A CV is like a messenger you send ahead to big you up

To give you some guidance, our experts have assessed a number of real-life CVs.

The results of our latest review is below, and you can find other CVs in the right hand column of this page.

CV hints and tips

Latest CV

Graduate looking for first paid role in theatre

History graduate, Rhiannon, 24, hopes to work in theatre administration, education or production. She has lots of experience, but most of it is voluntary.

CV reviewed by David Martin, general manager, Community Arts North West

This is looking good. There’s a wide range of experience and it makes Rhiannon sound like a very interesting person who has obviously got a lot of get up and go.

Perhaps now is the time to think about exactly what area of performing arts she wants to work in (what medium, what particular discipline) and proactively seek to find some experience in that field.

A few points about the presentation of the CV:

- If I got this CV, I wouldn’t be completely sure what area of theatre Rhiannon wants to work in. She needs to think about targeting her CV for particular jobs, choosing which experience to include and which to leave out each time. This will bring more focus.

- At three pages, it’s too long. I would be keen to see Rhiannon try and consolidate what she considers to be the most important information that she would like other people to know about. Personally, I’ve found the best length for a CV is no more than two pages of A4, including referees and contact details. Rhiannon doesn’t include her referees, but says that references are available on request. The CV would look stronger if they were named and their contact details were given upfront.