After you graduate from a job-related course, you'll need to start applying for real-life work. Though higher study will give you the base knowledge to feel confident taking these first steps, one of the most important documents you'll need in your application arsenal is a well-presented curriculum vitae, or CV.

However, when you're crafting one of these for potentially the first time, you may have a number of questions. In this article, we've tried to answer some of them to help you start.

A CV is one of the most important documents for getting work.A CV is one of the most important documents for getting work.

What information should I include?

The ultimate rule of thumb here is simple: If it's relevant, put it in. If it's not, leave it out.

Every time you apply for a position, you should change what's included in your CV. This is so that each and every document has precisely the right details needed for that one specific job, usually including similar wording from the job description itself.

You need to include your prior work experience, but if it's from a totally different industry, find a way to relate it back to your new role (any skills that will be useful, for example). Also, mention that you are a graduate of an appropriate industry course or apprenticeship, and hold a certificate to prove it. If you did any work placement, include that too.

Mention that you are a graduate of an appropriate industry course or apprenticeship, and hold a certificate to prove it.

Should I include personal details and references?

Absolutely, but keep it professional and relevant. Your name, contact number, email address and home address are all details that should be at the top of your CV. You should have two references at the ready, but most people will keep them off the document and simply say 'references on request' instead.

What order should my CV be in?

Recruitment specialists Kelly Services recommends the following order for your personal resume:

-Personal contact details
-Your objective: A quick summary related to your qualifications and accomplishments
-Education: List your Australian College of Higher Study (AUSCHS) qualifications here
-Work experience, including dates of employment and brief explanations (with the right wording, see above)
-Additional info: For example, do you have strong computing skills and training in business software? That could be useful!
-References

During your course for work at AUSCHS, you'll have access to career counselling and ongoing support. If you aren't sure what to include in your CV, ask our support staff and they will be able to help you out.