When applying for a job it is imperative that your CV is up to the task and finely tuned to the job you are applying for. You can get one step closer to success by avoiding the following pitfalls.
The right length
The right length for your CV is two pages. I have met many people who say “I have too much experience to fit on two pages”, sadly that is just wrong. You must be succinct in how you present the information. Employers may have to go through twenty CVs or more and if you hide the best details about you in a five-page document, they will never stand out. Make your CV two pages long and make it all top quality content.
Spelling errors
I was in a hiring position at my old company, for any job we advertised we got numerous applications. From then on I made a rule; if I spotted a spelling error I threw the CV away. Simple things like this allow employers to weed out those who lack attention to detail, didn’t care enough about the application or have poor writing.
Formatting issues
Formatting issues are not as bad as spelling errors but they leave a bad taste in a potential employer’s mouth. If an employer is looking through your CV trying to get an understanding of how great you are, and at the same time is noticing mistakes, it doesn’t bode well.
Cover letter
Always write a cover letter. It shows the employer that you are not just sending out applications to 30 companies without consideration. You want the job you are applying for and you are going to tell the business exactly why you should get it.
Keep it simple
Avoid flashy layouts, strong colors, including your picture. Keep it simple, show your qualities. In the past, every CV also finished with the line “references available upon request” or a whole section of the CV was there to list your references. There is no need, if they want references, they will ask.
If you can follow these five simple rules then your CV will likely make it past the crucial first glance of any potential employer. After that, it all depends on what you wrote. Good luck.
