Preparing the following few things will allow you positive and controlled thinking when it ultimately matters.

1. Prepare your journey there. Know what time to set out, allow yourself time to take it easy and get their cool, calm and collected.
2. Know what you're going to wear and lay it out the night before. Look bright and well put to together. That extra bit of time and effort will put you at ease and speak volumes about your intentions.

3. Revise your CV and be aware of the points and skills you have emphasised.

4. Know something about the company, try and get a sense of their motivation and mission.

5. Reassure yourself of why you want the job and what it is you have to offer. If you're not convinced yourself there is know way you'll convey it to a stranger.

The interview itself should be enjoyable for both you and the potential employer. You want to give them a glimpse of how you will excel and thrive in their company's environment. We will mention now, and bear this in mind, 93% of the opinion formed of you is based on how you look and project yourself. Your interviewer wants to see that you will be an asset to the team and will enhance your colleagues work.

So although what you say has reduced lasting effects, a pretty face doesn't excuse a lack of intelligent conversation.

Take your time when answering questions, think as you speak and be perceptive of where you are leading the dialogue. Make three or four points in your answer to a question quoting real examples. Be wary of answering a question you feel uncomfortable with and steer clear of controversial topics such as politics, religion and gender relations. Your objective is to show them what you have to offer and give them no reason to disregard you.

So all that is left to say is don't over analyse yourself, the interviewer or the interview itself. Stay relaxed and be confident in your abilities. Finish your interview how you should start, with a firm handshake and a smile. Make your first and last impression correspond and confirm the positive addition that you would make to the team.

Top Interview Tip!
A useful mnemonic here is ROLE: Relaxed Open Leaning and Eye contact.

Top Interview Tip!
One way of responding to these sorts of questions (and others linked to your CV) is to have a number of illustrative anecdotes ready showing your practical approach to problem solving and the results you've delivered. Each anecdote should detail:

the Situation you inherited or the circumstances that arose
the Task you therefore needed to undertake
the Action you took (this is the most important bit)
the Result or benefit (ideally financial) for the company you can lay claim to

Use the STAR mnemonic and you can bring your anecdotes 'spontaneously' to life. Remember to highlight the points where you took action. You want your interviewer to remember what you did, and by implication what you can do.

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The only way you can start afresh in a new position is if you finish your current one on good terms. Approaching your resignation haphazardly will mean you leave behind bad relations and start your new job with this hanging over you. You are perfectly entitled to resign from your job, remember there's no need to feel guilty and so approach the process calmly and professionally.

As soon as you know you are moving on arrange a meeting with your manager to inform them of the situation. Keep the conversation simple and to the point; there's no room for settling scores or disclosing the office gossip.

Follow up this conversation with a clear-cut and professional resignation letter complying to the company's regulations. After this letter is received and recognised the only duty left to you is to remain a productive member of the workforce and to fulfil your term of notice.

But this is the point that becomes more unpredictable. Your employer's reaction can never be accurately gauged. You must always maintain your professionalism, not getting caught off guard and always bear in mind the reason why you are leaving your position. A counter offer may be put to you or your resignation may be over inflated or even received hostilely.

Whatever response you get maintain a level-head in all circles of colleagues. Burning bridges will get you nowhere.

Ultimately we suggest that you think through all decisions from your point of announcement to your last day at work. Take time to remember all you've gained from your position and remain assured of the role you're moving on to. You want your lasting memory of that role to be positive whatever the circumstances.