CV Writing: 7 Mistakes You Need To Stop Making In 2017

CV writing plays a big role when it comes to applying for and getting a job. Therefore it is important that your CV is well written. Most CVs are filled with irrelevant things that only serve to disqualify you.

READ ALSO >>> 5 CV Red Flags You Need to Watch Out For

Here is a list of the CV writing mistakes to avoid.

1. Writing curriculum vitae as the heading of your CV.

This is something most people do. By looking at your CV the recruiter will know what it is there is absolutely no point in writing curriculum vitae at the top of your CV.

Instead put your name at the top of the document. This shows you are keen.

2. Over-zealous styling

When it comes to styling and formatting of your CV ensure you keep it as simple as possible. Leave the fancy fonts alone. The recruitment officer does not really care about fancy fonts or colors not to mention that most of them make your work illegible.

Your CV will definitely be thrown out if it is illegible because of the fonts and colors.

3. Using an unprofessional email address

An email address like catlover@gmail is not really appropriate when it comes to the work environment. Therefore have an official email address that you use to apply for jobs and one that you put in your CV.

Having a weird email address makes you look childish and unprofessional and no organisation wants to hire anyone with the above characteristics.

4. Outdated CV

Most people make the mistake of using the same CV to apply for all jobs even after 2 years. Now within these two years you may have had a job or done some volunteering or even learnt a new skill.

Updating your CV is very important before you apply for any job. You may not have to change a lot of things but even the little things matter.

READ ALSO >>> Best CV Sample To Use in Kenya: Functional Format

5. Grammatical errors

This is one of the most common mistakes people fail to remove from their resume. Mostly because a majority of people do not take the time to proof read their CV after writing it.

Having spelling mistakes and errors in sentence construction in your curriculum vitae is bad for your image.

Remember first impressions matter and your cv is basically how you introduce yourself to the hiring manager.

You do not want your application thrown out just because you didn’t take 5 minutes to go through what you had written.

6. Having a long CV

Now most people want to put all their work experience on the CV. This can work if you have worked for few organisations.

For someone whose work experience takes up two pages, it is not advisable to include all of them. Instead pick only what is relevant to the position you are applying for.

Hiring managers receive up to hundreds or applications which means they do not have time to go through your 5 pages.

7. Adding unnecessary information

This includes things like marital status, age, id number and even place of birth. These things are not relevant for the job you are applying for so why include them. They only serve to fill space and in some instances can be used as a basis for discrimination.

Unless stated otherwise do not include any of the above in your application.

RELATED ARTICLE >>> CV Writing Tips: Irrelevant Details You Should Leave Out

When making applications for a job it is important to avoid these seemingly simple but very harmful mistakes. This will increase your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.

To have your CV professionally written visit Corporate Staffing Services 

By Michelle Wanjiku