Considering that the CV or resume is basically your entire life, experience and education background in one document, getting it right is vital. Here is how to invest some time and effort into your CV and avoid mistakes that look small but might cost you that job you want.
Mistakes while writing your CV or resume are extremely common seeing as how there are CV tips all over the Internet including on job sites like Monster.
1. Bad formatting
A research by National Citizen Service (NCS) research shows us that recruiters spend an average of only 8.8 seconds looking at every CV they get. This means first impressions are not just everything, they are fleeting. If you CV isn't easily read or strains the eye and/or mind to read it, you've already lost points before your potential employer has even had time to read your resume.
According to Prospects, Helen Tucker, HR director at Procter and Gamble (P&G) Northern Europe suggests that you avoid confusing layout and keep it simple. Don't include too much variety where font sizes or styles are concerned.
2. Make sure your resume is not cluttered or messy.
It goes without saying that spelling and punctuation errors as well as bad language use is also proof of carelessness.
3.Sending the same CV everywhere
True, this saves you time and probably allows you to apply for a lot more jobs than you would be able to otherwise, but it could be argued that quality is more important than quantity.
So tailor your CV. Leave out jobs, experience and activities that have zero relevance to the job at hand or might even hurt your chances. Figure out which skills best fit this particular job - and then highlight them (not literally of course).
Check the specifications of the organizations you are applying for. Potential employers will appreciate the attention to detail.
4. Words, but no proof
Making generic statements, especially clichéd ones, will likely cast a shadow ovr your credibility. Instead of saying that you are good at your job or have leadership skills, include a very brief explanation of a project you lead, or a recommendation by someone important who has first hand knowledge of your leadership skills.
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