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CV Mistakes which should not be made

Writing a CV is difficult. Many mistakes are made and many people end up with quite some question regarding how to setup the resume. Below you find some do’s and don’ts.

 

The following things you should do!

1. Succinct sentences are easy to scan, especially given many recruiters have just 10 seconds to read it.
2. Use standard typefaces such as Arial, 11 or 12 points.
3. Check and re-check spelling do not rely on spell checker.
4. Ensure your personal details are printed by all printers ? not in the header/footer.
5. Dates and employment should be easily found and consistent.
6. Lead with achievements, use active verbs and positive language.
7. Follow up all claims with proven examples, be quantitative as well as qualitative.>
8. Use email addresses where referees are abroad.
9. Include awards or recognition received for work well done, together with professional memberships and relevant training.
10. Keep your CV honest, factual and to two pages.
11. Ensure every line sells you at your best.
12. Prioritize relevant content.
13. Ensure you send your CV with a covering letter ideally to a named individual.
14. Take ownership and use words such as Determined, Implemented, Created, Devised, Coordinated, Conceived.
15. Include figures ie number of staff you managed or budget size.
16. Focus on what you have to offer the employer rather than listing what you have done.
17. Ask trusted colleagues and friends if this is an accurate representation of you.
18. Seek feedback if you are not achieving any interviews and if you feel your CV is not reflecting you at your best seek external advice.

The following things you should NOT do!

1. Date your CV
2. Put your irrelevant personal details first ie date of birth and nationality.
3. Mention Salaries.
4. It is not necessary to put reason for leaving.
5. Include negative or irrelevant information.
6. Lie.
7. Use Reverse Chronological format if you have many gaps between employment.
8. Put education first if its 10 years out of date.
9. List every employer if you have been working since the seventies.
10. Allocate the same space to all positions, prioritize the content.
11. Quote unsubstantiated superlatives.
12. Modify your CV for every application unless you have a foolproof method of remembering to whom you sent which edition.

It is always advisable to have your resume read by a third party who can independently judge the content. The resume has to be readable, understandable and layout wise everything has to be perfect.