Here's what I think candidates should avoid in their CV's/Resumes. What's your opinion?

Your CV – do not:

• …complicate things. A CV is a sales document designed to get you in front of a prospective employer – and there’s a maxim in sales: K.I.S.S – Keep It Simple, Stupid
• …write more than 2 pages if possible. Recruiters may have to check dozens of CVs every day. However interesting your information is, if there’s too much of it, it won’t get read
• …leave unexplained chronological gaps. You may think that a six month sabbatical on the beach in Goa shouldn’t be listed in your Work Experience but people will think the worst if they can’t very quickly work out your career history.
• …mention an employer without explaining what they do. With a company like British Airways it’s self-explanatory; with many other companies the name gives nothing away. Say briefly what business your employer was/is in and what your function there was (or is)
• …if you have an initial Personal Profile, fill it with general unsubstantiated claims about your leadership ability, outgoing personality or desire always to give 110% effort. Recruiters dismiss this stuff. And, whatever you do, don’t say that you’re capable of working both on your own or as part of a team – so many people say this that it’s essentially meaningless. Talk rather about your experience and skills as illustrated by your particular work or academic history
• …talk about yourself in the third person – it’s totally naff
• …leave out your grade if you ‘only’ got a desmond (2:2). People may assume you got a 3rd.
• …leave out an Interests section. Recruiters like to get a feeling for the whole person. But keep it short – and it’s probably best not to say what your favourite book, film or food is.
• …include a picture of yourself. This is quite common on continental CVs but people react to pictures viscerally rather than rationally – I lost a placement because the picture of an otherwise very suitable candidate reminded the employer of his ex-wife
• …put Work Experience last in the running order. Best to place it on the front page after your personal details and profile, if you have one.


• NB When submitting your CV for a vacancy, keep your covering letter or email short

Submitted by - John Leaver