The purpose of the CV is to get you that all-important interview. To do this, it must be sharply focused and designed to grab the employer's attention.

Having analysed what the employer wants and assessed what you've got to offer, you must match the two as closely as possible on your CV.

Use the words and phrases that appear in the advertisement and highlight the skills and experience specifically requested. Remember to include transferable skills. Try to deduce what other unspecified skills might be required. Make sure to record all your relevant qualifications and experience.

Tailor your CV so that it addresses the employer's needs. Prioritise and highlight the skills and accomplishments which you think would fit the employer's expectations of the ideal employee.
Remember the distinction between claims and credibility. Make statements about your skills and achievements and back them up with hard evidence.

Give examples of problems you encountered, the actions you took and the results you obtained.
Concentrate on how the company benefited in terms of improved productivity, sales, profits, customer relations, etc.

Use action verbs when listing accomplishments in your hard-copy CV e.g. 'conducted', 'established', 'implemented', 'increased', ' investigated', 'negotiated', 'reorganised'. Quantify, personalise, and be specific in your descriptions.

When describing your work experience, use job titles or skill headings that match the job you are applying for.

Be positive and forward looking. Use past accomplishments as an indicator of future results.
Concentrate on how your prospective employer will benefit from your skills, qualifications and experience.
Since your CV will be competing with hundreds of others, visual layout is very important. It must be carefully structured, uncluttered and easy to scan. Headings should be appropriate. Use section breaks, white space and bullet points to break the text. It should seldom be longer than two A4 sheets.
Check for spelling, grammar and typographical errors.