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The primary function of any CV is to draw the attention of potential employers to the candidate. If you are looking for a new or just a better job opportunity in the UK, a properly-composed CV, which meets basic standards of British style CV writing is your true ticket to a dream job. Of course, having a CV only may not guarantee you a job, but it can definitely draw the attention to your application and single it out from the bunch of other candidates.
When working on your CV, it is helpful to know some of the most widespread mistakes people make when writing their CVs. Avoiding such mistakes will make your CV more professional and effective and help you achieve success in your employment.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes
If there is something that can really spoil your CV, it is poor English. Even if you do not apply for the newspaper reporter role, proper language, with no grammatical errors, is crucially important to make an effective presentation of yourself. So, when you write your CV, pay attention to grammar, avoid misspellings and be careful about punctuation. Make use of spell-checker or ask someone to proof-read your CV.
Writing too much
People say that simplicity is the sister of talent. The art of writing CV is much about choosing right words to underline one’s advantages, skills and achievements. When you write your CV, stick to using short but informative sentences or phrases. Use lists wherever possible. Respect the time of other people. Since CVs are rarely more interesting than the latest celebrity news, do not expect employers to spend much time on reading your CV. This is why the goal is to report as much as possible using as few words as possible. Finally, do not forget that in a modern business environment, a properly-designed CV is the one, which is no longer than 2 pages.
A CV from templates or multi-purpose CV
Every employer looks for some specific qualifications or skills, which are necessary for a particular job position. When you write your CV, try to make it targeted or tailored to the requirements specified by employer in his job description. Tailored CVs and cover letters may significantly increase your chances to be invited for the interview, so invest some time in modifying your standard CV before sending it for a specific job opening.
Empty boast
Every time you use phrases like “efficient team player”, “exceptional problem-solver”, or others of that type, always give evidence of such qualities. It is even better if you avoid such self-praising statements, simply noting your exact achievements in the College or at your previous work places.
Focusing on duties instead of achievements
Employers always look for successful people. So, if you have some achievements – underline them. Duties are mostly common for every one in a particular position, however achievements are different. Highlight your achievements in every role you mention in your CV to show potential employers that you are a result-oriented person and have already demonstrated certain achievements in the past.
Gaps in work history
Gaps in your previous work history may create additional space, which will be used by employers’ imagination trying to figure out what exactly you were doing during the omitted periods. So, even if you were not working during some period of time, it is still better to mention that period in your CV. Maybe you gained some additional experience during that period, which may be of help for your current application.
Overestimating CV design
Pictures, creative fonts and fancy backgrounds for your CV may look interesting, but it is not what employers look for. Content is far more important than design. So, try to use Times New Roman or Arial font with bold and italic style to underline headings or sections in your CV. Making the text too small or too large is not proper CV writing experience, either. Text written with 10 points font size is the most appropriate. Do not overdo it with colors – black and white is traditional and saves colour inks in employers’ printers.
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