When you apply for a job, it is more than likely that the first impression a potential employer will form of you will be based on your CV. As such, it cannot be overemphasised that there is really no room for error; one lazy spelling mistake, grammatical screw up or general nonsensical sentence can scupper your employment chances before you've even really begun.
When you apply for a job, it is more than likely that the first impression a potential employer will form of you will be based on your CV. As such, it cannot be overemphasised that there is really no room for error; one lazy spelling mistake, grammatical screw up or general nonsensical sentence can scupper your employment chances before you've even really begun. As a semi-professional clutz, I feel well suited to offer some petite pearls of wisdom and to help future generations of job applicants to avoid committing CV-suicide.
1. Mke sure to do a spelchek!
First and foremost, if you want your application to be taken seriously, your CV has to read seriously. As soon as a spelling error, a grammatical mistake or some sloppy syntax crops up, it undermines the CV itself and is an indicator of a lack of thought and lack of precision. Read it over, once, twice, then read it over again (and get your parents/friends too if they have the time.) Being pernickety is not a bad thing when you're trying to present yourself as best as possible.
2. Being Modest, or just Muggish?
A common and unforgivable error which many students commit is neglecting to include their most employable details on a CV, whether through modesty or straight up stupidity. Modesty certainly doesn't come across on paper, and if you forget to include your most employable assets then those reading your CV will not be able to gauge just how great you are. Be VERY selective with what you include and don't be afraid to tailor the CV for specific applications - ideally, make sure to include the most recent, relevant and impressive details of your personal and professional life. If you're applying for journalism for example, make sure to include all your experiences which resonate with journalistic ambitions and prove your abilities in that area!
3. Telling Porky Pies...
Just as important as remembering to talk about your best qualities, is not to fabricate the truth or preach about skills or experience you do not possess. A good, shorter word for that sort of thing is lying. It is sometimes okay to exaggerate, but it is never okay to utterly alter the truth. There is a fine but very clear line between honesty and fraudulence and whether you think you have gotten away with a little fiblet or you think that no one will ever know, it is STILL not worth the risk. Moreover, it certainly says something unsavoury about your character if you're willing to distort the truth.
4. PrESEnTAtioN!!!!
While you may think that the principal things to consider with your CV relates to the content, it is vital that you don't overlook the values of professional presentation. Try sticking to some simple guidelines; make your CV clear and concise and try to avoid going over 2 pages. Give an appropriate heading or subtitle to each section of your CV, e.g. Personal Details, Experience, Academic History, Extra-Curricular achievements, etc. For extra clarity and class maybe think about emboldening key words or underlining headings. Obviously you hope that your potential employers will be primarily interested in your abilities and your skills should speak for themselves, but a bit of pretty presentation never hurt anybody.
5. Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock...
This little tip is dead simple yet absolutely critical for your employment chances. During any application process, make absolutely certain that you know when the deadline is. Once you know the deadline date for your application or for sending in something relevant, make sure to set a personal deadline for yourself well in advance of the actual deadline date. Subsequently, you can ensure that your CV is fully compiled, complete and conforms to the expectations you should set yourself of your CVs quality, well in advance of the real deadline. This diligence will demonstrate your enthusiasm and efficiency to your employers, as well as being a good personal skill to develop for your own wellbeing; punctuality really is a virtue.
