1. Spelling and grammar – Spelling or typographical errors show your lack of attention to details whereas
grammar mistakes show your poor written communication skills.Never trust a computer’s spell checker and always get someone
else to review or edit any spelling or grammar errors that you may have overlooked.
2. Writing lots, but saying nothing – Why use many words when few would do? Employers are not expecting you to explain
everything you have ever done, but just a few of the key elements to persuade them that you can do the job. Grab their attention with
bullet points rather than long meaningless sentences.
3. No Customization – Whenever you try to develop a one-size-fits-all CV to apply for lots of vacancies, you
almost always end up with something employers will ignore. Each employer is looking for a CV and cover/application letter that
applies to their role and as all roles are different, you should make little adaptations to your CV that it matches their specific
requirements.
4. Highlighting duties instead of achievements– Rather than copying the responsibilities from your previous job descriptions ,
try and find ways to show what you actually achieved some results.Not all roles have performance index that are quantifiable, but no
company would have employed you to just sit there, you must have had some impact in the business. Think of time-saving
activities, new procedures, successful campaigns and increased sales, giving percentage increases wherever possible.
5. Leaving out information – Whether it’s by choice or just forgetfulness, some people leave previous jobs off their CV meaning
a gap in employment. It is better to not let your employer guess what you were up to as they will always think the worst. Even if you
weren’t working, there may have been transferable skills you picked up that will help your chances.
6. Using clichés – It is not ideal to use popular CV clichés such as “Good communicator”; “Works well in a team”; “Committed and
hardworking” without any hard evidence. If you have worded the achievements in the rest of your CV well, the fact that you have
these skills will already be evident. If you feel you must use these phrases, at least try to link it to something you did such as, “Used
my written communication skills to write a sales letter/proposal thatled to 35% increase in sales for the company in 2013.”
7. Being ambiguous – Using unclear statements like, “Seeking a challenging position that offers professional growth” doesn’t really
give your reader anything to understand you. Give them something specific that focuses on their company’s needs as well as
your own such as “I’m looking for a challenging entry-level sales & marketing position that allows me to use my interpersonal relation
skills and experience for outdoor sales.”
8. Poor design– Unless you’re going for a design role, layout should always be second stage to the content of your CV. Black and
white text on a clean sheet is all you need, so don’t overdo it. Show your CV to several other people before sending it out for any
possible feedback.
9. Poor Content – Many people write CVs that does not communicate any potential value or benefit to the employer. CVs of this kind never inspire a desire in the recruiter to call you for an interview. For your CV to get you a call for interview, you must
communicate your strengths, abilities and potential value to the employer for possible consideration, not vague statements.
10. Unprofessional Representation –
Your CV is you on paper, making first contact with an employer or recruiter. You are how your CV looks. Any unprofessional language will have a dent on your professional identity and may
affect your employment prospects. Avoid ‘jokey’ e-mails such as [email protected] but rather
use a more professional one on your CV such [email protected] (i.e your [email protected] ).
Companies create and print brochures to.sell their products whereas professionals (job seekers) write CVs or resumes to sell their professional expertise or brands to employers. Just as poorly developed brochures won’t sell a good product, a poorly written CV won’t equally sell a great professional no matter how good
he/she may be. May the next CV you submit for your job search help you to secure your dream job.
Emmanuel Woyome is a leading Career Coach in Africa.
