by Kourtney Luckett. Senior Consultant at TPF Recruitment.
When was the last time you updated your CV? Probably when you were looking for the role you're in now.
However, what if I told you that keeping your CV up to date was important. Not only does it allow you the opportunity to reflect on your experience and achievements so far, but also allows you to have something ready to go if a recruiter calls with your dream role.
That said, we see hundreds of CVs every week, and there are some common mistakes when writing this document. Here are some tips on what is best left out.
Sensitive Data
CVs are often put on public databases or end up in the hands of many, so leave off any sensitive data.
Your full address, date of birth, national insurance number, parents' names are just some of the details we see on CVs, that are not needed. Think of what someone could do with this personal information...
Do include name (including preferred name), town of residence, and preferred contact details
Images / Charts
Your picture is not necessary for your CV. Unless you were in an industry where a professional headshot at application stage is necessary (modelling), leave it out.
Charts, graphs and images. Although they may look appealing on your computer, they can be a formatting nightmare. They can cause your CV file to corrupt, or may fail to open on another computer.
Do keep to a readable font (Arial / Calibri) in size 10-11, with clear headings and bullet points for ease of read. Avoid tables, images, charts and graphics.
Outdated or Irrelevant Career History
Although when you're starting your career, listing you were a Customer Service Advisor at Primark may be advantageous, it isn't necessary once you have built relevant experience. Keep irrelevant career histories brief, or available upon request.
In addition, avoid simply copying and pasting the same responsibilities below each employment. It can be an unnecessary use of space; instead list different responsibilities you had in the role, or simply record 'as above/below'
Do list all roles you've had within the relevant industry. Missing these off may send red flags over the gaps in your CV.
Generic Hobbies and Interests
These points do allow potential employers to get to know you better, or offer talking points for an interview, but avoid generic hobbies and interests.
Socialising, reading, spending time with friends and family are all examples of what to avoid.
Instead be more specific; attending networking events and extending my professional network, reading self-help business books including (example), ticking off a travel list globally of 50 countries.
Outdated Achievements
Although you may still be proud that you achieved Head Boy/Girl in year 11, now that its been 5 years since you left school, these achievements become somewhat irrelevant.
Instead focus on what you have achieved in the last 2 years, and what achievements are relevant to your industry or the skillset you wish to showcase,
Spelling / Grammatical Errors
Avoid relying solely on spelling checks because these won't flag up grammatical errors, or where you have listed trail balance instead of trial balance as a responsibility.
Proof read your entire CV and ensure you are using the correct spelling for the word you intend to use.
On average 1 in 2 CVs we see contain at least one of the above mistakes, and it can be detrimental to your job search and applications.
Hopefully you'll have found this guide useful and if you need any support constructing your CV, the team here at TPF are happy to help.
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