Crafting a compelling CV is an essential part of the job application process. It’s your opportunity to make a great first impression on potential employers and stand out from the crowd. However, with the wealth of information available online, it can be easy to fall into common mistakes.
In this guide, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of CV writing to help you create a professional and impactful CV that catches the attention of recruiters.
The Dos of CV Writing
1. Do Tailor Your CV to the Job
Customizing your CV for each role you apply to is critical. Highlight the skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant to the specific job. Recruiters appreciate candidates who clearly align their experiences with the job description.
Tip: Review the job listing for keywords and skills, and incorporate them into your CV.
2. Do Use a Clear and Professional Format
Your CV should be easy to read, well-organized, and visually appealing. Stick to a clean, professional layout with clearly defined sections like work experience, skills, education, and contact details.
Tip: Use consistent fonts and headings, and avoid overcomplicating the design.
3. Do Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities
Instead of listing generic duties, focus on your accomplishments in each role. Quantify your successes by using numbers, percentages, or metrics where possible. This makes your CV more results-oriented and shows the value you bring.
Example:
“Increased sales by 20% over six months by launching a new customer loyalty program.”
4. Do Include Action Verbs
Start each bullet point in your experience section with a strong action verb like “developed,” “led,” “managed,” or “improved.” Action verbs make your CV dynamic and more engaging.
Example:
“Led a cross-functional team to deliver a software project within budget and ahead of schedule.”
5. Do Keep It Concise
A CV should ideally be one to two pages long. Focus on the most relevant and recent experiences. Be concise but informative, and ensure every word adds value.
Tip: Avoid unnecessary details like your full home address, date of birth, or unrelated hobbies.
6. Do Proofread Thoroughly
Spelling and grammar mistakes can hurt your credibility. Always proofread your CV multiple times to ensure it’s error-free. You can also ask a friend or colleague to review it for you.
Tip: Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to help spot any mistakes.
7. Do Highlight Transferable Skills
If you’re changing industries or roles, emphasize your transferable skills. For instance, if you’re moving from sales to marketing, highlight skills like communication, data analysis, or customer understanding.
Example:
“Developed strong client relations through effective communication, which is transferable to building customer-centric marketing campaigns.”
The Don’ts of CV Writing
1. Don’t Include Irrelevant Information
Avoid cluttering your CV with information that’s not relevant to the job. Employers are not interested in your entire life history; instead, they want to see how your background fits the role.
Example:
If you’re applying for a project management role, there’s no need to mention an unrelated part-time job from years ago unless it demonstrates valuable skills.
2. Don’t Use a Generic CV for Every Job
Sending the same CV to every employer is a common mistake. A one-size-fits-all approach shows a lack of effort and can reduce your chances of standing out.
Tip: Always customize your CV for each job, emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the job description.
3. Don’t Use Unprofessional Contact Information
Your contact details should be professional. Avoid using informal or quirky email addresses.
Tip:
Use a professional email like firstname.lastname@email.com. Avoid usernames that could raise eyebrows like partyanimal@xyz.com.
4. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate
Honesty is essential in CV writing. Avoid the temptation to embellish or lie about your qualifications, experience, or skills. Recruiters can easily verify your claims, and being caught in a lie can ruin your chances of getting hired.
Example:
If you only managed one small project, don’t claim you oversaw a large portfolio of projects.
5. Don’t Overload with Buzzwords
While keywords are important for getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), overloading your CV with too many buzzwords or jargon can make it seem insincere or forced. Instead, focus on demonstrating your skills and experiences naturally.
Buzzword example to avoid:
“Dynamic, results-oriented professional with a proven track record of leveraging synergies to optimize core competencies.”
6. Don’t Leave Unexplained Gaps in Employment
If there are significant gaps in your employment history, address them briefly in your CV or cover letter. Employers may be curious about gaps, but it’s better to explain them than leave recruiters guessing.
Tip:
If you took time off for personal reasons, travel, or further education, mention it briefly and focus on any skills you gained during that period.
7. Don’t Use Personal Pronouns
Avoid using personal pronouns like “I,” “me,” or “my” in your CV. Instead, write in the third person without pronouns. This keeps the CV professional and concise.
Example:
Instead of writing:
“I managed a team of five software developers.”
Write:
“Managed a team of five software developers.”
Conclusion
Writing an effective CV requires attention to detail, relevance, and professionalism. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a CV that not only gets noticed but also helps you land interviews.
Key Takeaways:
- Tailor your CV for each job application.
- Use a clear, professional layout.
- Highlight your achievements, not just responsibilities.
- Proofread for errors and keep your CV concise.
- Avoid including irrelevant information, personal pronouns, or unprofessional contact details.
With these strategies, you can enhance your CV and significantly improve your chances of making a strong impression on potential employers.
Good luck with your job search!