10 CV Mistakes To Avoid

10 It's easy to make mistakes on your CV and can become difficult to repair the damage once an employer reads it. CV MISTAKES TO AVOID Prevention is critical, so here are the most common pitfalls, and how to avoid them. Spelling & Grammar Even in roles where writing is not necessarily a key skill, poor writing shows a lack of care which no manager will want in their team. Never trust a computer's spell checker and always get someone else to read through your CV to spot any errors you may have overlooked. Grammar can be tweaked by reading a piece out loud - if it doesn't sound correct, then it probably won't read very well. Writing Too Much Why use 20 words when five will do? Employers aren't looking for you to explain everything you've ever done, just a few of the key elements that will persuade them you can do the job. Grab their attention with bullet points rather than long sprawling sentences. Personalise Submissions Each employer is looking for a CV and cover letter that applies to their role. As all roles are different, you should make small adaptations so it matches their specific requirements. Show that you understand what it is they want you to do. Whenever you try to develop a one-size-fits-all CV to apply for lots of vacancies, you almost always end up with something employers will ignore. Duties Over Achievements Each employer is looking for a CV and cover letter that applies to their role. As all roles are different, you should make small adaptations so it matches their specific requirements. Show that you understand what it is they want you to do. Whenever you try to develop a one-size-fits-all CV to apply for lots of vacancies, you almost always end up with something employers will ignore. Stick To Two Pages Use lots of white space to make it easy to read, make all your sections stand out clearly and only include information that will get you the job. Two pages of A4 is more than enough room to persuade your potential employer that you're worth contacting for an interview. They're busy people and don't have time to read five or six pages of your career history. Less is often more. Leaving Out Information Use lots of white space to make it easy to read, make all your sections stand out clearly and only include information that will get you the job. Two pages of A4 is more than enough room to persuade your potential employer that you're worth contacting for an interview. They're busy people and don't have tíme to read five or six pages of your career history. Less is often more. Avoid Using Cliches blah blah blah blah "Good communicator"; "Works well in a team"; “Committedď" - without any hard evidence of these you might as well write, "Blah, blah, blah". If you've worded the achievements in the rest of your CV well, the fact that you have these skills will already be evident. If you feel you must use these phrases, at least try to link it to something you've done such as, "Used my communication skills to build and retain a substantial client base." Explaining Vaguely Using fluffy lines like, "Seeking a challenging position that offers professional growth" doesn't really give a possible employer anything to go on. Give them something specific focusing on their company's needs as well as your own. Eg. "I'm looking for a challenging entry-level marketing position that allows me to contribute my skills and experience to fundraising for a charity." Design Elements Not getting any calls despite your perfect CV? There may be a very simple reason for that - you've written down the wrong phone number! This is less of a problem now email is the common form of communication, but check your .com isn't a .co.uk and your address isn't the flat you used to live in. Personal Details Not getting any calls despite your perfect CV? There may be a very simple reason for that - you've written down the wrong phone number! This is less of a problem now email is the common form of communication, but check your .com isn't a .co.uk and your address isn't the flat you used to live in. Infographic by... ARMSTRONG APPOINTMENTS Source: http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/cys-applications/cv- A advice/what-are-the-classic-cv-mistakes-to- avoid/article.aspx RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS