So you’ve compiled your CV according to all the instructions and tips on what to include (and not to include) on your CV, and you’re ready to send it to your potential future boss! But are you sure that the message you want your CV to convey is really being communicated?

 

Following tips and tricks on how to compile a résumé or CV is great, but there are a number of things that you might have forgotten about when it comes to the message you are sending to employers. So have a look at the following factors to find out what your CV is really saying about you:

 

1) Spelling and grammar errors

Spelling and grammar errors are a big no-no when it comes to your CV, as they could give employers or recruiters the idea that you aren’t that bothered about details, or that you don’t quality-check your work. Many recruiters and companies don’t even consider candidates for interviews if they spot a spelling or grammar error on their CVs. Ask a friend with good language skills to double-check yours for any errors.

 

2) Including too much information

The general rule regarding the length of your CV is that it should be no more than 2 pages long. If yours is longer than this, it might indicate to employers that you struggle with selecting relevant information. It could also indicate that you are including a lot of unnecessary information — stick to the basics, and only include information relevant to the job that you are applying for.

 

3)  Not providing your complete employment history

>By leaving gaps in your employment history, you will immediately be waving a red flag in front of your prospective employer, as it tends to suggest that honesty and trustworthiness are not qualities that you possess. Make sure that you include an explanation for any gap (or period of unemployment) in your CV — this will prevent prospective employers from jumping to their own conclusions about why such a gap exists.

 

Need some help with explaining long-term unemployment on your CV? Click here

 

4) Listing relevant, valid references

The presence of two or three relevant, contactable references on your CV will help to demonstrate your credibility. By listing too few, it could indicate that you don’t want potential employers to speak to your previous colleagues, possibly because you have something to hide. And by listing too many, you might come across as over-confident, or convey the message that some of those references are not valid.

 

5) Style and design

Keep the design of your CV simple, yet stylish. Fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman are easy to read. Keep the font size relatively small – 11 or 12 points – as this will help you to include as much information as possible without exceeding 2 pages. Never include a photo of yourself (unless specifically requested to do so by the employer), and don’t use too many different colours — your CV shouldn’t be a craft project. Simplicity is key!

Click here to download your free CV template.

 
Now that you’re familiar with these factors — would you say that your CV is saying the right things about you?