Common CV Mistakes

What does your CV look like? Whether you painstakingly adapt it for every role you apply for, or simply have a generic document that you send out to all, you may be making simple errors that are hampering your chance of securing the role you want.

There are several common mistakes that many people make when writing and submitting a CV, and putting in the time and effort to get these right can make all the difference to the likelihood of getting an interview.

Common CV Errors:

1. Make it stand out. The first hurdle you must overcome when you’re applying for a new role is making your application stand out from the rest. Simple measures such as saving your CV with your own name as the file name, instead of the generic ‘CV’, will help you to be easily identified and to be seen as an individual.

2. Make it specific. The experience that you have gained will only be impressive to a recruiter if you can prove it. Make your CV specific by ensuring that you quantify every claim you make with the facts and figures from your previous roles that prove you can do a great job here. This will show that you have a clear understanding of what is required and have the drive to make things happen.

3. Make it precise. Spelling and grammar mistakes are off-putting at any time, but including them in your CV demonstrates poor attention to detail and may suggest to recruiters that you do not really care about the position. Put in the time and effort to proof read several times before you submit an application letter and CV, and give a positive impression of your commitment and attitude to work.

4. Make it relevant. There is no point in including skills or experience that are not relevant to the post you are applying for, and most recruiters will not have the time or motivation to wade through paragraphs of irrelevant information to get to the bits that matter. Organise your CV clearly so that everything is related to the position you want, and make it easier for the reader to see that you are the best person for the job.

5. Make it professional. When you are applying for a professional role, pay attention to all the little details that could undermine your credibility. Ensure your application is professional throughout, including having a professional email address to send it from. We would also advise that you check your social media profiles to find out what is in the public domain, since many recruiters will run a quick check here, too.

Are You Looking For Recruitment Agencies in Cork and Limerick?

CareerWise is Ireland’s leading specialist Technical and Executive Recruitment firm, and our team will work with you to find the best positions in the Medical Device, Sciences/Pharma and ICT industries.

For jobs across Cork, Limerick and Galway, call us at CareerWise on +353 (0) 21 206 1900 for a consultation, or contact us online today.

Joe Robbins

(Director) BBS (Hons), MBPICS – Shannon Office

Joe Robbins is co-founder of CareerWise Recruitment. A graduate of the University of Limerick (Degree in Business Studies, 1985), Joe worked in the UK for five years where he specialised in materials management, production management and plant management for a number of companies.

He returned to Ireland in 1992 to become Operations Manager for a Cork-based start-up, FMC Automotive Division which was subsequently taken over by Snap-on Equipment. Joe managed the business re-location of this company to Shannon in 1997 before setting up CareerWise Recruitment in 1999.

He is a committee member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Mid-West region, and a former Director and Vice President of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce. Joe is former Chairperson of the Sixmilebridge Camogie Club and current Chairperson of the Clare County Camogie Board.

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