My PERSONAL TOP 10 CV Turn off’s & on’s!
I get asked these a lot & so here we go with a real, tangible Do’s & Don’t’s Blog.
Read on & though you might not agree with everything – you might catch a piece of advice that could help you further down the line.
Jobseekers need to be heeding advice given. Whether they take it or not. I’m still amazed at the pretty simple things candidates do on CV’s that could turn potential employers off & here’s my little PERSONAL list of avoids!
I read EVERY CV sent & respond to every one too. It’s a tall order but I’m into ‘karma’ & I just think you try & treat others etc etc…but it’d really help if candidates sometimes put themselves in the CV readers’ situation. I’m not expecting hankies at the ready but some statistics: earlier this year I advertised for a HR Manager & 280 CV’s came in….to realistically judge & get through these CV’s & get the best candidate for that job is one of my challenges.
My top ten CV Tips:
1. Spell Curriculum Vitae right. Please. It’s the first 2 words. If incorrect…can you hear that…yes it’s the door slamming!
2. Email CV’s – if at all possible, just forget about posting.
3. Please try & fit it all onto 2 pages. Yes – you read right. 2 pages. I’ll apply myself to 3 but I’m nice. Think again about the readers’ point of view: yours isn’t the only CV they have in front of them
4. A handy little tip is to include your name & contact info on each page. Imagine how many pages get got lost & mixed up in printers. How would they know it’s yours?
5. Email addresses @xxxjennysexyxxx.com etc. Oh I could go on about this for ages & you’d be VERY surprised at how some emails can destroy the professional image of a candidate. Remember this appears early on a CV too. Are those doors are getting ready to slam again….? Simply avoid making your email address too personal & don’t use your age (ie rosie1954) Age discrimination is a problem, so don’t make it easy to be a ‘victim’ of discrimination.
6. A real personal one here (but that’s what my blog is!) Don’t use photographs. I don’t think it strengthens your CV unless it was specifically requested (think why would it be requested?)
7. Don’t state marital status and NEVER date of birth – these should not be relevant in an equal opportunities recruitment environment.
8. Don’t tell lies! Not even teeny white ones. Stick to truthful facts as employers may check up, or quiz you at interview and this could lead to any offer of employment being retracted
9. We like to see identifiable keywords that are relevant ie. easily-recognized job titles and buzzwords for the particular sector. This helps me identify you & what you actually work as but also (tip alert) when you upload your CV to a job site, these will help search engines pick your CV out from the rest
10. Do ask someone to proof-read your application for you. A simple spelling or grammatical mistake could prevent it being read
Simples (as they say!)
And yes…If you were wondering. I filled the HR job!
So – that’s me over & out. Now back to my CV sifting. Make it easy for all of us & try & stick to the above (well – if you’re mailing me anyway!)
I’m Roseanne Stockton, Chester’s 2013 SME Businesswoman of the Year & I successfully run Nu-Recruit. I place permanent & temporary candidates of the very best calibre into great local employers & jobs in Liverpool, Chester & Wirral. In a no-fuss, no nonsense way.
And I love what I do.
Call me if you think my 19 years of experience will help you get the best job or the best candidate for that job!
And please feel free comment on my Blog…..remember, it’s just my opinion – but I value yours too.
Great post – as always. Lots of useful tips. x
Totally agree with your points!
It wouldn’t occur to me to leave DOB off a CV, just one of those things I’d add without thinking about it. Great post
I agree with Dave; I have always put my DOB on my CV, but I think I’ll leave it off now. Great advice from Roseanne.
Loving the advice, I have just sifted through my CV to see if I have any do’s and do not’s that should be rectified. I only had a few, which I rectified. Thanks for the top drawer hints and tips!! Much appreciated
Fab advice! Thanks and fingers are now crossed x
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