READ TIME – 5 MINUTES
We all know that feeling when we spot a mistake in something we’ve written. But when it comes to your CV, it’s absolutely critical to double-check for errors. One tiny slip-up could be the difference between getting your foot in the door for a job interview or being passed over entirely.
So let’s dive into some of the most common CV mistakes and explore what should a CV look like to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward. With these tips, you can be confident that your CV will be top-notch and ready to impress potential employers.
General CV Errors
Many individuals tend to make their CVs more complicated than they should be. However, creating a professional and straightforward CV is easier than you may think! All you need is to include work experience, skills, accomplishments, and education information. While it may not seem like a lot, formatting is also crucial. But don’t worry, it’s simple once you know how.
Poor Grammar
A CV free of grammar and spelling errors is crucial in showcasing your professionalism, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Recruiters tend to raise their eyebrows at such errors – they see them as a sign of carelessness. Did you know that 59% of recruiters reject candidates with poor grammar or spelling errors? Thankfully, it’s now easier than ever to check for errors with tools like Grammarly.
Unprofessional Email
Did you know that 76% of CVs are discarded due to unprofessional email addresses? You definitely don’t want to show off poor judgment or lack of professionalism. So, when applying for jobs, always try to be as professional as possible and showcase yourself as the perfect worker! This might even mean making a new email with just your name to avoid making an unprofessional first impression.
Over Complicated Design
It’s important to remember that when it comes to creating your CV, simplicity is key. You want to guarantee that your content is the main focus. Recruiters can be distracted by unnecessary design elements such as crazy colours or borders. By keeping your design clean and easy to read, you’ll be able to effectively showcase your skills and qualifications to potential employers. So, don’t overcomplicate things – stick to a professional and straightforward approach when crafting your CV.
Lying
Did you know that 52% of job candidates believe that lying on their CV is necessary to get an interview? However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, if you decide to lie on your CV, the chances are you’ll get caught out and miss your opportunity to move forward in the application process. Not only will you miss out on getting the job, but you’ll also damage your credibility, which could have a lasting impact on your future career prospects. And if that’s not enough to convince you, 47% of those surveyed admitted that their lies didn’t even work in securing them the job. It’s always better to be honest and let your skills and experience speak for themselves.
Experience Mistakes
- Negative Commentary – It’s important to be mindful of how you discuss previous employers during a job interview. Avoid delving into negative commentary about them, as this can reflect poorly on you. Instead, when asked about why you left your ex-employer, focus on your desire for a career like the one you’re applying for. By highlighting your enthusiasm for the position, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a great fit for the job.
- Unexplained Experience Gaps – As a job seeker, it’s important to keep in mind that employers may not be too fond of unexplained gaps in your work experience. It’s not that they’re trying to be difficult, but it can make it harder for them to determine if you’re the right fit for the job. In fact, it might even give the impression that you’re trying to hide something. To increase your chances of getting hired, it’s always best to professionally explain any gaps in your work history.
- Unrelated Experience – When it comes to crafting your CV, less is definitely more. Instead of listing every single job you’ve ever had, focus on the key roles that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Whether it’s a similar position or one where you gained valuable transferable skills, keeping your experience section concise is absolutely crucial. By doing so, you’ll be able to showcase your most impressive achievements without overwhelming potential employers with unnecessary details.
Personal Info
Your CV should only include relevant education, skills, and work experience. Adding irrelevant sections could harm your application, as recruiters have limited time to review each one. Making a CV unique to each job can help to minimise these CV mistakes and keep it fully relevant. Here are CV mistakes people make when it comes to their personal details that employers don’t need to hear.
Long Intro/Overview
Your CV’s intro should be short statements that outline you’re top skills and qualifications, significant achievements and goals. Hiring managers and recruiters can read your overview before diving into your CV and decide if you’re a suitable candidate. If your overview is full of irrelevant info then your application will likely be disregarded. That’s why it’s important to write a professional overview, including how long of experience you have, related accomplishments and a few transferable skills.
Salary Requirements
When crafting your CV, it’s best to leave out any mention of salary requirements. While it may be tempting to include a figure, doing so could actually work against you. If you state a salary that’s too low, you may come across as inexperienced or undervaluing your skills. On the other hand, if you put down a figure that’s too high, you could be immediately ruled out of consideration for the position. So, play it safe and focus on highlighting your qualifications and experience instead.
By the time you finish reading this blog, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to create a professional and impactful CV that truly represents you. Once you’ve found your dream job opportunity, it’s time to put your newfound skills to the test and craft a CV that avoids the common CV mistakes highlighted in this blog.
With a polished and impressive CV, you’ll be well on your way to securing that fantastic career change you’ve been dreaming of.
If you want to know how a CV should look like, speak to our expert recruiters! They’ll guide you through the application process and tell you what a CHH should look like!