Victus Search, Multi-jurisdictional Recruitment Partner for Financial Services 1200 627

Date

14 August 2023

Category

In today’s competitive job market, a poorly written CV littered with errors can ruin your chances, while a strong, mistake-free resume makes you stand out. With so much riding on this first impression document, avoiding frequent resume pitfalls is essential. Even small oversights like typos can instantly disqualify you. This article reveals expert strategies to polish your CV and steer clear of mistakes.

Formatting Flubs 

Inconsistent formatting or fonts, odd spacing, spelling errors, and disorganized content will undermine your professional image. Use a consistent, legible font like Arial or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size. Organize content clearly with consistent spacing between sections. Run spell check and have someone else proofread.

Lengthy, Jargon-Filled Content   

Overly wordy, dense content lacking white space quickly becomes overwhelming. Be concise and compelling. Streamline sentences. Cut unnecessary adjectives. Limit use of industry jargon. White space improves scannability. Stick to accomplishments vs duties. Two pages is the ideal length.

Missing Keyword Optimization 

Many companies use applicant tracking systems that scan for keywords. Identify keywords from the job description like skills, certifications, software platforms, etc. Organically incorporate relevant terms without forcing them. This helps your CV get flagged.

Irrelevant or Outdated Content 

Tailor each CV to the specific role. Don’t include irrelevant content from past positions or skills unrelated to the job. Only highlight recent, relevant experience/education unless earlier items are pertinent. Update achievements, education, and certifications regularly.

Lack of Quantification and Proof

Show don’t just tell. Quantify achievements and impact with data. Instead of “increased sales”, say “grew sales by 30% over 2 years.” Proof comes through metrics, awards won, promotions earned, and testimonials. Back statements up.

Visually Boring Presentation 

Even with solid content, a visually unappealing CV won’t engage the reader. Make strategic use of design elements like bullets, bold/italics, borders, and whitespace to direct the eye. Section headers should stand out. Avoid dense blocks of text. Inject visual interest.

No Explanation for Gaps  

Unexplained gaps in your timeline or sudden job changes raise concerns. If you have employment gaps, address them briefly. Reasons could include time off for education, family commitments, a layoff, or a sabbatical. Put a positive spin when possible.

Too Much Personal Information

Don’t overshare irrelevant personal or sensitive details like age, family status, religion, or health. Keep to professional-focused content. The exception is noting visa or citizenship status if required for the role or relocation prospects.  

Typos or Grammatical Errors

Proofread thoroughly and have others review your CV to catch mistakes. Don’t rely solely on spellcheck. Watch for misused homophones like they’re/there and poor grammar. These errors detract from your credibility and attention to detail.

Bottom Line: A Strong CV Opens Doors 

Partnering up with Victus Search can help you create a CV that sets you apart. As part of our candidate services, we do an in-depth review of the CV including visual presentation, organization, and content. 

Our experts evaluate how your CV showcases your background and advise on enhancements to highlight your value. We tap into decades of insights into what makes candidates stand out. Collaborating with our team can take your CV to the next level.

Finding a precise match starts here

Whether you’re looking to fill a specialist role, or seeking the right position to deploy your unique skills and experience, the first step is to get in touch with one of our expert consultants.

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