Don’t make these 9 mistakes if you want recruiters to read your CV
How many times have you applied for a job, but have not even had a chance to get at least an introduction call with a recruiter? There must have been other situations where you were a perfect match for the role, based on the posted job description, but no one has reached out to you?
One of the reasons for that might be some common mistakes candidates make when they create their resumes.
- Same resume for different job applications
It is known that candidates mainly use the same resume when they apply for different jobs. What candidates should do is basically adjust their resume to the job requirements, of course, if they have the experience required in the job posting. Even if they apply within the same industry, candidates should research a company and check if they are a cultural fit.
2. Personal information
Previously, employers asked for the personal information of candidates, such as marital status, nationality, etc. This information should not be on your resume, as you should be hired based on your expertise, not your nationality, religious beliefs, etc.
3. Writing much text
Recruiters approximately spend 7 seconds reviewing a resume. In some cases, the principle “less is more” applies to job applications. Make sure that your focus is on quality, not quantity. You need to list your experience from current to oldest including the company you worked for and the job title. Also, make sure that you list the expertise you have for the job you are applying for.
4. Email Address format
There is no reason for not having your own professional email address, especially once you start applying for jobs. Advice would be to create a simple email that is a variation of your first and last name.
DOs
DON’Ts
5. Choose which Social Media Profiles you will list on your resume
Make sure that, on your resume, you list your social media profiles that are relevant to the job you apply for. You should include sites like LinkedIn, GitHub, Stack overflow, personal website or blog, but do not list Instagram, TikTok or Pinterest profiles.
6. Think about fonts you use
I do not advise you to use fonts that are unreadable, especially if you have in mind that recruiters take a few seconds to go through your resume. The font you choose will have in mind a huge impact on the readability of your resume.
7. Avoid forced keywords or buzzwords
Do not use terms that are listed on many CV templates which you can download from the web. Some of these are detail-oriented, hardworking, problem-solving skills, dynamic, thinking outside of the box, etc.
8. Do not be ambiguous
Make sure to be precise when mentioning projects or tasks you have worked on. Do not use the terms “few” or “several months”. You should mention that e.g. you have successfully completed the project in 4 months. Also, feel free to mention a number of colleagues you worked with on the project, or even you can name them.
9. Grammar or Spelling Mistakes
Make sure that you have checked your resume for grammar or spelling mistakes. You should proofread it and ask someone you trust to read it. Feel free to use Grammarly to double-check your text as it is for free.
