CV mistakes that could be keeping you from getting your dream job
Don't discount the importance of having a well-drafted CV.
People say that the beginning of the year is the best time for job hunters to push on with their job applications.
If that is true, then there's no better time than the present to brush up on your CV or the popular worldly term, résumé.
First, if you are not a good writer, then our advice would be to seek out a CV writer. These people (the qualified ones) can make a world of difference to your profile and help present your work experience more appealingly.
The first thing a recruiter sees is your CV, to make a stellar impression, you have just a few moments to capture their attention.
1. Keep it short and simple (K.I.S.S) - Keep your CV under two pages to ensure it gets properly scanned by a recruiter. This may be difficult to do because there is this mindset that the more you include, the more likely an employer would be interested.
But that's not true. Employers want to see that you can get the job done and the best first impression you can give them is keeping things short and simple. But remember, don't take shortcuts. As much as recruiters look for CVs that are under two pages, they don't want to see a sparsely populated CV that used double line spacing and large font.
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2. "It's a good idea to make sure that your résumé is designed in a way that reflects the type of job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a position in graphic design or the creative arts, it could work against you if your application is dull and uninspiring. In contrast, if you're applying for roles in industries such as finance or law, it's best to stick to a traditional layout." (MSN)
You can use online sources to get ideas on formats that work well for CVs. You can also use ChapGPT to help compile your CV.
3. Formatting - when drafting your CV, consider things like font, colour, layout, and overall formatting. Make sure not to use fancy fonts with your CV, these can sometimes be difficult to read and won't work in your favour.
Also, make sure you format your CV well so that the recruiter can read it easily. Make sure you use headings and align your paragraphs and stick to black as a font colour.
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4. Spellcheck - use tools like Spellcheck or Grammarly to edit your work. You don't want to appear unprofessional or illiterate.
5. Make sure to include a personal summary. Even though you don't want to include your life history, you do want the recruiter to have a sense of who they are potentially going to interview.
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