Is your CV current?
Over the years, the digital landscape has transformed the recruitment business completely.
And as a job seeker, it’s easy to get left behind.
Whether it’s not including certain terms or unintentionally raising a few red flags by choosing a certain structure, there are a lot of things to consider if you want to succeed in this day and age!
So, without further ado.
Here are some top tips on how to avoid common CV errors and write the perfect CV to ensure you look current in 2020.
Including too many bullet points
While bullet points are a very effective way of clearly outlining your achievements and skills, using them too frequently can have adverse effects.
Having over five bullet points in one section may look like you’re trying too hard to appear qualified for the position.
Instead, make the content fit within three or four.
A lack of white space
Keeping your CV to a minimum of two pages is one thing.
However, if you try cramming in as much text as you can within those pages, it can look cluttered and unclear.
Ideally, a good CV should have a solid amount of white space around the perimeter of the document and separating each section.
This way, your CV looks cleaner, more professional and is easier for the employer to read.
Listing political preferences
Personally, I believe this is one of the biggest CV errors.
Politics is subjective.
Your CV shouldn’t list any affiliations you have as it may rub someone up the wrong way and take up more room in the process too.
The only exception to the rule is if you’re applying for a job within a political party.
Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for a big fall.
No personal branding
Branding is a term commonly used to describe a business’ image to their target audience.
Nonetheless, personal branding is very important in writing a brilliant CV, as it helps convey what you stand for, your expertise and your views on workplace culture.
Having a personal brand persona will help sell yourself more effectively.
Failing to include social media accounts
You should know by now that all employers are going to have a snoop around on your social media profiles before offering you an interview.
So, why make it hard for them to find?
It’s important to add links to all of your social media accounts.
In fact, including a YouTube channel can really help sell your personal brand.
The employer or recruiter can get to know you on an informal basis and appreciate your other interests outside of work.
If you’re planning on listing links to your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn accounts, just make sure you use our handy guide on how to clean up your social media profiles before submitting your application.
(It's definitely a good idea, CV errors are nothing in comparison to messy social media accounts).
Including your address details
Putting your street address in your CV is unnecessary in a lot of cases these days.
It’s outdated, pointless and quite frankly, a waste of space.
Remember, you need to utilise the two-page rule while maintaining plenty of white space.
So, removing your address will certainly free up a bit more room.
The more important elements to remember are your name, phone number, email address and links to your social media accounts – especially LinkedIn.
A lack of personality
It’s 2020! Showing some personality and a level of creativity is very much welcomed.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s vital that you maintain a high level of professionalism.
However, there is a time and place to inject some personality into your CV.
For instance, it can be as simple as showcasing your personal brand.
You can achieve this by including a brand statement at the top of your CV or using certain words that indicate you know the meaning of a playful, yet professional tone of voice.
If this is something you think you might struggle with, it’s worth considering hiring a CV writer.
Poor flow
While personality, keywords and including just the right amount of bullet points are essential elements, don’t forget to address the flow of your CV.
Using too many colloquial phrases or adding too much ‘fluff’ will make it sound unprofessional.
Don’t waffle – keep it concise, informative and relevant.
If you’re unsure, always ask a recruitment agency like ourselves to look over it for you.
Enjoyed reading this?
There we have it! A handful of CV errors you really don't want to be showcasing.
If you want some more handy top tips on how to perfect your CV, check out some of these other useful posts we’ve put together recently:
- CV Writing Checklist: 11 Steps to a Brilliant CV
- 6 Creative CV Ideas That Will WOW Recruiters
- How to Write an Impressive CV and Get a Better Job: Our 11 Step Checklist
- 11 Insider Secrets Revealed: How to Impress Recruiters With Your CV (VIDEO)
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