I can tell you what helps me out. I don't know how well it'll work in other areas/countries (I'm in the southeastern US btw). First and foremost, employers have to go through a TON of resumes/CVs nowadays. Programmers are a dime a dozen. Now, they have to weed out the bad ones, but that's not always easy when looking at over a hundred applications. So, the very top of your resume needs to be sales pitch. If they don't like what they see first, then they won't even read the rest of your resume. Second. Don't get too verbose. They have a lot to go through. And, don't tell them too much in it. Make them more curious about you and have them get in touch to find out more. Also, don't put so little they think this resume/CVs is a joke. It's walking a fine line, and you need to find it. Third, if you go into an interview, don't be timid. Most employers I know want an employee they like being around. You're selling your personality as well. Try to relax, but keep a sense of professionalism. Make it a point for them to understand just how much you can offer to their company, and do it in words they can understand (very important). Hope that helps. Jeremy Falcon