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What are the 7 most common mistakes made in a CV?

It takes a lot of time and effort to compose the perfect job application, so after spending hours putting in all that hard work it's a shame to think that your CV could be dismissed early on thanks to a simple error.
 
Your CV is the first point of contact you make with a potential employer, so you want that first impression to be a solid, clear demonstration of how skilled you are for the role.

Here are the 7 most common mistakes seen on CV’s, and how to fix them: 
 
1. SPELLING AND GRAMMAR

Although the most obvious choice, a CV with even one spelling mistake can be an instant rejection no matter how qualified you are for the role. A CV free of spelling and grammatical errors is vital to showcasing your precision and attention to detail; so be sure to check everything over and over again. Even the most simple careless mistake is rarely tolerated so to minimise the risk of dismissal, spend time doing a thorough proofread and make sure it all makes sense before hitting that send button. 
 
2. LACK OF TAILORING

Remember, your CV is not a one size fits all solution. When applying for various roles, it is crucial that you completely tailor your CV to fit each opportunity you are approaching. This starts by doing your research; look into the company values and how these fit in with your profile. Analyse the job description and highlight the skills that you’ve gained from your previous jobs that are required for the role you are applying for. Your CV is essentially your own personal marketing tool, therefore it is important to showcase your skills to match each job specification most effectively in order to give you the best chance of success.
 
3. INFORMATION OVERLOAD

If you’re lucky enough to have heaps of experience under your belt, it is natural to want to shout out about it all over your CV. However, if this ends up being too long then it will not be appealing to read. Limit your CV to two pages and only include information that is going to be relevant for the specific role you are applying for. If your CV goes beyond this, then carefully think about each point written and cross-reference them to the job specification and ask yourself if these fit in with the requirements of the role. If the answer is no, then these points need to be removed to emphasise the points that will help you capture the initial interview. 

4. AVOIDING CLARITY 

An impressive work history is one thing but not elaborating on your experience is another. It is vital to articulate your innate skills, experiences and qualifications on why you have chosen this career path. A considered CV will demonstrate these points and highlight the value you bring to a business. 
 
5. POOR FORMATTING

Many employers will spend on average 30 seconds reviewing a CV. It is therefore imperative to keep your CV concise, so the information can be consumed efficiently. The design of your CV template should be striking yet uncluttered. Avoid visually complex layouts and be weary of using different fonts that look out of place. Ensure sizing and spacing is consistent throughout the CV to avoid disorganisation. Creative opportunities understandably require creative CV’s; it is still vital to provide consistency, clarity and inspiration. 

6. IGNORING GAPS IN YOUR WORK HISTORY

Gaps in your employment history need to be justified. If you’ve been out of work for more than a few months, employers may have their suspicions therefore it is important to provide a clear explanation. 
 
7. EMBELLISHMENT

Keep your CV factual, truthful and audibly traceful. References are taken, facts will be checked and a blemish on your moral compass will have lasting implications. 

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