Lying or misleading information
Employers can spot false advertising from a mile off. Lying on your CV is bad practice and if you’re caught out, you definitely won’t be securing an interview at that company, ever. Your real experience is interesting enough so why bother lying to an employer? Let them get to know the real you and you’ll fare much better for it. Misleading an employer on your CV is a sure way to fumble in the job search process. They’re not stupid and they will catch you out so best to stick to the honest truth.
Too many personal details
Although employers want to get to know you, they don’t need your whole life story. Details such as your date of birth, marital status and social media accounts should really be left out. They add nothing to your CV and take up prized space in your CV. Save the Facebook link and focus on the details they need such as your email address and phone number!
Avoid cliche descriptions and boring buzzwords
Imagine yourself as the person reading your CVs and countless other applicants. You get pretty sick of hearing the same cliché phrases such as “hard working” and “people pleaser”. Write something that is going to make you stand out from the crowd! You’re a unique individual with your own personality so put that across and you’ll go far.
Irrelevant work experience
This one is a highly common mistake. Employers don’t need to know about your part-time job waiting tables 20 years ago when you’re applying for a senior office role. Keep your experience relevant to the position you’re applying for and don’t backdate too far. Explaining your relevant roles is far more useful than telling an employer your whole professional life story.
Spelling or grammar errors
This may be obvious but trust us, it happens a lot. Make sure you give your CV a good proof read or even ask a family member or friend to check it over for you to make sure it reads well and there are no pesky spelling errors or ill-formed sentences making you look messy.
There you have it! You’re on your way to a gleaming CV which will wow an employer and land you that all important interview. For more tips on all things job related, keep posted on Ruby Magpie, we’ve got you sorted!
