5 common CV mistakes you could be making

It can be really frustrating when you know you can do the job but you seem unable to break through the sifting process and get invited to interview.

Here are 5 common mistakes you might be making with your CV - and how to fix them...

𝟭. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗩

One size doesn't fit all – you need to write your CV for the specific job you want, and customise it every time. Every. Time. Include keywords, mirror the tone of voice and address the essential criteria.

𝟮. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱

Recruiters/hiring managers famously have 6 seconds to read your CV – help them by using white space, bullet points and clearly divided sections. Remember your CV might be one of hundreds so go easy on their eyes. They'll thank you.

𝟯. 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀

Write about your achievements, not your responsibilities. Delivery, not duties. Make sure these stand out, don’t hide your best bits. Your CV shouldn't be a treasure hunt.

𝟰. 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼…

If you’ve got any dates starting with 19-something then you need to go full Elsa. Get rid of any GCSEs, marital status, photo, full address and “references available on request”. Don't write a complete autobiography, it's very dating.

𝟱. 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆

This is 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 CV, so make sure it reads like it. Don’t stuff it full of clichés. No “works well independently and as part of a team” nonsense. Provide evidence, not empty statements. Inject some personality into your profile.

Investing time to address these key points will make a big difference to your CV, helping you to score an invitation to interview for the job you want. Good luck!