Confirming your CV stands out from the troop is no easy task. For each designation, a hiring manager recruits for they receive on average around 70 requests and research recommends you have only 15-20 seconds scanning time to influence.
The online CV building tools as we know are rapidly being reinforced with extra channels of showcasing a person's talent. But, the CV is still very much in demand for employers all over the world.
Here are our 7 quick hacks on the most common CV mistakes to avoid.
Inappropriate work experiences:
The petrol station shift, the cash boxes at the superstore and the warehouse job over the summer were all countless life-shaping experiences, but there's no room for them on your CV. Keep any experiences you add current and related to the job and person requirement you're applying for.
Don't get personal:
Remove any personal details like religious references, marital status, and age. You are not required to add these on your CV. Remove any reference to your current and past salaries as well as irrelevant qualifications.
Misrepresentation:
Enhancing your triumphs on your CV is never a good idea. Playing you are the CEO of a company, setting up an aid or going to one of the UK's top universities that don't exist won't do you any favors. Write the facts and emphasis on your main achievements and accomplishments rather than misrepresenting yourself.
Unreliable formatting:
Swapping between one and two columns, different size and obsolete styles of fonts make an unfriendly read for the hiring manager's eye. Choose a style and stick with it. Divide your CV up with clear headings and bullet points.
Unprofessional email address:
How would you feel about reading the CV of someone with the email address Clubmonster@gmail.com or beerforbreakfast@hotmail.com? Hilarious as it is, it doesn't carry a professional image. Keep your private life apart when it comes to email addresses.
Poor grammar:
There's no excuse for spelling mistakes and bad grammar. Proofread your CV, once for spelling mistakes, once for grammar and then read it back to pick up any final mistakes. If you're unsure have a friend or colleague check through it for you.
Hobbies:
If your hobbies are relevant to the company you're applying to they could help you get an interview, but it's better to include any examples of volunteer or charity work.
You have limited space, so use it wisely!