In today\u2019s ultra-competitive job marketplace, it\u2019s vital that your CV absolutely nails it. But recruiters still complain that a surprisingly large number of CVs are only fit for filing in the bin. Check and double-check that your CV doesn\u2019t include any of the following errors, and you should stand out from the crowd \u2013 for all the right reasons.<\/p>\n
1. Spelling mistakes<\/strong> 2. Reliance on clich\u00e9s<\/strong> 3. Sweet little lies<\/strong> 4. Telling not showing<\/strong>
\nThe number one no-no, for obvious reasons. You\u2019ve got a spell checker \u2013 so use it! Basic errors like \u2018there\u2019 instead of \u2018their\u2019 will also immediately put recruiters off. If grammar isn\u2019t your strong point, recruit a second pair of eyes to look over your CV for you.<\/p>\n
\nAvoid phrases like \u2018works well independently,\u2019 or \u2018team player.\u2019 You may be telling the truth \u2013 but as most people also use these phrases on their CVs, they\u2019re meaningless as far as employers are concerned. Other cliches guaranteed to make recruiters cringe include \u2018proactive,\u2019 \u2018good communicator,\u2019 and \u2018hard working.\u2019<\/p>\n
\n\u2018What we expect from someone\u2019s CV is for that to be a true reflection of them as an individual,\u2019 says Meeta Sahni, MD of London recruitment agency The Maine Group<\/a>. \u2018Do your research but be authentic.\u2019 While it\u2019s important to research the organisation you\u2019re applying to, and to tailor your CV accordingly, it\u2019s also important to tell the truth. Don\u2019t be tempted to say you\u2019re a great golfer, for example, if the organisation has a golfing culture \u2013 but you\u2019ve never so much as swung a club. Chances are you\u2019ll get caught out at some point. Remember: if you have to lie to get the job, it\u2019s probably not the job for you.<\/p>\n
\nEmployers want to see evidence of your achievements. Instead of writing, \u2018I\u2019m a team player,\u2019 prove it! Admittedly, it can be tricky for recent graduates with little work experience to demonstrate how they\u2019ve worked successfully within a team \u2013 in which case, you need to think creatively. New research<\/a> shows that headhunters are 60% more likely to look at CVs that demonstrate sporting excellence \u2013 and what better way to prove you\u2019re a team player than by actually playing in one?<\/p>\n