CV Cafe

Top ten most common CV Blunders that prevent candidates from being shortlisted for positions:

1 Lying! – Just like Lee McQueen who was caught out spectacularly by Alan Sugar for lying on his CV in The Apprentice, you will always be caught out if you lie about your level of experience or abilities on your CV. Don’t do it!

2. Novelty Email Addresses! – thebigfella@myemail.com does not present a professional image!

3. Misspelling Curriculum Vitae – If you are applying for jobs that require attention to detail, for example an office administrator or personal assistant, you should probably know how to use a spell-checker!

4. It’s not about what you want! – Keep the CV to what you can do for the employer, not the other way around.

5. Five Page CV! – Unless it’s two pages or less, your CV will most likely be binned.

6. Expert Level! – Calling yourself an expert in something when you have only one year’s experience doesn’t work!

7. Lack of Formatting! – Use paragraphs, bolding, bullet points and italics but don’t over do it!

8. Unexplained gaps in your career! – If you took time out to surf in Bondi Beach, say so! Ambiguity on a CV is never a good thing!

9. Generic CV’s! – Tailor each CV to each job application. A generic CV won’t allow you to highlight different skills aimed at different job applications.

10. No Cover Letter! – It’s important to highlight your key skills and abilities so that your potential employer is excited to read your CV.