COMMON CV MISTAKES - COMMON CV PROBLEMS - FREE RESUME HELP - COMMON RESUME ERRORS

Remove common CV mistakes and common resume errors. Benefit from free resume help on improving CVs & how to avoid common CV problems.

Common CV Mistakes - Common CV Problems - Free Resume Help

Finding jobs can be difficult, time-consuming and even an emotional rollercoaster, so getting the resume right can help save time, resources and difficulties further down the line. As professional resume writers, we see resumes experiencing common CV mistakes and common CV problems that could easily be avoided. Part of avoiding resume rejection is the ability to eliminate common resume errors because recruiters hate to see lazy, poorly-written and untidy CVs where there has been an apparent lack of attention to detail and careful planning.

To help identify and eliminate common CV mistakes and common resume errors, we offer free resume help and advice to improve resume writing skills for candidates.

Common Resume Errors and Free Resume Help...

1) Creating the right impression: Importance of removing common resume errors.
2) Getting the basics right: Attention to detail and spending time getting CVs right!
3) Common CV mistakes: Identifying the most common CV mistakes by candidates.
4) Other common CV problems: More common CV problems needing attention.
5) Good resume writing skills: Avoid common resume errors and resume faults.

CV Writers: Professional Resume Writing Services

1) Importance of removing common resume errors

Employers and recruiters receive and review CVs on an almost constant basis. Recruiters have a trained eye for reviewing CVs and can easily spot common CV mistakes. Furthermore, time constraints mean that recruiters only ever quickly scan CVs (i.e. no more than 30 seconds). Essentially, recruiters are looking for reasons to reject candidates and compile interview shortlists, so receiving CVs containing basic resume errors stand a greater chance of being rejected. Given recruiters receive many CVs containing common CV problems and common resume errors, it is not rocket science to see that spending extra time and attention on a resume will pay dividends and will get past the initial stages of resume scrutiny from recruiters.

2) Getting the basics right - removing common resume errors

Focusing on the positive, a well-presented, nicely presented and carefully targeted CV will obviously make a more favourable impression than an untidy, poorly-written and error strewn resume containing many common CV mistakes. Recruiters are inevitably more interested in reading CVs where more attention to detail and careful presentation is promient. For instance, a well-presented and carefully structured CV makes it much easier for recruiters to find information and evidence of suitability they are looking for. Greater attention to detail shows professionalism and avoids a poor reaction because common CV mistakes have been removed. Finally, avoiding common CV problems ensures recruiters are not distracted from the overall message and impression the candidate is trying to put across in their resume (more effective).

3) Free Resume Help - Help Avoiding Common CV Mistakes

We seek to profile the most common CV mistakes and resume errors contained within CVs. We give advice on improving resume writing skills and tips on giving more attention to detail to resumes. Aspects include:

1. Poor initial impressions: Resume looks poorly-presented and unprofessional.
2. Poor overall presentation: Resume has a weak and untidy layout and design.
3. Basic resume errors: Common resume errors give a poor overall impression.
4. Inaccurate information: Candidates using incorrect resume contact information.
5. Poor resume content: Lacking worthwhile examples and evidence of suitability.
6. Poor readability: No logical progression or structure contained within a resume.

Poor Initial Impressions: With less than 30 seconds to make an impression, it is important to get the look, feel and readability of the resume right as overall initial impressions go much deeper than just presentation factors. A resume making a good impression will have a clear structure, be well-organised and have a logical flow, so enabling recruiters to find the information they are looking for without too much effort.

Poor Overall Presentation: A neat, well-presented, nicely balanced resume with plenty of white space and clear CV headings shows evidence of where more time, effort and attention to detail has gone into what is essentially a personal marketing document. This shows clear professionalism and the recruiter will consider such candidates as being far more credible and serious towards the vacancy in question. An unprofressional look and feel to a CV, may also imply unprofessionalism within a job context and clearly the recruiter may not look as favourably on such a resume.

Basic Resume Errors: As professional resume writers, we see common resume errors that can easily be corrected with a bit more time, planning and attention to detail. It is essential for candidates to check through and eliminate common CV mistakes. Common resume errors often surround spelling, grammar, sentence construction, choice of words and punctuation. Common CV problems can easily be avoided by carefully checking resumes or getting someone else to proof-read CVs.

Inaccurate Information: Again, this is an attention to detail issue and is one of the most common resume errors found. As professional resume writers, we get clients to check contact details and personal information. Invariably, errors appear and it is vital to avoid such common CV problems because employers use this information to contact candidates for interview selection. Other areas where recruiters find innaccurate information often surrounds dates of employment. This one of the most common CV problems, especially if there is a less than perfect employment track record. Dates can be obscured, though it is important to be accurate given employers can check this information when obtaining employer references.

Poor Resume Content: A better professional resume will have good credible examples of where candidates have applied their skills, knowledge and experience. Good examples will demonstrate strong evidence of suitability towards targeted employment roles and so will be more likely to be shortlisted for interview. Common CV mistakes arise when candidates fail to demonstrate clear evidence of suitability or get points across in a positive, constructive and proactive manner. Overall, content must be well-written, easy to find under clear CV headings and structured in a logical format. Only include information that is likely to add value to a resume or makes a clear valid point. Too much or too little detail are also common CV problems.

