Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

If you have been sending out CVs but are puzzled by a lack of responses it may not be that recruiters think you are unqualified. It may be that your CV contains mistakes that put you in a bad light. After all, your CV is your first chance to make a good impression. If the impression you make is that you can't be bothered with details, or that you're unwilling to list academic qualifications chances are the recruiter or HR officer will just move on to the next CV.

In this guide the team at JMF Associates discuss some of the most common CV mistakes to avoid. Let's get to it.

10 Common CV Mistakes to Avoid

1: Grammar and/or spelling errors - There is no substitute for manually going over your CV after you've spell-checked it. It could make the difference between getting the job and not getting the job.

2: Poor formatting - If a recruiter is not able to formulate a picture of you in a few seconds they'll move on. So it's crucial your information is well-organised. Avoid long paragraphs, use only 1 colour for the text and include bullet points.

3: Making the CV too long - A CV should be short and sweet. In most cases a couple of pages is fine. If you have a long employment history only list jobs that are relevant to the position you're applying for.

4: Including social media links that don't work - Employers want to know what you've been up to on social media. So it's a good idea to include social media links but a bad idea not to verify those links before you send out the CV.

5: Unnecessary or wrong personal information - The only personal information on your CV should be your name, phone number, address and email. Double check to ensure they are all correct.

6: Listing oldest jobs first - If you put your oldest job first and your latest last, the recruiter may get an inaccurate picture of you or assume you just don't know how to compose a CV.

7: Omitting key skills or education - A CV is more than a dry recitation of the jobs you've had. Recruiters also want to know where you went to school, what you studied and what marketable skills you possess.

8: Including a profile picture - Unless it's specifically requested you should never include a profile picture on your CV.

9: Unexplained gaps in your job history - If you intend to leave gaps in your job history you should explain them. For instance by noting "Leave of absence due to family emergency".

10: Not listing achievements - Instead of focusing solely on responsibilities make sure you mention your achievements. Achievements are proof that you do more than show up to collect a paycheck.

Contact JMF

If you are searching for the ideal accountancy, bookkeeping or finance position, get in touch with the finance placement pros at JMF Associates. Among other things we'll help ensure your CV is the best it can be.