CV mistakes you didn’t know you were making and how to fix them

Are you 100% sure that your CV is correct? CV mistakes you are unaware of can decrease your chances of getting hired. Remember, your CV needs to make a good first impression on prospective employers, so paying attention to the details is key to your success.

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CV mistakes you need to avoid:

Incorrect length

Your CV needs to showcase your qualifications and skills while remaining relevant to the position you’re applying for. The recommended length for a CV is two pages. Irrelevant information detracts from the main reasons why you’re the best candidate and prospective employers are unlikely to read the whole document if it’s too long. However, a CV that’s very short is also less likely to land you an interview. A one-page CV may leave your prospective employer questioning whether you have what it takes to succeed. If you don’t have work experience yet, you can try and find volunteer work, internships or entry-level positions on Job Mail. These opportunities enable you to learn valuable skills you can add to your CV.

General cover letter

Sending the same cover letter out to a range of employers is a mistake that will decrease your chances of being hired. When you write a customised cover letter, you show your prospective employer that you’re enthusiastic about the job. A unique cover letter sets you apart from the other candidates and catches the attention of the person who is reading it. Use this document to showcase the specific capabilities that make you the best match for the position.

Incorrect information

When it comes to CV mistakes, lying is at the top of the list. While you want to put your best foot forward, including incorrect information is a recipe for disaster. Trustworthiness and reliability are important characteristics employers look out for, so dishonesty is never acceptable. Even if the truth only comes out later, your relationship with your employer will be badly damaged and you may risk being fired. Even small inaccuracies can have negative consequences for your career in the long run.

Outdated contact information

This may sound like an obvious mistake to avoid but forgetting to update your CV is a mistake that’s more common than you would expect. Make sure that you double check your details before you submit your CV. The last thing you want is for your prospective employer to be unable to invite you for an interview because they can’t get hold of you on the number you provided. Include a professional email address rather than the one with your nickname in it.

Bad formatting

The layout of your CV is essential since it affects readability and the impression that you make on the person reading it. Unclear formatting makes your CV difficult to read, which decreases the chances of getting your point across. It also shows that you aren’t good at paying attention to detail. Use the same font size and type throughout and be consistent with your spacing. A clear layout that’s easy to scan for vital information is the best choice.

Spelling and grammar

Spelling and grammar errors make your CV come across as unprofessional. Proofread your CV and use your computer’s spell check. As an extra precaution, ask a friend or family member to read your CV to check for any mistakes. An error-free CV shows your ability to produce good-quality and accurate work.

Now that you know which CV mistakes to look out for, you can create a top-quality CV and upload it to Job Mail. If you need some more inspiration on creating an awesome CV, read our guide to creating your own CV.