Elize, I am certain that your very good question has touched a chord with a number of readers of the Women24 Careers website.

Firstly, the fact that you have been working in a small town and for a small company can actually be a big advantage. I am certain that you are currently doing a large number of very varied functions and that you have been exposed to a number of different tasks, duties, and responsibilities and you will most certainly be able to highlight these when applying for a number of positions.

And now to your questions. And the first is whether you can/should include a salary requirement in your application for a new position. My response is no – the reason why I state this is that a potential employer may very well feel irritated or yake umbrage when you suggest a salary when the person evaluating your application feels that you are “worth” another salary. I would like to suggest that you should make contact with someone in the organisation (there is usually a contact/enquiries person noted in the advert) and discuss the salary grades and bands. You can then take the decision whether you wish to continue with your application for employment.

I think that it is important that you should only include the information or documentation which is required and requested in the advert. In many instances, employers request copies of an identity document or driver’s licence – one can then include these (or other requested) documents. One does not wish to irritate the person evaluating your application by including unnecessary and uncalled-for information/documentation. The question of a photograph is always contentious – again, my feeling is that unless it has been specifically requested, do add a photo ... what one person may consider to be a beautiful photo could be seen in a completely different light by someone else.

And some guidelines ... it is also important that you should have a CV which highlights the specific and sought-after knowledge, skills and competencies and which emphasises the value that you feel that you will be able to bring to bear in the position for which you have applied. I think that, given your particular areas of expertise, you should emphasise these qualities when applying for a particular position.

I would like to refer you to the following websites where you will gain some insights and tips to prepare and draft, not only your CV, but also the covering letter which will accompany your CV when you apply for a position: Create a Magical CV - http://www.women24.com/CareersAndMoney/AtWork/Create-a-magical-CV-20090129 and The Perfect Cover Letter – http://www.women24.com/CareersAndMoney/AtWork/The-perfect-cover-letter-20090202.

I think that you should also make contact with one or two of the better employment agencies – and here is the important issue - especially those which specialise in your particular area of specialisation. I would like to suggest that you set up a meeting with one of the senior consultants. They will be able to provide you with information and will be able to submit your CV to suitable employers and also provide you with the necessary information that will enable you to “sparkle” at an interview.

This is a broad sweep through your question – please do submit another question to the website if you require any further assistance or information.

Good luck with your future endeavours!