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Expert Viewpoint

Avoid the biggest CV mistakes

The list of mistakes that some people make in their CVs is endless. From writing overlong CVs of War & Peace extremes to forgetting to add the simplest details such as your name, it is hardly surprising that recruiters become frustrated when handling applications.

Here is a list of some of the daftest real-life CV blunders that JobSite have unearthed over the last few years.

1. The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers

2. Achievements: I was proud to win the Typting Award at secretarial college

3. Personal Statements: I will give the job my all as long as it doesn’t interfere with my busy social life. My social life is very important to me

4. Additional Information: ‘In 1992 I had brain surgery to remove a tumour. It was traumatic but I think I am well now’

5. I tend to only procrastinate when I have to make a decision

6. Unwilling to re-locate or travel as my previous job involved a lot of travel sometimes at short notice and it completely exhausted me

7. Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year

8. Reason for leaving last job: maturity leave

9. Although I trained as an Accountant and for the past eight years I developed a successful career in Accountancy, I am bored by it and hence wondered if you have any other opportunities that may be of interest to me?

10. Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a National Retail Chain

So, the moral of the story is not to rush your job application. Remember, your CV is designed to get you an interview. But, if you write CVs of Biblical length, are too vague or simply cannot spell for instance, then your chances of getting invited to interview are severely reduced.

Useful websites

Free instant CV builder www.e-cvs.net

CV advice, writing, courses, examples and demos www.cvspecial.co.uk

Providing professional CV and resume writing services www.thefullercv.com

Professional CV writing consultancy offering FREE UK CV, job search and careers advice www.thecvstore.net

(Picture: Image of the top of a CV)