If your job hunt is proving to be difficult, chances are your CV is letting you down.
Your CV is all an employer has to build a first impression of you, so just one mistake can seriously damage your chances of landing job interviews.
We’ve put together a list of the most common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Inaccurate and incomplete information
Your CV is only as good as the information you provide on it. The recruiter will not want to spend any more time than they need to in order to get a clear complete picture of you and the qualifications you have. For example, if you have an educational background in "Bachelor of Commerce with major in Finance", write it as such do not just put it as "Bachelor of Commerce."
Ensure that the information provided in your CV is truthful. Do not lie on your CV. Many organizations conduct background checks on applicants in order to validate the information provided as well as to ensure they select the right person for the job.
A spelling mistake or a numerical error on your email or your phone number will prove detrimental to your job search. Your potential employer should not have to call you to ask for an alternative email address when the one listed on your CV is not valid. The most common error is people mistaking a Gmail account for a Ymail account. They are not the same.
2. Undervaluing work experience
When talking to young recent graduates, you will identify a disturbing trend where most of them undervalue work experience from an internship or a volunteer position by using the word ‘just’. A fixed mindset will view work as anything that you are paid to do. If you think in this way, you will end up being under-qualified for a job even when it is an entry-level job. It is important to include relevant work experiences, even from an internship or volunteer position.
3. Missing important evidence
Your CV needs to have real examples when stating your achievements. Using real data makes your CV more convincing and will communicate your confidence in the skills you possess. Instead of writing “I increased sales” write “I increased sales by 25% in the year through providing customized programs to 5 clients.” This will demonstrate the potential value that you will give if selected for the role you are applying for.
4. Not tailoring your CV for target employers
Your CV must be targeted to appeal solely to the niche of employers and vacancies that you are applying to. If your CV doesn’t include the skills and knowledge that your target employer is looking for, you won’t be shortlisted – no matter how well-written and structured your CV is.
Do your research and find out exactly what your desired employer is looking for, then make sure that you are making those requirements prominent on your CV. Relevant job adverts and company websites are good places to start when researching the requirements for your target roles.
In the Yusudi Sales Academy, part of your training will include CV writing under the CV creation class. Join the Yusudi Sales Academy to get you started. Apply here
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