Do and don'ts of CV?

Do’s and Don’ts of a CV

Creating a CV that stands out requires attention to both content and presentation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your CV is effective and professional:

Do’s of a CV

1. Tailor Your CV for Each Job

• Why: Customizing your CV ensures it aligns with the specific requirements of the role.
• How: Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and keywords from the job description.

2. Keep It Concise and Clear

• Why: Recruiters often spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV.
• How: Use bullet points, concise language, and logical headings to organize information.

3. Highlight Achievements Over Duties

• Why: Employers care about results and the value you brought to your previous roles.
• How: Quantify achievements (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%" or "Reduced processing time by 15%").

4. Use Strong Action Verbs

• Why: Action verbs convey impact and professionalism.
• How: Start bullet points with verbs like "Developed," "Implemented," "Optimized," "Led," or "Improved."

5. Ensure Consistent Formatting

• Why: A well-organized CV is easier to read and looks professional.
• How: Use the same font, size, and spacing throughout. Ensure headings and bullet points align.

6. Include Contact Information

• Why: Employers need a way to reach you.
• How: Add your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio (if applicable).

7. Proofread Thoroughly

• Why: Typos and grammatical errors create a bad impression.
• How: Use tools like Grammarly and have someone else review your CV for accuracy.

8. Prioritize Relevant Information

• Why: Employers want to see why you’re a good fit for their role.
• How: Emphasize the most relevant work experience, skills, and achievements near the top of your CV.

9. Use a Professional Format

• Why: An attractive but professional design makes your CV stand out.
• How: Use clean fonts (e.g., Calibri, Arial), avoid clutter, and stick to a neutral color scheme.

10. Keep It ATS-Friendly

• Why: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes.
• How: Use standard fonts, avoid graphics, and include keywords from the job description.

Don’ts of a CV

1. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate

• Why: False information can lead to disqualification or termination later.
• How: Be honest about your qualifications, roles, and achievements.

2. Don’t Include Irrelevant Personal Information

• Why: Details like marital status, age, religion, or hobbies unrelated to the job are unnecessary and outdated.
• How: Focus on professional qualifications and experiences.

3. Don’t Use an Unprofessional Email Address

• Why: It creates a negative impression.
• How: Use a professional email (e.g., firstname.lastname@example.com).

4. Don’t Overcrowd Your CV

• Why: Too much text makes it hard to read.
• How: Use bullet points and avoid unnecessary details to keep it clean and readable.

5. Don’t Use Jargon or Buzzwords Excessively

• Why: Overusing jargon can make your CV unclear or seem insincere.
• How: Use straightforward language and limit industry-specific terms unless relevant.

6. Don’t Include Salary Expectations

• Why: Salary discussions should be reserved for later stages of the hiring process.
• How: Focus on your qualifications and experience instead.

7. Don’t Leave Employment Gaps Unexplained

• Why: Unexplained gaps can raise red flags.
• How: Briefly explain gaps (e.g., "Took a sabbatical for further education" or "Focused on skill-building projects").

8. Don’t Use Distracting Design Elements

• Why: Flashy designs or excessive color can detract from the content.
• How: Stick to simple, professional formatting with minimal color use.

9. Don’t Include References Unless Requested

• Why: References take up space and are typically requested later in the process.
• How: Simply write "References available upon request" if necessary.

10. Don’t Forget to Update Your CV Regularly

• Why: An outdated CV may not reflect your latest accomplishments.
• How: Revise your CV every time you gain new skills, certifications, or experiences.

Conclusion

A strong CV adheres to best practices while avoiding common pitfalls. Focus on clarity, relevance, and professionalism to ensure your CV captures the attention of recruiters and effectively communicates your value as a candidate.