Franny’s 7 Sins of writing a CV

Pawan Bal
Pawan Bal
Aug 22, 2017 · 5 min read

‘Franny, Noooooooooo’ I said to him, as I read his CV. Franny, my friend, was applying for a job and was sending across his CV to the recruiter. And I knew, he would not get past the CV screening.

Some stats say 80–90% CV are rejected in less than 10 seconds. So, if you ever wondered the following…

1) I have applied to many places, but never get a call for interview

2) I am qualified for this job, but no call

3) Perfect fit, yet no call…

… Then carry on reading further. (The rest can google Franny)

Over the past few years, I have read through 500 + CVs, across various positions, and rejected many. And below I put down the common mistakes made. But before that…

Few years back, I was where you are. I would not get calls after submitting my CV. After research, I identified my mistakes, made the changes. And since then, 9 out of 10 times, I received an interview call. I received calls from leading MNC, domestic companies and some of the poster boy start-ups.

Here goes — The 7 points to be kept in mind when sending across your CV

1) CV is not a formality-

Getting a call from recruiter, does not mean you will get a follow up interview. There is a reason they ask for CV. It is the first feel / impression your potential boss has of you. Think of it as a blind date or 10 second speed dating program. The hiring manager will skim through multiple CV’s and give feedback to recruiter.

Hence spend lot of time on preparing your CV. And this bring me to point no. 2

2) One size does not fit all –

Seen this multiple times. People have only 1 version of the CV and keep using it. How each company and role is different, similarly your CV needs to be tailored for each role and company. Example, if applying for video PM role but have gaming PM experience, highlight PM achievements irrespective of industry.

Both Point 1 and 2 require you to do a lot of research about the company and role. Over the years I have had close to 25 versions for my CV. Each time a new one.

3) 1 — Page CV — Sell yourself in 1 page

The rule is 1 page for every 10 years. Advantage, allows hiring manager a quick glimpse of you. I bet the question in your mind is:

‘How will I fit my entire experience in 1 page’?

The Answer is you won’t.

You are not submitting an auto-biography to the hiring manager and he has no time to read it either. If you follow point number 2, then highlight only skills required for this job. Your aim in the CV is to get a call for the interview.

Tip: Give most real estate to your recent work experience

4) Action oriented CV –

It is not important what you were responsible for, but what impact you made, what that resulted in and how you did it. Everything should be measurable and you should have a base to measure it against.

For example

‘Increased sales for my organization.’

That does not tell me anything. But if you write

‘Increased Sales by 10% from USD 100 MN to 110 MN by re-defining the sales strategy.’

They you have caught the eye of the hiring manager.

I came across this point when I stumbled upon articles and blog written by the great @Laszlo Bock. He worked as SVP at People operations at Google. Google his blogs/articles. He states it the best

Accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z

Tip: It is important that the value of Y is of relevant magnitude. In above example you help a company earn 10 MN USD more. It is not about 10% increase but what it means in number.

5) Content and Structure of the CV-

What should your CV consists of and division of the page real estate.

a. Introduction / Summary — 5–10% of the page

Personal choice, keep it short and crisp. Highlight number of years, the industries, company names and the roles you have done. Your 5 second introduction

b. Work experience — 80–85% of the page

Following Point №4 highlight your top achievements and accomplishments. If you have won awards or been selected for special projects mention it. Recent years get more real estate.

c. Education / Academics/ Others — 5 to 10% of the page

Mention Post graduation and graduation. Mentioning 10th and 12th schools is irrelevant. Except if the hiring manager is your school alum.

The question I get asked,

‘Should I mention marks’ –?

My Answer ‘If you were a gold medalist or topper’ please do. Or else it takes real estate. Also mentioning GMAT/ GRE or any other entrance test score is a turn off.

The only exception to the above points are, if you are a fresher and applying out of college. In that case, replace the work experience section with projects or extracurricular activities or sports played. And follow the same rule as point №4 and highlight your achievements

6) Lying on the CV –

Do not do this. It might help you get a call and the job. Remember you will be working with the team every day. I knew someone who said he did data analytics. And in the interview he spoke about the tools. Unfortunately for us, our lack of understanding (back then) of this space led to us hiring him. When he joined we realized he did basic analysis, something that we all do in our jobs. He had never deployed or handled analytical tools. He was fired in 6 months

7) If you take care of personal hygiene then do the same for your CV too –

Many articles have been written in details about just this point. I will just touch upon it

a. Be consistent — In your font usage and layout. If you follow Header and body, keep the font and size same for all sections.

b. Spell check- Make someone else proof read your CV. Tip: Ask someone who will only focus on spell check and not ask random questions related to your CV

c. Update your dates and information related to work and academic.

d. Keep the CV clean — Do not cramp it up. Keep it easy on the eye. The human brain automatically cringes when you see lot of information. Remember point no. 3. Your aim is to get an interview call. CV is just introduction

e. Test for mobile reading — I mostly view CV’s on mobile now. Make sure it is readable.

Hope this helps people looking for a job.

And please read blogs by @LazloBock. Because it is not just about writing the CV. I would suggest at work, follow the principal of ‘Achieving X by measuring Y by doing Z.’ I never had an opportunity of meeting Lazlo Bock, but his this simple line has had a very big impact in my life.

Franny is a friend and a fictional character.

Note: Keep in mind depending upon the role, some of the points might need a little bit of tweaking. Like for extremely technical roles, you might give more space to all certifications and languages known. But overall follow these simple points.

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