Your CV serves as the first impression hiring managers have of you. It’s a powerful tool for showcasing your qualifications, skills, and experience. However, with hiring managers typically spending just 6-8 seconds reviewing a CV, it’s essential to ensure your document is free from common mistakes. In this article, we’ll explore these common mistakes that hiring managers tend to scrutinise on CVs and provide suggestions on how to make a more favourable impression.
- Long periods out of work
Recruiters often raise an eyebrow when they come across extended gaps in your employment history. Instead of leaving these periods unexplained, consider addressing them positively on your CV. For example, if you were unemployed due to reasons like training, career breaks, or further education or travelling mention these experiences on your CV. Explain how they enriched your skills and made you a better candidate for the job you’re applying for. Recruiters appreciate transparency and a clear narrative.
Example:
“2019-2020: Career Break to Travel – Developed strong communication and adaptability skills while exploring new cultures and environments, which I can apply to team working, adaptability and handling diverse challenges in the workplace.”
- Frequently moving jobs
A CV that displays a history of frequent job changes, typically every 6-12 months, can raise concerns among recruiters. It might make them question your loyalty, ability to commit, (if they are going to invest time into your training) whether you get bored easily or even your performance at previous jobs. To combat this feeling, consider emphasising positions where you’ve stayed for at least one year to 18 months. Be ready to answer questions about your job transitions during interviews.
Example:
“2020-2022: ABC Company – Highlighted my dedication and commitment by successfully hitting project deadlines and targets whilst contributing to the team achievements. This experience reflects my ability to adapt and grow within a role.”
- Living in a Different Area
If your current address is far from the job location although this is more accepted since the pandemic, recruiters might focus on potential relocation issues rather than your skills and experience. To avoid this, include a brief note in your cover letter showing your willingness to work remotely, relocate or your consideration of a commuting possibility. This proactive approach can put recruiters’ minds at ease.
Example:
In your cover letter: “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity and am open to remote working or relocating for the right role. Alternatively, I am willing to commute to ensure I can contribute effectively to your team.”
- Being Overqualified
Recruiters may perceive advanced experience as a sign of higher salary expectations. To mitigate this issue, list the last ten years of your experience prominently on your CV. For older roles, provide a short concise summary. Additionally, address your salary expectations in your cover letter, assuring that you’re looking for a competitive market rate.
Example:
“Demonstrated consistent excellence in roles at XYZ and ABC companies. Prior experience in various industries contributed to my versatile skill set. My salary expectations align with the market rate for this role.”
- Grammar and spelling mistakes
CVs are often scrutinised for spelling and grammar mistakes as these errors can reflect negatively on your attention to detail, communication skills, and professionalism. To ensure you don’t fall into this trap. Take the time to get your Cv right, proofread it, use spell check and grammar check tools in Microsoft Word to check your spelling and grammar is correct. They can help catch many common mistakes and show any awkward phrasing and grammatical errors that you might have missed. A well-written and error-free CV not only presents you in a more professional light but also increases your chances of impressing recruiters and potential employers.
In conclusion, your CV is a crucial document in your job search, and it’s essential to present it in the best possible way. By addressing these 5 common CV mistakes, you can improve your chances of making a good impression on hiring managers and securing you that initial interview. Remember that honesty and clear communication are key when dealing with potential concerns on your CV.
