CV Turn Offs That Will Always Be Present
The mistakes and errors made on CVs are something that has been around for generations. Let’s highlight some that make the top of the list.
Everyone wants to make an impact with their first impression. However, at the same time, many people fall at the very first introduction of themselves. Let’s share some of the most noted errors to make sure that you do not fall into that trap.
The spelling mistakes
This is top of the list for everyone, so let’s highlight it first. Vicki Reeks, Industrial Manager, points to the importance of proofreading, one final time before you send it off. Vicki says, “Someone may have a fantastic format for their CV, but at the same, bad grammar and errors are going to hinder that start. From a potential employer's perspective, the alarm bells could ring that point to a lack of attention to detail.”
Presenting a different version of yourself
We all want to convey an air of confidence and deliver the best version of ourselves, but that can sometimes stray away from the real you. Rob Bruce, Senior Recruitment Consultant, says, “A personal no-no are photos that try a bit too hard, such as the graduation image with gown and mortarboard. If this is mixed with business jargon and an opening letter that reads like an essay, this can turn people away.”
“It is important to present a real version of yourself. Think about how you can deliver in a clear way how a potential employer can easily see what you have to offer and the skills that are just right for them.”
Contact information is hidden
Whilst you don’t need to highlight personal information such as marital status, your social media handles and every grade achieved, you need people to get in touch.
Lucy Eaton, Senior Recruitment Consultant states, “Make it easy for people to know how to contact you. You would be surprised at the number of people who don’t add their mobile number. Whilst an email is important (and don’t use an inappropriate email address), if someone is looking to contact you to pick up the conversation, you might not be checking emails and that delay can slow progress.”
It all becomes an afterthought
If you are opening your CV to edit after a few years don’t fall into some easy traps. Hannah Sills, TeamJobs Managing Director, highlights the stand-out sign, “This is when someone updates and adds their current job, at the top of their career experience. It can sometimes be in a different font and stands out like a sore thumb. The rest of the CV is the same as when it was first created, which could be a good few years ago.”
“For the job you are applying for, it is important to be relevant and not be the person who spent time on the CV three or four years ago. Remember, you don’t need to show everything you have ever done in your career. Too much irrelevant information that is kept in, can hide the valuable elements that employers are looking for.
Your CV must present a truthful and honest version of you. It is important to make yourself stand out, but don’t let your CV stand out for the reasons you weren’t expecting.