A mistake on your CV shows a lack of care and professionalism and will seriously hurt your chances of getting an interview. In some cases you may never know why you were rejected, and applying to another company will not rectify the situation.
To help you avoid any errors, here are the 4 most common CV mistakes…
1. Writing a generic CV
An employer wants to find a candidate who is dedicated to their career and has a keen interest in working for them. If you write and use only one CV which goes out to every employer you apply too, this generic approach will not create a very good first impression.
Always tailor your CV to the company and the role to give yourself a much better chance of getting an interview. Your efforts will not go unnoticed and by addressing the company’s needs more closely, you will be better equipped to answer any interview questions.
2. Making a spelling or grammatical mistake
This is by far the most common mistake and one which must be avoided at all costs. Your CV is not just a list of skills and qualifications for the hiring manager to review; it is also a demonstration of your attention to detail.
How you present your CV plays a crucial part in the selection process, and should not be underestimated. Consider asking someone else to check your CV before you apply.
3. Using negative tone and language
Negative words should not be included in a resume. “Resumes should demonstrate what you can do and not what you can not do,” says Elizabeth Harrison, Client Services Manager and Senior Recruitment Partner at Decision Toolbox.
Every single word of your CV should be upbeat and positive. Under no circumstance should you ever be negative to a previous employer or self deprecate.
The employer wants to know what you can do, and has no interest in what you can’t. If you also have a little dig at a previous employer you are showing a lack of respect. Positive attitudes achieve more, and the employer wants to see a professional and positive CV.
4. Using cliché statements
A cliché statement only serves to frustrate the hiring manager, and does not do you any favours. If you feel you have amazing communication skills, rather than stating this you should instead look to prove it with examples of past performances.
If you are able to demonstrate your skills with examples you are already one step ahead of the competition. Anyone can say they are good at something, but it doesn’t mean to say it’s true.