1. DISREGARD THE TAILORING OF YOUR CV

People make the biggest mistake of not adapting their CV to each job they apply for. Job seekers often create one version of their resume that they submit for each job. If you send the same version of your resume for every job, it is possible to fall short of what the employer expects. Only CVs that match the job description will be accepted. If yours isn’t, you won’t be invited to interview.

While your skills, qualifications and experience will remain the same, the manner in which you present information for different positions may vary. For example, if you are applying for a top-ranking position, it is important to highlight your management and supervisory experience. However, if you are applying for a lower-level position, these must be toned down.

2. INCLUSION OF UNNECESSARY PERSONAL INFORMATION

In most English-speaking countries, personal information like marital status, birth date and religious affiliation are not required. Employers are prohibited from discriminating on the basis or age, marital status, religion, and other factors.

Only exceptions are in cases where you apply for a specialized role, such as pastoral counsellor. In these cases, including details about your religious affiliation and training could be helpful and may even be part the selection criteria.

3. KEYWORDS ARE NOT TO BE USED

It is important to include keywords in your CV, especially if you are applying through a recruitment agency. Large companies and recruitment agencies use software that scans CVs to find keywords that are relevant to the job they are looking to fill. You won’t get considered for the job if your CV doesn’t contain the required keywords.

Make sure you include the keywords in your resume by looking at the job advert. Contact the recruiter if the job advertisement does not contain sufficient information regarding the keywords. Your CV should include keywords, including the job title, objective and skills summary. Task descriptions, education/training sections, and task descriptions.

4. GRAMMAR AND SPELLING ERRORS

When creating your CV by yourself, make sure you use spell-check to correct any errors. Then have it reviewed by at least two others. Spell check is not a good idea as many words in CVs can be missed or misinterpreted.

Poor grammar is something you should be aware of if English is your second language. It is important to have a native English speaker review your CV’s grammar. Employers will quickly notice your poor English-language skills, even if you speak better English.

5. INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

Except for students and teens who are looking for a part-time job, it is not advisable to include a section on your CV that describes your hobbies. Employers don’t need information about your hobbies, such as crocheting, archery, or traveling.

You should highlight your hobbies and interests if the job you are applying for requires someone with experience and knowledge in that area.

Students and teens who have little or no work experience may find it helpful to include hobbies and other interests. These can help to demonstrate desirable qualities to employers. Participation in sports teams can demonstrate teamwork skills. An interest in animals can be a sign of compassion. A passion for cycling can prove that you are fit and healthy. You should not list hobbies or interests that are potentially harmful, such as ‘going out to parties’ and ‘hanging with friends’. These add nothing to your application.

You can find many online resources to assist you in creating a professional resume. Consult a career counselor or resume/CV writer if you need assistance. A professional CV will be created based on your skills, qualifications, and experience. It will also reflect the type of job you are applying for.