The function of a CV is to present relevant information about you to the prospective employer. Though the definition sounds simple, there are a lot of angles to the presentation of a CV, curriculum vitae as it is commonly known, which mostly depends upon what type of a job you are applying for. However, whatever the type of the CV, the basics remain constant.

A good CV should :

• Be accompanied by a covering letter which is addressed by name or authority to the person who is in charge of recruiting or the chief of the organization (be careful here that you have right name, it is spelled right, and has the right designation; the covering letter should summarize in two to five lines why you think you would be fit for the job, showcasing your best talents to match the requirements of the job (and add a little extra)
• Represent accurately all the relevant info to the job information (personal and professional)
• Be crisp (make sure you do not have any long winding sentences while describing experience and other qualities)

Be written well to make interesting reading for the prospective employer, highlighting your best achievements (avoid tabulated form unless the information requires demands it. Highlight your match to the job through relevant experience, qualification and personal qualities (some examples are good communication skills, friendliness, dependability, fast learning ability etc) Be tailor made - (or rather written) to match the exact requirements of the proposed job.

• Follow the standard format of the country or region, such as the order of the presentations of information (in some places the personal information precedes all other information, while in many places this is presented at the end)
• Written in impeccable language (which ever language the CV is written in)
• Absolutely free from any spelling errors (as a matter of fact this is one of the most frequently quoted reasons for rejection of a CV)
• Preferably typed neatly on good quality paper; if typing is not possible, it should be written neatly in legible handwriting (there should be no cuts or additions on the handwritten page)
• Preferably give two good unrelated references or mention that references may be given on request

A good CV will not only be tailor-made for the job you are applying for, it will also match all your talents and capabilities to the requirements of the job and the goals of the company. Your CV should make your candidature for the job look like it is a win-win situation, i.e. the company will profit from engaging you just as much as you would profit from being part of the company.