Four CV Don’ts
CV writing can be a bit of a minefield, are there is a lot of advice out there surrounding what you should or shouldn’t do. So today, we’re focusing on the don’ts. A perfectly good CV can be ruined by just one of these faux-pas, meaning it’s just as important to know what you shouldn’t do as well as what you should do.
1. Lies
Being dishonest is the most commonly made mistake in a CV. You may think you can get away with all kinds of claims, but quite frankly, you can’t. Also, if you get found out, there will be a massive mark against you. If you lack that much confidence in your CV, try to bulk it out with taking up additional voluntary roles, hobbies or training courses. This will make you feel a lot more prepared for a new role, as well as giving you some great stuff to put on your CV.
2. Overzealous claims
A big turn-off for employers is to see a CV with lots of hyperbole and extreme claims. It’s a bit of a myth that you need to sell yourself to the max to secure a role. Claiming to be the best at certain things will actually make the employer question whether you are any good at it at all. A more honest and self-aware approach is much more sought after by employers currently. If you are really amazing at something, this should be evident through what you’ve achieved as a result of it.
3. Negativity
It’s surprising how many people include negative statements on their CV. If you do struggle with a particular skill, leave it off entirely rather than stating you’re not very good at it. Seeing a potential candidate put themselves down is a huge turn-off, even if the rest of their CV looks suitable. You need to make yourself look confident and demonstrate that you have a can-do attitude.
4. Reasons for leaving
There’s also no need to include the reasons for you leaving your previous role/s. Even if you didn’t leave on bad terms, there is still no need to include it. This is usually left to discuss at interview stage. If you do include it, it could raise suspicion as to why you have done this and perhaps you are trying to cover yourself from what was actually a negative departure.
It’s important not to make any slip-ups on your CV, especially when such high numbers of applicants are up against you for the same role. So make sure you avoid these slip-ups like the plague!