Are you sending out CVs but getting little or no response? It’s easy to blame a tough job market or other factors that are out of your control. But, the reason could be much closer than you think. If you’re making simple mistakes on your CV, then you could be harming
Potential employers often receive a large volume of CVs and will not have the time to read them all in full. If your CV doesn’t catch their eye, then it’s likely to end up in the bin. So what should you avoid in your CV:
1. A CV that is too long or short
While you want to include as much information as possible, sometimes with a CV, less is more. Potential employers are unlikely to want to go through a lengthy document. Plus, if you go on for too long, your CV is likely to be unfocused. At the other end of the scale, CVs that are too short may not include enough examples to convince a potential employer that you are right for the job. In most cases a 2 page CV will be the right balance between getting all the information across and keeping it relevant.
2. A CV that is difficult to read
The font you choose can impact on how effective your CV is. If you choose a hard to read font (one that is unclear or too small), then you’re making more work for a potential employer. While it is tempting to use a fancy font, it is much better to go for one that is neat and easy on the eyes. Too much bold and/or italics can also be a turn off.
3. A CV that leaves out your skills
If you’re just listing job roles and qualifications, without demonstrating the skills you have, then you’re missing a trick with your CV. A job title alone is not enough to prove to someone that you have the knowledge and experience required to get the job. Even just a short summary of your main achievements gives a much clearer picture of what skills you have to offer.
4. A CV stuffed full of irrelevant keywords
If you’re using industry keywords throughout your CV, so that it’ll get picked up by bots on job sites, then stop. Unless your CV really is relevant to that job or industry, then you are wasting your time and not helping your job search. All that will happen is potential employers and recruiters will be left confused and frustrated when an irrelevant CV comes up in their search.
5. A CV without a clear format
While there are no hard and fast rules about how to format your CV, there is a general expectation about the sections that will be included:
- Basic contact information, including phone number, email and social media profiles
- Brief personal statement outlining the job role you want
- Relevant employment history, including the skills and experiences you’ve gained
- Education history, highlighting your main achievements
- Any other relevant projects, volunteers and extra-curricular activities that show you have the ability to do the job
By missing out sections in your CV, it can make you appear under qualified or too inexperienced. So be sure to include all of the information that you can.
Once your happy with what you have written just regiter your details and we'll be in touch!