5 Common CV Mistakes

Writing a CV is not an easy job, despite all the inspiring materials available online. A competitive application requires a lot of effort to progress in the recruitment process. If your job seeking fails, it is time to review and improve your CV. Remember that a resume is the only way to make a good first impression on a potential employer, so don't let your CV stand out for the wrong reasons.

The following 5 CV mistakes can cost you a job and you should be aware of them:

1.  Not checking for spelling/grammar errors

his aspect shows your attention to detail and you should not only rely on the automatic spell checker, because it does not detect the misuse of wrong words, such as “diary” being spelled as “dairy”. My advice is to read more than twice your CV and at different times of the day. It can also help if you read your resume aloud.

2.  Ignoring gaps in your career path

Gaps in employment history are not uncommon, but it is true that they raise a red flag for recruiters and hiring managers. The best way is not to overlook them, but to explain why.

3. Exaggerated claims

The summary section gives you the opportunity to praise yourself. You should use facts and real statements and not claim to be an all-star in your industry. If you write about yourself as "The most successful IT recruiter in Eastern Europe," no one would believe it, and worse still, your application will be rejected.

4.  Job Hopping

Job-hopping is considered by most recruiters and prospect employers to be one of the most common reasons for refusing a CV. In this case, companies think that you would leave them even at the first moment of conflict or frustration. I would suggest grouping these kinds of small activities into a freelancer section.

5.  CV length

A CV should attract the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager. It is said that a 2-page resume keeps the reader engaged. So, a short CV is rejected because of a lack of information or poor details, while a too long CV loses focus. The length of the CV also depends on the industry. 

I hope that my tips will help you craft a perfect application.