May 25, 2015
Newsletter Article
A new year is the perfect opportunity to update your CV. This article will look at the common mistakes people make when updating or creating a CV. Such mistakes should not appear on your CV, as it may prevent you from progressing to an interview. Some of these mistakes are obvious, where as others may be surprising. Compare your CV to these mistakes and observe whether you may have fallen into the common pitfalls of CV writing.
A new year is the perfect opportunity to update your CV. This article will look at the common mistakes people make when updating or creating a CV. Such mistakes should not appear on your CV, as it may prevent you from progressing to an interview. Some of these mistakes are obvious, where as others may be surprising. Compare your CV to these mistakes and observe whether you may have fallen into the common pitfalls of CV writing.
- Spelling errors, poor grammar and typos.
This may seem like an obvious mistake, but many people forget to proof read their CVs, this means that there are many errors that will not reflect favourably on a candidate. Errors suggest to an employer that the applicant may lack attention to detail or have poor writing skills
- Lack of accurate dates.
Employers want to see an obvious timeline when reading a CV. If there are gaps in your employment history, don’t be afraid to explain them. Time out from the workplace could have been spent shaping the person you are today, so make sure you portray this to the employer. Explain missing time in your career and make sure all work dates are accurate.
- Long Resumes.
Employers do not want to read pages and pages of in-depth details of your working life. Keep your CV short and to the point, it should be 2 pages at the most. Keep it concise and to the point, you can go into more detail in your interview.
- Long Paragraphs and Poor Formatting.
Make sure your CV is pleasing on the eye and attractive to read. Use bullet points where necessary and make sure your headings stand out. Do not use long paragraphs as these can often be difficult to read and may deter the employer from considering your CV. Make sure the font is easy and not decorative. Simple, clear and concise are key words to remember
- Word Documents
It is advisable to send your CV as a WORD document as this is most compatible with computers. You do not want to miss out on a job opportunity because the employer could not open your CV on their computer.
- Don’t hide information.
If you have the right certificates and qualifications for a role, make sure that you present these clearly so that the employer may see them. Don’t hide them in previous work experience.
- Be truthful.
It is imperative that you do not lie in your CV. Present yourself in the best light by highlighting all the positive aspects of you and your experience. Liars are often caught out. It is better to be truthful and honest, as it reflects better on your character.
Take heed of these common mistakes when updating your CV for 2010, it may be the key to a new career role in this new year.
