Your Cv isn’t in PDF
One of the biggest benefits of submitting your Cv as a PDF is that it keeps all of the formatting consistent. Whether the document is opened on a smartphone, laptop, or another device, it will appear exactly as you intended. A cv delivered as a Word document doesn’t have this advantage. Many PCs and laptops these days incorporate other software, and users don’t all have the same versions of Word or use the same file types (such as .doc or .docx.). These discrepancies can cause major formatting issues.
The margins are frequently various sizes, a two-page resume can flow over onto the next page, typefaces can appear differently (because the computer may not have the font you selected), and, worst of all, your resume may appear as unreadable code. It would be awful for an employer to read a sloppy resume instead of your well-produced resume if you’ve spent important time working on your CV, focusing on the resume structure and layout. It makes a complete misimpression.
You Choose a Creative Font or Color.
After you’ve completed the time-consuming effort of meticulously compiling your resume and cover letter, you’ll have the enjoyable duty of deciding which font to use to display all of your impressive talents and work experiences. However, a poorly presented or colored Cv font might make or ruin your chances of getting a job. It’s more than just picking something that “looks great” or is the default font of the tool you’re using to type your resume regarding font selection.
As strange as it may seem, there is a psychology to font selection because the font you select impacts how humans and algorithms read and understand your CV. Avoid using distinctive or unique fonts in this situation. This implies that you should avoid anything in the stylish or script categories. Use a font size of 11 points.
It’s the most comfortable for most people to read (with or without glasses), and it’s also the most comfortable for machines. It’s fine if you wish to use a 12-point typeface. But don’t go much higher than that. You’ll be able to tell if you’re bloating your resume.
Using Selfie as a LinkedIn Profile
There’s a lot more to consider when taking the perfect photo, from your smile to what you’re wearing to how you place your face in the frame. When it comes to a LinkedIn profile photo, you already know the rules: Use a recent photo, make sure it’s professional, and don’t pick something with other people’s heads cut out of the frame but not completely. These and other criteria impact how people perceive you when they see your photo, particularly how likable and capable you appear.
The photos on your LinkedIn profile get 50 to 70% more queries than your resumes. It is considered a major blunder if you do not have a compelling profile photo. Those who do not have a profile image or who have uploaded one that is improper should keep in mind that a professional photo is required for LinkedIn, as recruiters will be viewing your profile.
Your persona is viewed by the recruiter on LinkedIn, which is an excellent place to start your career. As a result, you’ll require a professional profile photo that makes you appear respectable.
Your Email Address is a hot mess
All too often, a professional Cv is ruined by an unprofessional email address. We all know that having a name like Sexy Tom-Chris on your resume will make a potential employer think twice about hiring you.
Your email address is part of your brand. You have to make it easier for hiring professionals to find and remember you. You can do this by steering away from hobbies, desperation, and irrelevant numbers. Use a mix of your first and last names. Avoid using underscores (for example, john doe@email.com) since it can be difficult to tell if it’s an underscore or a space.
You should avoid using certain letters, digits, and characters in your business email address. Most hiring managers will copy and paste your email address, but if they type it out, you don’t want to confuse them about the make-up of one of your most important contact details.
Bad spelling or grammar
A flawless CV demonstrates your precision and attention to detail, so double-check everything, including your contact information. ‘ Don’t dismiss the squiggly red lines when your spell-checking program detects errors in your text.
Take your time and don’t wait until the last minute to write your CV to reduce the risk of making a mistake. It’s easy to recognize and ignore hurried examples. Temporarily changing the font, size, and color can trick your brain into believing it’s a new piece of writing, allowing you to notice faults you might have missed.
Print out your CV and read it aloud; this will help you focus on specific words by slowing down your mental process. Make sure your friends can hear you reading it, so they will be able to tell if you make awkward statements. You might also read your CV from top to bottom to ensure you don’t overlook anything. This alters the flow, making it simpler to see errors.
Your CV is way too long
You can’t expect a 5 page CV to be viewed by an employer who spends an average of 3 minutes evaluating each CV they receive. Because recruiters and hiring managers are usually quite busy, it’s critical to demonstrate your worth to them as soon as possible.
A two-page CV is perfect for getting your argument across without boring readers, so attempt to keep to it as closely as possible. You don’t need to include a lot of detail in roles that have been around for a long time if you have a number of them.
Because recruiters will be more interested in your most recent positions, old positions can be condensed into shorter descriptions that provide enough information to describe your career path.
Not tailored to the job you’re applying for
Do not apply for two separate opportunities at the same company with the same CV (or, even worse, two distinct resumes). This indicates that you have no idea what you want and are looking for employment.
Your CV will be rejected for both opportunities 99 percent of the time. The same rule applies to different application levels (exp., Manager, and Line staff). You cannot work as a manager unless you have prior leadership experience. Grow within your firm if you wish to become a manager.
It’s pretty rare for individuals to be employed in a company with more experience than they have. If you are not sure about your qualification, share your CV with SFAN, and we will help you to achieve your career targets.
If you like this article, please share it for others to find it. To learn more about how to incorporate your new skills on your CV, contact SFAN at info@sfanonline.org.
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Cheers to your future success!
