Avoid Six CV Mistakes for Getting Instant Recruiter’s Attention

Your CV is your best chance to secure an interview. Many of us don't pay attention to minor things, these mistakes cost us a job opportunity. If you don't want to miss any good chances, you should avoid some CV mistakes. Here are some mistakes that you should circumvent at any cost.

1. Improper Formatting

Your CV should have a proper format. Poor formatting will make a recruiter switch to another candidate. It's not what you want. Always remember that recruiters skim your CV in 8-10 seconds. Therefore, your format must be clear and concise.

The main idea is to choose a format that can give your recruiter a clear picture of your skills, development, and achievement in one go.

Now how to do proper formatting? I would suggest you check different CV formatting examples online and then pick one that is simple and concise.

You don't need any fancy format.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the Font. You usually increase the Font size to get the attention or emphasize a specific matter. Please don't do this. Use bold or Italic but don't increase the size by more than 12 or 10.

Your CV must have adequate white space so that CV is readable and doesn't feel like word clutter. In simple words, your CV Format should be readable, simple, neat, and easy to absorb.

2. Sending CV in a Rush

You may have a deadline to submit an application. Usually, when we are in a hurry, we make mistakes and try to make generic statements. Please avoid this CV mistake at any cost. A generic CV is as bad as one with mistakes. When you write about your skills in a rush, you often forget vital details. 

Employers aren't just interested in your writing skills, they want to know more about it like how these skills helped your clients.

Read: What Skills to Put on a Resume?

For example, if you write I composed captions for social media. It's a generic statement and employers won't be very interested.

Now If you write, I wrote captions on Instagram that hooked visitors and increased views up to 50 percent then it's something that catches employer attention and makes him a wink.

3. Not Explaining Work Gap

Did you take a break from work due to some medical or personal reasons? This kind of employment gap is a big question mark. Usually, when an employer will check your work history, he would be interested to know why you had a work gap. Many people think that employers won't notice it at all. Well, they have keen observation, so they will definitely check it out. So, your best bet is to explain the gap. Use one line for example I was volunteering for 2019-2020 or I was taking care of my sick child or mother (2019-20). This kind of explanation makes you an honest applicant and lets employers consider your CV more.

4. Not Customizing Your Resume

Many job seekers make a common mistake. They send the same CV for all kinds of jobs. You shouldn't do that. The reason I'm asking you to tailor your CV as per the job is that employers are interested in your effort and passion for the job. If you don't show them what they are looking for, they would rather choose one who customizes his resume for every job.

5. Spelling and Grammar Mistake

You need to write a CV in English. Even when you are not a native English speaker, no one is going to forgive you for spelling and grammar mistakes. Do you wonder why? Well, it's because you are a part of the professional world and employers expect more effort from your side.

A spelling mistake or grammar issue may become a reason behind your application rejection. Would you like that? Of course not. So, once you prepare your CV, please read it out loud. It's a way of finding mistakes. 

As you need to mention your achievements and past job duties, ensure that you use proper Tense. Past tense is required to share details of your previous jobs.

It's good to get help from online tools such as Grammarly. Write a CV and check it online. Another option is to copy-paste your CV on Google Docs online and check for mistakes.

6. Trying to Get Away with Lies

You might not have the proper experience for a job and you try to get away with it by adding lies about your experience. Recruiters are experienced people, they know when a person lies and how to spot lies in their resume. 

Even when you get away with it during screening, you may end up embarrassing yourself during the interview. So, please don't lie. No one is stupid in the employment world.

If you mention lies in the CV and think of fooling others then please don't. It's because the recruiter may double-check the facts mentioned on the resume. He might inquire about them. 

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