Looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired. By avoiding these common CV blunders, you’ll be sure to catch the attention of your ideal employer and stand heads above your competition.
1. Forgetting to use spellcheck
One recruiter reported that the amount of CVs they receive with basic spelling and grammatical errors is shocking. While spelling errors may not seem like a big deal, it gives a recruiter or potential employer the wrong impression immediately. These errors are avoidable, and you don’t want people to think you’re careless.
Tip: Have a trusted friend or family member read your CV before you send it out. If this isn’t possible, leave the document alone for an hour, and then go back and re-read it yourself before you send it.
2. Not enough specifics
Employers want to know what achievements of yours are relevant to their business. For example, if you were responsible for business growth, outline how you succeeded in your job and back it up with concrete results. If you’ve contributed to bottom-line savings, make sure to mention it on your CV.
Tip: Make sure you include the exact dates of each role you’ve had within the same company. It will paint a story of your career development.
3. Rambling on
Using long words and sentences will overshadow your job experience, and may make you seem like you’re trying to create filler.
Tip: Where you can, use bullet points. They’ll add structure and give the most important information in an easily digestible format.
4. Overdoing the design
Some people think that including design elements will make their CV stand out, but what it actually implies is style over substance. An employer is most interested in your past achievements and if you would work well in the role they’re hiring for, not your design skills (unless you’re applying for a design role!)
Tip: Use traditional fonts, and refrain from including a photo of yourself or any other graphics. If you’re lost, use a template from your word processor.
5. Wrong contact information
With phone numbers always changing, some people forget to change their contact info before sending out their CV. Imagine how frustrating it would be for a recruiter to have the perfect candidate for a position, and not be able to contact them. Don’t let that be you.
Tip: While it’s best to make sure your contact information is correct every time you send out a CV, you could also include two contact points, like a phone number and an email address.
6. Generic CVs
Potential employers are looking for CVs specific to the role you’re applying for as a way to determine if you’re fit for the role. This is your chance to showcase your skills and achievements, and to build a case for why you are the ideal person for the job.
Tip: If you find the task of tailoring a CV too tiring, then you might be applying for too many jobs. Only apply for roles that you’re excited about; this will give you the motivation to make the extra effort. If you’re applying for everything, then recruiters will notice and stop taking your applications seriously, since no one is capable of doing every job under the sun.
For more resume tips visit us at Changeboard.