A CV is the first impression you get to make on a prospective employer so you have to make it count. Here are a few common yet damaging mistakes to avoid when writing your CV.
1. Poor Grammar: Spellcheck and autocorrect may be great ways to save time, but don’t forget to proofread your CV manually before you submit it. Spellcheck often allows the use of correct words in the wrong context, so it is not enough to simply rely on the computer.
If part of the job you are applying for is writing reports, it is extremely important to prove that you can write in grammatically correct sentences. If you have said on your resume that you have an attention to detail, make sure you back that up by avoiding simple mistakes
2. Irrelevant: Don’t send out a blanket resume to every single job you apply for. Instead update your CV and make it relevant for each role or position you apply for. This way you can really emphasise the qualities you have which are relevant to the job. Sell yourself; don’t assume that your prospective employers will do it for you.
3. Not enough information: It’s not enough to just put down your previous job title. You need a description of your responsibilities and what you learned from your time working there to show that you are the perfect candidate for the job.
4. Too much information: It’s all about balance. Recruiters get bored reading long and over-complicated CVs. Make sure you write down all the facts in a concise and easy to read manner. Try not to make it longer than two sides of A4.
5. Being modest: Your CV is one of the few times you get to tell someone else exactly all of the things you have accomplished. Don’t miss out important achievements because you are embarrassed. Write them down in a clear and matter-of-fact tone. If you’ve had a promotion, explain the reasons they chose you. This is a second opinion and will verify what you say about yourself, making you seem more credible to the prospective employer.
6. Putting your name in the header: Writing your name in the header at the top of a page means that it fades into the background. Scanners and photocopiers often cut off the top part of the page and your name could completely disappear. Make sure your name appears at the top of the first page in a larger font than anything else on the page. This way your name will be remembered. Writing it in bold helps it stand out in a pile of other CVs.
7. Repeating vague descriptions: When describing previous positions try to avoid using phrases such as ‘duties included’ or ‘assisted with’; these will be used in every other CV the recruiter sees. Try to pinpoint exactly what you did with power words, such as ‘constructed’, ‘determined’ or ‘executed’.
The most important thing to remember is to make yourself stand out. By avoiding these mistakes you will give yourself a fighting chance of being taken to interview. Just ensure that your CV is the one they really remember.
About the author
Richard McMunn is the owner of How2become.com, the UK’s leading training and recruitment specialist for careers. The focus is on providing applicants with the knowledge they need to pass any selection processes. The site currently offers over 140 different titles. You can also engage with How2become on Facebook.
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