Crafting a standout CV is crucial for making a positive impression on potential employers. As a recent graduate, your CV is often the first glimpse employers get of your professional potential. To help you put your best foot forward, here are some common CV mistakes to avoid and essential tips to create an impressive CV.
1. Overloading with personal information
Keep it professional
While it's important to introduce yourself, avoid including excessive personal details. Stick to essential information such as your name, contact information, and LinkedIn profile. There's no need to include your age, marital status, or a photograph unless specifically requested.
2. Using an unprofessional email address
Create a professional email
Your email address is part of your first impression. An address like "graduateturtle123@example.com" can undermine your professionalism. Instead, use a simple, professional email address that includes your name, such as "jane.smith@example.com".
3. Ignoring formatting and design
Keep it clean and consistent
A cluttered or poorly formatted CV can be off-putting. Use a clean, simple layout with clear headings, bullet points, and consistent font styles and sizes. Avoid excessive use of colours and graphics unless you're applying for a design-related role.
A good clear CV layout consists of the following:
- Name and contact details at the top of your CV
- Personal Summary
- Education History
- Work Experience (most recent first)
- Skills and achievements
You don't need to include references on your CV; however, you can mention that these are available on request at the bottom of your CV.
4. Including irrelevant information
Focus on what matters
Tailor your CV to the job you're applying for. Include relevant education, experience, and skills that match the job description. Irrelevant details can distract from your qualifications and make it harder for employers to see your suitability for the role. Irrelevant information could include:
- Personal details such as age, gender, marital status or religious beliefs.
- Describing job duties from unrelated work experience. Make sure to specifically describe and focus on the transferable skills learnt.
- Including hobbies and interests may clutter your CV unless they are directly related to the job or demonstrate transferable skills.
- Photos can lead to unconscious bias, therefore we recommend you not to include any.
5. Writing a vague personal statement
Be specific and targeted
Your personal statement should be concise and targeted. Avoid using personal pronouns and generic statements like "I am a hard-working individual." Instead, highlight your key strengths and career goals, and tailor this section to each specific job application.
Example:
"Recent graduate with a First-Class Honours degree in Marketing, passionate about digital marketing strategies. Seeking a role in a dynamic agency to apply my skills in SEO and content creation."
6. Listing duties instead of achievements
Highlight your impact
Rather than listing job duties, focus on your achievements, skills and the impact you made in previous roles. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your contributions.
Example:
- Increased social media engagement by 40% through targeted content strategies.
- Managed a team of five volunteers, successfully organising three charity events that raised over £5,000.
7. Neglecting to proofread
Check for errors
Spelling and grammar mistakes can make you appear careless. Always proofread your CV multiple times, and consider asking a friend or mentor to review it for you. Small errors can undermine an otherwise strong application. Ensure that your CV is easy to read on a computer screen and is saved as a recognised file format, such as PDF or Word doc. This prevents potential issues with opening and viewing your CV.
8. Failing to tailor your CV
Customise for each application and keep it concise
A one-size-fits-all CV is less effective than one tailored to the specific job. Use keywords from the job description and highlight relevant experiences and skills. Customising your CV shows employers that you've put in the effort to match your qualifications to their needs. Your CV is not supposed to be a novel. Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages and focus on relevant achievements and experiences that align with the job you are applying for.
9. Overstating your qualifications
Be honest
While it's important to present yourself in the best light, avoid exaggerating your qualifications or experiences. Employers can verify the information you provide, and dishonesty can lead to immediate disqualification or future complications.
10. Ignoring soft skills
Highlight transferable skills
While technical skills are important, don't overlook soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are highly valued by employers and can set you apart from other candidates.
Example:
- Effective communicator with strong presentation skills, demonstrated through university group projects and volunteer work.
- Proven ability to work in diverse teams and manage conflicts, developed through part-time retail positions.
11. Forgetting to include keywords
Optimise your CV for ATS
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs. Ensure your CV includes relevant keywords from the job description to pass through these systems. This increases the likelihood of your CV reaching a human reviewer.
12. Not showcasing your digital presence
Include relevant links
In today's digital age, having a professional online presence can be a strong asset. Include links to your LinkedIn profile, online portfolio, or professional social media accounts if they showcase your work and skills.
13. Highlighting Leadership Roles
Showcase leadership and initiative
Women often underestimate their leadership roles. Make sure to highlight any positions where you demonstrated leadership or took initiative, whether in student organisations, volunteer work or internships. This shows potential employers that you are capable and proactive.
Example:
- Led a team of 10 in organising a university conference, resulting in a 30% increase in attendance from the previous year
- Initiated a peer mentoring program that improved new student integration by 25%
14. Addressing gender bias
Combat unconscious bias
Be aware of implicit gender biases and address them subtly. Use strong and assertive language that showcases confidence in your abilities and achievements. Avoid downplaying your accomplishments with words like "just" or "only".
15. Include mentorship and networking
Demonstrate mentorship and networking skills
Highlight your involvement in mentorship programs or professional networks, particularly those focused on supporting women in your field. This not only demonstrates your commitment to professional development but also shows that you value community. This could be through a society at university, or volunteering programs.
16. Balancing professional and personal achievements
Show a well-rounded profile
While professional achievements are crucial, including personal achievements and interests can give a more rounded view of who you are. Highlight activities that show teamwork, resilience, and other transferable skills.
Example:
- Completed a marathon to raise funds for a local charity, demonstrating commitment, endurance, and community involvement.
Avoiding these common CV mistakes can significantly enhance your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers. As a UK student or recent graduate woman, presenting a polished, professional CV is crucial for standing out in a competitive job market. Focus on relevance, clarity, and honesty to showcase your qualifications effectively. With careful attention to detail, you can create a CV that opens doors to exciting career opportunities. Good luck! Start applying for jobs today.
