Mistakes to avoid when writing a CV
- Types of CVs to avoid
When writing a CV, bear in mind always, that you must avoid by any means:
* The short CV: a list of minimal skills and limited experience related to the proposed job… Such a CV gives no additional information about you; they may forget you even before contacting you.
* The eccentric CV: bold, italic, underlined (sometimes under the same words), glowing colors, original and exaggerated fonts and shocking expressions… Be careful, your CV is not a promotional brochure for a new good in a supermarket!
* The neglected CV: misaligned texts, misspellings, inadequate organization… Such a CV is difficult to read and it makes you look like an inattentive or even insolent person.
- The simulated CV : lying is useless.
Some candidates cheat on their CV. Be careful, the simulated CV can be easily revealed by the recruiter, who can make checks during the interview or the constitution of the application file and ask for supporting documents, especially those related to the certificates. However, your CV should be very objective and transparent, so that it will be used to make your professional career alive and attractive for the recruiters. So when you write your CV you will have to put in mind that your task is to make your professional career live and not invent it.
In the end, it is good to be honest and stay away from lying. Even with an average career, a cleverly constructed CV can have more chances of success.
- Copy another person's CV
The CVs of others are among the best resources to improve your CV. Indeed, browsing multiple CVs will give you good ideas. It is a great way to regain your breath when you are «blocked».
However, stealing an entire part of another person's CV reflects a deeper problem, as it is considered dishonest and unforgivable.
- Believing in the ideal CV
There are always profiles that seem always better than ours. But, we must relativize and do not devalue our career path. Every career path is unique and so, it is important to trust in ourselves and accept our career path.
- Avoid absolutely the photo unless it is really necessary
In 99% of the cases, people who chose this option would have done better to avoid it. The photo should respond to a need. For example, if you apply for a receptionist, then the photo will be useful.
- Avoid vague vocabulary or unfamiliar professional jargon
It should find the right balance between the vague vocabulary and professional jargons.
To be identified immediately, your former positions, training and skills must be clearly articulated. So, please use the right keywords because it's a sign of professionalism and it proves that you know your job well.
To be clear and effective, a CV must use recognized terms because the recruiter does not have time to lose in decrypting your CV. It is therefore necessary to be sure that the term is well known and recognized by all professionals in the sector. As some institutions sometimes use vocabulary that has specific connotations at the internal level only. If so, translate it into a standard equivalent that is understandable to all.
- Too much information affects the content
In addition to viewing all the information on one sheet, the CV in A4 format forces the candidate to make choices and be synthetic.
You should keep in mind that the reader should not be overwhelmed by a large amount of information; and on the contrary it is necessary to be synthetic and select a limited number of information to highlight them.
The «packed» CV becomes indigestible and uninviting. Space must be aired, to allow the recruiter to read comfortably your CV.
*Do not update your certificates
With the number of reforms to higher education, it is better to translate for younger recruiters, who may not understand it.
Describe also the program in some words if you undergone a little known training and add the theme of the dissertation, only if the latter has a relationship with the relevant job.
* Experiences : It is better to confine yourself to the last three most important experiences, and to avoid as much detail as possible on the missions performed.
* Skills: Skills are not limited to software and languages. You also need to describe your general skills. Arrange them in three or four axes to give them greater weight.
* Trainings : You do not have to go back to the Baccalaureate certificate if you have a Master's degree. Just indicate your most significant degree.
* Hobbies : Do not indicate a hobby unless it has meaning or that will make you distinctive. Traditional hobbies such as «reading», «cinema», «music» or «tennis» should generally be avoided.