Poor Readability: With limited time available to review CVs, resumes must be easy to read and convey information in a logical, structured and clear manner. Making CVs more 'readable' and 'recruiter-friendly' helps recruiters to quickly scan CVs and find the information they are looking for. Readability also helps demonstrate effective communication skills and creates a positive impression. This is one of the most common CV problems and can easily be put right by getting someone else to critically appraise the resume. Help recruiters find the information they are looking for!

4) Other Common CV Problems - Free Resume Help

We offer more free resume help by outlining other common CV problems and common CV mistakes often found within resumes. Common resume errors include:

1. Over-written CVs: Resumes containing too much information - be selective!
2. Lacking resume content: Some resumes are very short, brief and too vague.
3. Offering a life story: Common resume errors where CVs are just far too long!
4. Over-stating resume aspects: Exaggeration of achievements & other aspects.

Over-Written CVs: Common CV mistakes arise when there is simply too much detail to contend with making it difficult for recruiters to find information they are looking for. An optimal resume length should be two or three pages and anything longer than this will simply lose impact and recruiter interest. Recruiters are after an easy life, so it is important to be selective about what to include, make it interesting and show credible examples and evidence of suitability. As a useful resume tip, recruiters are only interested in what you have done most recently (i.e. in the last two or three roles). Anything over 10 years ago should be summarised - this should reduce resume length and help candidates to focus on what is most important - recent roles & skills!

Lacking Resume Content: Lacking resume details leaves recruiters uncertain as to the true capabilities and potential of the candidate. This also shows a lack of thought, attention to detail and effort, thereby leaving an unprofessional and very weak resume. As professional resume writers, we realise the importance of the CV in making initial recruitment (selection) decisions based on the CV alone. A resume lacking sufficient detail, having weak evidence of career history and insufficient skills will not make a good impression simply because there is not enough information to make fully informed decisions on whether to invite such candidates for interview.

Giving a life story: Resumes should offer an effective summary of skills, qualities, experience and other credentials required for performing in a targeted employment role. One of the most common CV mistakes is to launch into a monologue or life story contained within a CV. CVs should not be written as a biography, especially as this will serve to lose recruiter interest. Remember, only 30 seconds to scan CVs, so be selective and consider who is going to read the resume document.

Over-stating Resume Aspects: Common resume errors often occur when candidates decide to exaggerate or over-state resume aspects. This may not be intentional but recruiters can easily spot where candidates have expanded the truth. For instance, as professional resume writers we see graduates with minimal experience and track record often claiming to be an expert in a particular field simply because they have studied a subject. To claim 'expert status' often requires substantial insights and a proven track record of applying expert skills over a number of years in business or academia. A good professional resume will be realistic, credible and honest, always backed-up by supporting evidence and useful examples.

5) Good Resume Writing Skills - Free Resume Help

There are other common CV mistakes and common CV problems that candidates often forget to consider. We offer additional free resume help and advice on improving resume writing skills as well as avoiding common resume errors...

1. Avoid any negativity: Resumes are proactive personal marketing documents!
2. Remove negative comments: CVs should be impartial and not at all prejudiced.
3. Avoid specifying salary: Avoid specifying salary unless asked (difficult one!).
4. Never include humour: Recruitment is a serious and considered process.
5. Always remove referees: One of the most common CV mistakes (most CVs!).
6. Remove personal information: Avoid including too much personal information.

Avoiding Negativity: Resumes are essentially personal marketing documents selling credentials towards preferred employment roles. Candidates should positively sell experience, track record, skills and other evidence of suitability rather than focusing on negative aspects of a resume. Avoid common CV problems by using positive language like created, managed, developed, achieved and led, etc.

Remove Negative Comments: Although this is one of the least common CV mistakes and common resume errors, CVs should always remain impartial and objective. Passing judgement or showing prejudice in some way can leave CVs on the rejected pile. For instance, candidates may come across as slightly negative or indifferent about previous employers and so it is important not to mention this.

Avoid Specifying Salary Expectations: As professional resume writers, we see common CV mistakes in terms of specifying salary expectations on CVs. Only include salary expectations should they be requested by employers, otherwise candidates could undermine any bargaining power if salary if known before attending interview. Also, handle this aspect carefully as candidates can sometimes rule themselves out of interviews because they are stating unrealistic salary expectations.

Never Include Humour: Recruitment and finding suitable candidates is a serious and considered process. Including humour will ensure resume rejection for sure!

Always Remove Referees: As professional resume writers, we see frequent mention of 'references available on request'. This is an obvious statement and recruiters are very much aware they can obtain employer references when required. One of the most common CV mistakes is the inclusion of referee details. Common resume errors revolve around the inclusion of personal information and contact details of other people on the resume. Candidates are effectively disclosing personal referee information that should remain confidential and is not necessary on resumes.

Removing Personal Information: Common resume errors and common CV mistakes include disclosing too much personal information. Recruiters only really need the basic contact information, so candidates should not prejudice applications by mentioning aspects realting to marital status, date of birth or disability for instance. Employers cannot discriminate on any of these aspects, plus there are growing concerns with identity theft and the mis-use of personal resume information.

Avoid common CV mistakes and resume problems by investing in your future - use our bespoke Professional Resume Writing Services - all for less than 1% of your annual salary. Remove common resume errors from CVs!