8 Things to Avoid in Your CV
Written by Oktay Asanov
Looking for a job is hard and, unfortunately, securing one in today’s environment became even harder. However, one tool that has stayed consistent in differentiating you and showcasing your best side is a strong, well-rounded CV.
After being rejected by some great opportunities, more times than I would like to admit, I decided to take a highly-judgmental look at what I was sending to employers. I realized the hard truth that these simple mistakes could have been the reason my CV ended up at the bottom of the pile.
I recently wrote about eight basic techniques that changed my CV for the better – Read here
Things to Avoid:
1. Irrelevant Information
Unfortunately, sending the same CV for two very different positions won’t cut it. I have done this too many times and have learned the hard way that a “general” CV won’t secure you that dream position. Yes, it is easy to create a good CV that emphasizes all the great work you have done and then quickly distribute it to every position with an “Easy Apply” option. However, employers are looking with a magnifying glass and will be able to see the lack of effort.
Give yourself time when you are applying for a job. If you don’t have much experience with writing CVs, give yourself several days. The process can be long, however, a customized CV that reflects the job description will take you much further than you expect.
2. Incorrect Information
As we just said, it is okay to customize your experience, so it fits the job description. However, it is not okay to add skills that you have no experience of. Yes, it might look like a great way to slip through the drops, however sooner or later the employer will realize that you have lied on your CV. This will not only jeopardies your chances of securing the job, but also the validity of your actual skills and experiences.
3. Spelling Mistakes
I have said this before, and I will emphasize this again. A spell check will save you from the uncomfortable situation of losing a great opportunity only because your CV was full spelling and grammatical errors. Software’s, such a Grammarly and Ginger, are free and easy to use and will help you to clear out the small mistakes.
4. Your Grades
Once you have graduated, details such as modules are not relevant. They just take space and don’t hold so much importance to secure you that position. While you are at it, ditch adding what subjects you took as well. We would recommend placing the educational section of your CV right before you dive into your experience. For those who studied in the UK make sure, to state the levels of your qualifications, however do not list down each subject you have taken.
An exception for this rule would be if you have achieved great results – graduated first in your class, received an award.
5. Inconsistent Font and Design
CVs are not only a representation of your experience but also your strong sense of detail. Sending off a messy CV will outshine much of the great content you have written and will provide the wrong view that you have not put much effort into your application.
6. Scrap the Cliches
Recent surveys have shown that recruiters are turned on and off by certain words. Buzzwords you should avoid are “go-getter”, “highly motivated”, “people pleaser”, “thinking outside the box”.
An article from the Independent reported that certain terms, however, used in moderation, would have a positive effect over employers – “achieved”, “managed”, “resolved”, and “launched”.
7. Don’t Highlight Duties
Going from our previous statement, don’t rely on selling your experience by describing it through buzzwords and the duties. Rather than just saying you have managed projects, let us know what you have achieved during this project. For example “Managed the end-to-end operations of X annual projects, achieving Y results, which resulted in Z year on year increase”.
Concentrate on the facts, rather than just your duties.
8. Photos of yourself
Do not put your photo on your CV. This is an old belief that a good photo on your CV will increase your chances of securing a job.
Recruiters do not need to see you before your interviews. What is important is the content in your CV and how you have described your achievements. Furthermore, removing photos from CVs decreases the chances of recruiters projecting unconscious bias on your application results.
A well-rounded CV has stayed one of the guaranteed ways of securing you that dream position. However, even after you have read all the articles and implemented all the advice, and still have not received a job offer… don’t blame yourself. The job market goes through ups and downs, providing no guarantee of success. Be good to yourself, and don’t stop hustling.