Your CV is the key to unlocking exciting job opportunities, but many people unknowingly make common mistakes that can hold them back. But this isn't the end of the world. Here at MLT Recruitment, it's our job to land our candidates into roles that suit them and source the ideal candidates for our clients.
You may already be the perfect candidate for the job, but it won't get you very far if your CV isn't reflecting this. Here are some common mistakes that people make when writing their CV's, and some tips on how to fix them:
Mistake: Messy Formatting and Structure
How to fix it: Let's face it, nobody likes to read a CV that looks like a jumbled mess. To make your CV visually appealing and easy to read, keep these tips in mind:
Choose a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Keep font sizes and formatting consistent throughout your CV.
Use bullet points and headings to organize information into clear sections.
Arrange your CV in chronological order, starting with your most recent experiences.
Mistake: Not Tailoring Your CV
How to fix it: A generic CV won't get you far. To grab the attention of employers, make sure your CV is tailored to each job application:
Read the job description carefully and highlight keywords and skills they're looking for.
Adjust your professional summary, skills section, and work experience descriptions to emphasize relevant qualifications.
Showcase achievements and experiences that directly relate to the job you're applying for.
Mistake: Having a Weak Professional Summary
How to fix it: Many CVs lack a strong and concise professional summary, which is a missed opportunity to make a great first impression. Here's what you should do instead:
Highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.
Keep it short, ideally two to three sentences.
Customize the summary to match the specific job you're applying for and emphasize your strengths in relation to the role.
Mistake: Including Irrelevant Information
How to fix it: Too much information can be overwhelming for recruiters and dilute the impact of your CV. Avoid this mistake by:
Focusing on information that directly supports your candidacy for the desired role.
Removing outdated or unrelated experiences that don't add value to your application.
Prioritizing recent achievements and roles that demonstrate your growth and relevant skills.
Mistake: Forgetting to Showcase Accomplishments and Results
How to fix it: Simply listing job responsibilities won't make your CV stand out. Instead, highlight your accomplishments and quantifiable results to make an impact:
Share specific achievements and outcomes from your previous roles.
Use numbers and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.
Show how you added value, improved processes, or achieved specific goals in your previous positions.
Mistake: Ignoring Keywords and Jargon
How to fix it: To make sure your CV gets noticed, you can't ignore relevant keywords and industry jargon that employers are looking for. Here's what you should do:
Incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description throughout your CV.
Research industry-specific terminology and use it where appropriate.
Find a balance between industry jargon and plain language to ensure clarity for all readers.
By avoiding these common CV mistakes and following our practical tips, you'll greatly increase your chances of getting job interviews and securing your dream role. Remember to pay attention to formatting, tailor your CV for each position, highlight your achievements, and optimize it for both applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human readers.
With a well-crafted and error-free CV, you'll leave a lasting impression on employers and have a better chance of success in the competitive job market.
Why not send us your pristine, newly crafted CV to us at info@mltrecruitment.co.uk?