Now we are approaching the ‘new year new you’ time of the year – many of us will be looking to update our roles/companies. Recruiters take just seven seconds to scan a CV. Make them count. Here to help, is a list of the worst things people do on their CVs — and how to avoid the same traps to help you land your dream role!
1. Don’t put every single job you’ve ever had, put the relevant jobs from the past 10 – 15 max years. And remember, keep your CV 1-2 pages long. The lengthier the CV, the higher chances you will be ghosted.
2. Don’t skip the skills section, include every database, language, and software you’re proficient in to up your chances. Including hobbies is also a great way to make your character shine through.
3. Don’t put your complete address. Just city, state, and postcode will do. And no need to put down reference details, that should be a no-brainer and allows for more space for the critical information.
4. Don’t put a photo. Instead, you can include your LinkedIn link, and make sure your profile looks sharp and up to date.
5. Not tailoring your CV to the specific role is a big no no, and frankly lazy. Hiring managers look through hundreds of CVs, and all they want to know is if you fit the job description. Furthermore, there is now software that companies use to filter out CVs that do not include keywords of the spec. Tailoring your CV shows that you have performed research into the company and role and is a much better way of selling yourself. It’s important to thoroughly read the job descriptions and pick up on keywords and phrases to do this.
6. Bad formatting, is one of the first things employers notice when looking at your CV, especially in a creative role.
7. And, finally – triple-check for typos and bad grammar! Whether you proofread it yourself or get somebody else to, checking over your CV from start to finish can be the difference between being accepted and being rejected.
All images via Vogue Portugal March 2018 – photographed by Branislav Simoncik.
