There are no perfect templates for a good CV, and although recruiters from various industries have differing opinions as to what makes a great CV, they seem to have a consensus on what makes for a poor one.
Here are some of the common mistakes you might be making in your CV and, of course, how you can improve on them (because we’ll never leave you in the dark).
1. Using the same CV for every job you apply for:
Every organisation looks out for different skill set, and so two similar roles might have different job descriptions. Your CV should, therefore, be custom-made to suit the requirement of the job. Don’t dump all your skills and experience in one document and leave the recruiter to figure out which one they need. Doing so would send a message to the recruiter that you don’t care about the job opportunity enough to give your resume a tweak…and we know that’s not true, so get to work.
2. Using cliché and weak verbs:
It would seem that everyone’s superpower is the ability to work under pressure, and everyone’s hobby is reading (and, wait a second, why do you have a hobby section in your CV to start with? That’s an awful waste of white space!). The general tone of your CV gives the recruiter an insight into your personality. So, when you say you were “responsible for the smooth running of the company,” you might be wrongly perceived as indolent because “responsible” is a weak verb that shows no real action. Consider adding the following verbs to your CV lexicon and conjugate them as appropriate: accomplish, execute, streamline, expedite, mentor, negotiate, and so on.
3. Underselling yourself:
Selling yourself with just a piece of paper amongst a stack can
for you to flash your disarming smile or demonstrate your charisma in the room. And this is why you must go all out in your CV. Drop the modesty. Polish your accomplishments without being dishonest. Your personal projects and volunteer work matter too, so don’t limit yourself to your paid work experience. Remember, your competitors are bringing everything to the table, and so should you.
4. Emphasising basic skills:
Most people are proficient with Microsoft packages. Unless you type at an incredible speed, for instance, your ability to use MS Word will not earn you any special consideration with the recruiter. Think of a unique skill instead – like a foreign language you speak, perhaps. That would come in handy especially if the organisation deals beyond national borders.
5. Including irrelevant information:
There is absolutely no need to include personal details as long as they are not specifically required by the recruiting organisation. In other words, keep your age, gender, religion, state of origin, and nationality out of your CV. Keep your profile summary brief, too, and make it about your achievements and what you can offer the company rather than what the company can do for you.
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