There are plenty of spots where CVs get totally wrong. Curriculum vitae is a perfect opportunity to communicate with an employer and show him that you have the necessary skills and expertise to be in the position you apply for. However, sloppy choice of words and the info to include, make CVs a nightmare for hiring managers to read, and if the candidate does not put enough effort into the preparation of the own application, the employer sure does not bother to spend time considering such person for the job.

Numerous candidates each year send in the CVs that have nothing to do with “great” or “suitable” and abound with info, which is clearly of no interest to the managers. Such applications go straight to the bin and are not even being read to the end. If you do not want your career dreams to end up in the bins of potential hirers, learn from the mistakes of other candidates, and avoid the pitfalls like the next ones.

1. A little to no relevant info

Usually, applicants cannot understand what the employer wants from the specialist who should take the position, and thus, include the information that has nothing to do with what is actually needed. Do your research, look at the job advertisement, and just general requirements to the position, and be sure to include the info that shows that you have the matching skills the employer needs so badly.

2. No evidence

You can claim all you want, but that does not mean any one will believe you. Do not just state that you have certain skills. Show how and where you used them, and the info will sound a lot more reliable.

3. Too broad

No matter what people say, generic CVs rarely work well for their writers. If you know what position you apply for, and you know you want it, make your CV say so and show what makes you the best candidate.

4. Mistakes

Did you know that some of the applications are being rejected just because of typos and errors? Now you do, so use this knowledge and check your CV before you send it to the employer.

5. Critique

Be positive and never criticize your previous employers. This will only make you look foolish and ungrateful.

6. Week vocab

Everyone knows that cliches are the worst option for the CV, same as the jargon, and the usage of the first person. Read a few applications that worked for the candidates, and see what kind of words they used to describe their skills, achievements, and experience.

7. Formatting troubles

Your CV may look perfect in the document you have on your computer and be completely messed up when the hiring manager opens it. To avoid this, use PDF, as it keeps spaces and words where they belong and looks exactly the same on any computer.

When you know the pitfalls, it is time to get known to the tips that will help you create an impressive CV:

•   Find what the employer wants from the candidate for the position, and be sure to match at least some of the requirements.

•   Back up every claim you make with examples.

•   Do not aim for more than 2 pages.

•   Always check for mistakes before submitting.

•   Do not forget to include the cover letter.

•   Never use photos in CVs unless your face matters for the job or it is required by the company.

•   Keep your formatting simple, and use normal, readable fonts of the average size (about 11 or 12 ppt)

•   Do not tell lies about your experiences, education, or achievements, as your employer will most likely research you and find out the truth.