It takes effort and determination to craft the perfect CV. It’s depressing to think your CV may get thrown in the bin due to a simple error you could have avoided with a bit of proofreading.
In this second part of our article, we’ll be discussing more of these mistakes so you can avoid them and accelerate your career. Read on!
6. Not Customising Your CV to Each Application
Another typical CV mistake impedes a candidate’s success is failing to personalise their CV for each application.
If you take the time to analyse each opening, you will find all the information you need to fine-tune your CV.
To begin, put the job title as your title beneath your name. Then, in the professional overview area, align your ambitions with the industry, employer and opportunity.
7. Excluding Your Interests and Hobbies
While it’s important not to go overboard with your hobbies and interests, putting in a few can help show your personal side and a few considerable talents that align with your desired position.
Consider the things you’re enthusiastic about that will help your application. Ideally, these activities show your aptitude for cooperation, leadership, time management, communication skills, devotion and commitment.
8. Using Your Highschool Email Address
Suppose you’re still using the email address you made up in high school or college. In that case, we highly recommend against using it in your next job application — bigbooty87 @ example dot com may have been amusing at the time, but it won’t get you any bonus points with busy recruiters.
Instead, use a more professional-sounding email address that includes your first and last name or a variant of it, such as johnsmith@gmail.com.
9. Including References
Another classic CV blunder is devoting a whole section to references. It’s an outdated habit that wastes precious white space that could otherwise be used to display your other qualifications.
Also, don’t use the term “references accessible upon request.” The recruiting manager is aware – or, at the very least, hopes – that you have references, and they will request a list only when they need it(often after making you an offer).
If you absolutely must include references, make a separate list and attach it after your application.
10. Using Third Person
Writing in the third person only serves to isolate you from the person reading your CV. You want your CV to sound as if you’re speaking directly to the hiring manager, so describe your background and qualifications in the first person.
However, while writing in the first person, you should avoid using personal pronouns wherever feasible to conserve space. It may not appear to save much space, but when you eliminate 78 unneeded ‘I’s and 24’my’s from your CV, it indeed adds up, providing you with that little bit of more room to fill in that key bullet point or talent you were forced to erase.
11. Putting the Wrong Contact Details
If recruiters come across a candidate who appears to be a good fit on paper but can’t manage to contact them, it can ruin what could have been a great opportunity. Most applicants focus too much on the main content and take the more minor but just as significant details for granted.
Conclusion
Sometimes, all it takes is one solid proofread to identify and avoid these common mistakes that could ruin your otherwise excellent chances of landing your dream job. Don’t let your CV stand out for the wrong reasons.
If you’re currently looking for employment, look no further than Start in Recruitment! Our company can provide you with new job opportunities so you can land your first recruitment role. Register your CV on our website today!