8 Common CV Mistakes To Avoid

Using One CV For Every Job

There isn't one CV for every job. Job descriptions vary from organization to organization. Therefore, you need to tailor your CV for every job. Try and understand the requirements of the job description up front.

Grammatical Errors

Imagine opening a document and all you see are red lines! This is such a turnoff. Let a trusted friend or someone that may be of help peruse through your CV. It will help you avoid unnecessary grammatical errors.

Take note of punctuation, formatting, and spacing. You cannot underestimate the whitespace in your document lest it looks too crowded.

Long CVs

The maximum pages of a professional CV are still something debatable. It doesn't have to be too long or too short. Imagine the hiring manager going through pages and pages of your CV trying to look for suitable qualifications. Most recruiters don't go past the second or third page. Know where to place your most valuable skills.

Wasting Space

Space on the CV is the most valuable thing. It is not to be wasted by listing things that do not resonate too the kind of job you're applying for. Remove hobbies and interests from your CV. Imagine applying for a managerial position and listing ''hide and seek'' as your hobby. That's how weird that section looks.

Objective

Employers want someone who can add value to their company. You writing an objective like this, ''To become the best employee in a particular field'' is a deal-breaker. Yes, it is everyone's dream to become the crème de la crème in their chosen specialty but let that remain in your diary and daily affirmations. Instead, have a summary that presents you as a strong candidate.

Overused terms

These are cliché terms such as; ''proven track record of…''

Avoid clichés as much as you can. They make your CV sound generic.

Listing Responsibilities Only

This is one of the most common CV crimes. Listing only roles/responsibilities without achievements does not make you a strong candidate. In the recruiter's face, it shows that you lifted that information straight from the JD and pasted it on your CV. Show how well you are into character, how you smashed those goals and got recognition for that.

Too Much Information (TMI)

This is irrelevant information that doesn't help you in your application. That is why it is necessary to customize your CV to the job you're applying for.