IT'S about this time of year, as we all emerge from relaxing days spent soaking up the sun and enjoying our holidays, that we're compelled to throw out the old and embrace a fresh start. Even if you're not thinking of moving jobs, why not capitalise on this urge and update your CV?

An annual CV spring clean' not only prepares you for any eventuality, but also forces you to review your achievements and career development.

Recognising all that you've done in the last year can help with your self-esteem at work and boost your confidence in job appraisals.

It can even support your case in salary negotiations.

So for those who want to spring clean their career as well as their CV, fish4jobs have published some tips that should help you get that interview for your dream job.

Dos

  • Keep your CV brief and to the point two pages is a good length.
  • Send a well-written, concise and interesting covering letter with your CV it's the perfect opportunity to give the employer more of an insight into your personality and show that you have done a bit of research.
  • Make each application individual. Make minor adjustments to your CV to make it more relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Don'ts

  • Don't use jargon. Research by fish4jobs conducted among 300 personnel managers showed that CVs and covering letters featuring buzzwords and industry jargon are more likely to get binned.
  • Don't lie about work experience or falsify academic qualifications it's easy to get caught out.
  • Don't slip up on poor quality paper or presentation 15 per cent of recruiters cite these as a non-starter.