What are the classic CV mistakes to avoid?

It's deceptively easy to make mistakes on your CV and exceptionally difficult to
repair the damage once an employer gets it. Prevention is critical, so here are
the most common pitfalls, and how you can avoid them.

• Spelling and grammar - Even in roles where writing is not
  necessarily a key skill, poor writing shows a lack of care which no Manager will
  want in their team. Never trust a computer's spell checker and always get
  someone else to read through your CV to spot any errors that you may have
  overlooked. Grammar can be tweaked by reading a piece out loud – if it doesn't
  sound correct, then it probably won't read very well.

• Writing lots, but saying nothing - Why use 20 words when 5
  would do? Employers aren't looking for you to explain everything you've ever
  done, just a few of the key elements that will persuade them you can do the job.
  Grab their attention with bullet points rather than long sprawling sentences.

• No tailoring - Whenever you try to develop a one-size-fits-all
  CV to apply for lots of vacancies, you almost always end up with something
  employers will ignore. Each employer is looking for a CV and cover letter that
  applies to their role and as all roles are different, you should make small
  adaptations so that it matches their specific requirements. Show that you
  understand what it is they want you to do.

• Highlighting duties instead of achievements - Rather than
  copying the responsibilities from your old job descriptions, try and find ways
  to show what you actually achieved whilst you were there. Not all roles have
  KPIs that are quantifiable, but no company would have employed you to just sit
  there – you must have had some impact in the business. Think of time-saving
  activities, new procedures, successful campaigns and increased sales, giving
  percentage increases wherever possible.

• Breaking the 2-page rule - 2 pages of A4 is more than enough
  room to persuade your potential employer that you're worth contacting for an
  interview. They're busy people and don't have time to read five or six pages of
  your career history. Use lots of white space to make it easy to read, make all
  your sections stand out clearly and only include information that will get you
  the job. Less is often more.

• Leaving out information - Whether it's by choice or just
  forgetfulness, some people leave previous jobs off their CV meaning a gap in
  employment. It's better to not let your employer guess what you were up to as
  they will always think the worst. Even if you weren't working, there may have
  been transferable skills you picked up that will help your chances.

• Using clichés - “Good communicator”, “Works well in a team”,
  “Committed” – without any hard evidence of these you might as well write “Blah,
  blah, blah”. If you've worded the achievements in the rest of your CV well, the
  fact that you have these skills will already be evident. If you feel you must
  use these phrases, at least try to link it to something you've done such as
  “Used my communication skills to build and retain a substantial client base.”

• Being vague - Using fluffy lines like "Seeking a challenging
  position that offers professional growth." doesn't really give your reader
  anything to go on. Give them something specific that focuses on their company's
  needs as well as your own. "I'm looking for a challenging entry-level Marketing
  position that allows me to contribute my skills and experience to fundraising
  for a Charity."

• Poor design - Unless you're going for a design role, layout
  should always be second stage to the content of your CV. If your CV is
  wall-to-wall text featuring five different fonts styles and sizes you'll give
  the reader a headache. Black and white text on a clean design is all you need,
  so don't overdo it. Show your CV to several other people before sending it out
  to check they don't turn their heads in disgust.

• Incorrect personal details - Not getting any calls despite your
  perfect CV? There may be a very simple reason for that – you've written down the
  wrong phone number! This is less of a problem now email is the common form of
  communication, but check your .com isn't a .co.uk and your address isn't the
  flat you used to live in. On the subject of emails, if you have a ‘jokey'
  address such as ‘eatingpies@myhouse.co.uk', be sure to use a more professional
  one on your CV.