If you are looking for a job and want to apply for one, your CV is the most important document you’ll need. It’s also the first thing a potential employer will see. In this article, we’ll examine common mistakes that make CVs look unprofessional and offer helpful tips on how to avoid them.
The Purpose of a CV
There are a few key purposes for a resume: to help you obtain an interview, to get your job offer, and to show your skills. A CV (or resume) is the document that summarises all of your experience and qualifications. It’s important to make sure that your resume is well-written and captures the attention of employers. Keep these tips in mind when crafting your resume:
- Use a Professional Format
Your resume should be formatted in a professional manner, using a standard font size and layout. Make sure it’s easy to read and follow the basic rules of grammar. Your goal is to present yourself as an attractive option for employment, not as someone who is difficult to work with.
- Use Headlines and Subheadings
Use headings and subheadings to organise your information. For example, use “Education” as a heading under “Work Experience,” “Honours/Awards” under “Skills,” and so on. This makes it easier for employers to quickly scan your resume for specific skills or experiences they’re interested in.
- Use Appropriate Fonts and Margins
Your resume should be printed in dark fonts on high-quality paper with appropriate margins so that it looks professional when received. Avoid using Comic Sans or other informal fonts, which may not look very impressive when printed out or scanned into an electronic application form.
- Be Targeted Toward the Right Jobs
Should You Include an Objective?
A professional resume can be the key to getting your dream job, but it’s also important to make sure that it’s well-written and formatted. If you don’t include an objective, you may miss out on important opportunities.
Here are some tips for writing a professional resume that Includes an objective:
- Make sure your resume is tailored to the position you’re applying for. Your objective should be specific to the job vacancy that you’re applying to.
- Use a clear and concise format. Keep your objectives concise and to the point, without wasting space on unnecessary details.
- Keep your font type size consistent throughout your resume. Use a standard font size so that readers can easily read all of the information on your resume without struggling with small text or illegible handwriting.
- Use headings to organize your information logically and make it easier for employers to find what they’re looking for. For example, list your education first, followed by work experience and then any relevant qualifications or awards you have.
- Proofread your resume multiple times before submitting it! Even the smallest mistake can cause you to lose out on an opportunity because a poorly written resume will look unprofessional and less qualified than someone who takes the time to perfect it.
How to Write a Professional CV
When you’re ready to start the job search, start by preparing your resume. But before you do, make sure to follow these tips for writing a professional CV.
- Start with a clear goal. Your goal should be to get an interview – not just a job offer. So, focus on highlighting your skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
- Use active language. Speak in terms of facts, not opinions. For example, rather than saying “I’m an excellent communicator,” say “I have excellent communication skills.”
- Keep it short and to the point. A single-page resume is ideal; limit yourself to one page if possible. And keep all your information organized in chronological order.
- Use headings and subheadings to breaking up your text and make it easier to read and navigate. Also, include tables and graphs where appropriate to illustrate your points clearly.
- Use correct spelling and grammar . Do your research ahead of time so that you can avoid common mistakes that could cost you an interview or worse – a job offer!
6 . Proofread your work carefully several times before submitting it . There is no harm in sending out a version of your resume that has been amended – as long as you actually do amend it! (If not, you may end up looking unprofessional.)
Mistakes to Avoid when Writing your CV
When writing your CV, make sure to avoid the following mistakes:
- Focusing on your education instead of work experience.
Your work experience is what will really show off your skills and abilities. Make sure to put more focus on this section of your CV.
- Not including all relevant information.
Make sure to include all of your educational information, as well as any volunteer experiences or positions you’ve held in the past. This will help demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the position you are applying for.
- Including outdated information.
Make sure to update any information that is out of date, such as your contact information or job title. This will help make your CV more current and attractive to potential employers.
Important Tips for a Successful CV
When you’re ready to start filling out job applications, the first step is undoubtedly to create your resume. But don’t forget the accompanying CV (also known as a curriculum vitae).
Here are some tips for creating a successful CV:
- Make it easy to read. Your goal is to impress potential employers with your qualifications, so make sure your document is easy to follow and doesn’t look cluttered or outdated. Use clean formatting and avoid too many graphics and photos.
- Keep it short but descriptive. A good way to start your CV is by listing your experience and skills in an easily digestible format. Try to include information about every job you’ve ever held, including the dates, responsibilities, and results. If possible, also include references from people who can attest to your skills and abilities.
- Stick to a standard format. Many recruiters prefer CVs that follow a specific layout—for example, title, contact info, education/experience details, skills/qualifications summarized below—so make sure yours follows those guidelines as closely as possible. You can find more information about common CV formats here:https://www.resume-land.com/cv-formatting/.
- Proofread carefully! Once you’ve finished writing your document, go back through it one final time for typos and general accuracy before submitting it electronically or printing out for use
