“What could go wrong?” That’s a question we rarely ask when we set up our CV. But the answer is simple – so much! Many people miss the opportunity of a lifetime due to a bad CV. But if you know what not to include in your CV, you’ll soon have employers scrambling to hire you.
Tips on What not to Include in Your CV
A CV is short, so mistakes are hard to miss. Instead of allowing you to stand out from the crowd, it could simply be an eyesore to a recruiter. To avoid any mishaps, follow our tips on what not to include in your CV.
LIES!
Lying on your CV might help you land the interview. But what if you get the job? How will you be able to complete the duties you lied about? You are robbing a possible candidate from a position and wasting the time of recruiters who thought they saw potential.
Your Previous Employer Blues
Your previous employers may have been a nightmare. Yet adding it to your CV will do more harm than good. It raises questions on your behaviour and why your previous boss treated you a certain way. Casting them in a bad light will make your CV seem negative.
Check Your References
You might use references to make your CV seem professional. But some employers might really call them. Adding references no longer in use or irrelevant will make it seem as if you’re not truthful. Also, if you left your job on bad terms, don’t expect them to put a good word in for you.
Unnecessary Information
So you were part of the choir in high school. That’s great! But how will that information help you get a job in finance? If you add unnecessary information, your application will be rejected, even if you have the potential.
Experiences That Don’t Apply
Finding a job is difficult. And during this search, you may have taken any position that comes your way. Although you’ve built up work experience, if it’s not relevant, it doesn’t count. This is why job posts look for “relevant work experience” from their applicants.
Personal Details
When you are sending your application to recruiters, you’re sending your personal details to complete strangers. With so many scams around, you need to be vigilant. Avoid sending your ID number and home address to recruiters. It could be used against you.
The Lowdown on Salary
Talking about salary is taboo, whether it is during a conversation with friends, family and even colleagues. And this goes for your CV as well. These are details that will be brought up by the interviewer. So wait for the right time to bring it up then.
Party Tricks
Fitting 28 marshmallows in your mouth might be impressive, but leave your party tricks at the party, not your CV. When you include your skills, they should be workplace skills. Not random tricks you learnt while on camp with friends.
Generic Phrases
Using the internet to help you set up your CV is a great choice. There are many CV templates out there you can use. But that’s for structure, not content. Steer clear from using generic phrases you found on the internet. Be a unique candidate.
Running Wild With Creativity
Okay, I know we said be a unique candidate. But too much of a good thing can be bad. Adding subtle colors and graphics are great, but it has to look professional. Even if you are applying for a designer position, allow your creativity to flow in your portfolio instead.
Overconfidence is Not Key
Confidence is a great quality to have in an employee. It shows that you are proud of your skills and take pride in what you do. However, being too confident is not the best approach. You could come across as being entitled and selfish.
Private Matters Should Stay Private
Looking for a job to look after your family is admirable. And earning an income is a basic need. But your family problems should not be included in your CV. A sad story won’t help you get the job. And adding family matters could make recruiters question your reliability.
Things That can Make Your CV Look Unprofessional
It’s the little things that count. And in this case, it’s the little things that can make or break a good CV. No one is perfect, but your CV should be flawless if you want to be considered for the position. Some of the key errors that make your CV look unprofessional include:
- Errors – No matter if you studied one of the best courses around, spelling errors will make your CV look unprofessional.
- Structure – Your CV should be clear, detailing your experience and skills. Without structure and planning, you could fall victim of adding unnecessary information.
- Outdated – When your CV is outdated, it could have old references, contact details no longer in use and none of your new skills.
- Gaps in Your CV – When you have gaps in your CV, it could make recruiters question what you were doing in that time. If you’re unemployed, you can become a volunteer to fill the gap.
- And the List Goes on and on – Your CV should be short, not the length of a novel. Instead of highlighting your skills, it could hurt your chances.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Become an Employers First Pick With our Tips
Want to make your CV stand out? Then studying one of our courses is your best bet. We offer a wide variety of courses you can study via distance learning. Simply contact one of our course experts for more details. You can:
- Call us on 0800 39 00 27
- Fill in our contact form for a call back
