4 common errors made in CV writing and how to avoid them.

As a career coach and professional CV writer, I probably see more than most the different styles and qualities of applicant CVs. The harsh reality is that 2 pages of A4 paper stand between you and landing the interview – and if you don’t make it to the shortlist, you have ZERO chance of getting the job.

If you want to be in with a chance to land that attractive job you’ve seen, here are the 4 most common errors that I have seen made in CV writing – so now you can avoid making them!

Relevance

Think about it. If you are applying to become a data analyst, is the pet shop job you did at the weekends when you were in school actually going to impress your prospective employer? There’s nothing wrong with having a job in a pet shop – and if you are applying for a role with animals, then it adds relevant experience to your application. If it does not add relevant experience, it takes up valuable space on your CV – you might as well draw a picture of a balloon – in other words, it offers nothing but air.

Impact

This must be one of the top reasons that separates a great CV from a rejected CV – demonstrating your impact. If your CV just contains a list of tasks that you did in your employment history, then pay attention. You are going to need to put some tangible data to show you have made an impact and that at least some element of your work has improved the business objectives. The recruiter wants to be confident that by employing you, their business will be better as a result.

Optimise

Given that many businesses now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software to filter the applications, this means that only around 25% of CVs will reach the hands those involved in the selection process. Therefore, you need to ensure your CV is using fonts and formats that software can read, as well as using key words within your application that flag your CV as belonging to a preferred candidate. The Mapleleaf Vision blog has specific advice on how to create the best CV and how to create an ATS-friendly CV.

Grammar / Spelling

You have carefully crafted your CV to contain great content and have demonstrated your impact in your chosen field of work. You have optimised your CV so it gets beyond the ATS and it’s in the hands of those responsible for shortlisting. And despite your claims of having great attention to detail, there it is – the glaring spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Now if it is one small mistake, you’ll possibly get away with it. But it very quickly becomes hard to ignore!

So, there you have the 4 most common errors made in CV writing to enable you to avoid them and be in with a proper chance of getting the job you want.

How to get help finding the job of your dreams.

If you would like more help finding the job of your dreams, I can support you on your journey and offer a range of coaching packages and the following CV support services to meet your needs:

  • Proof-reading
  • Spelling and grammar checks
  • CV review
  • CV optimising for ATS
  • CV writing

Contact me for more information.

#LiveDaringDreams

 
 

Let me tell you more.

Please enter a valid email address.

Professional


I first worked with Will whilst I was a junior member of a teaching team. I worked closely with him for around three years and he became a true mentor to me. During this time Will helped encourage me to discover my own leadership style and he mapped out what it takes to be successful. I highly recommend Will for life and career coaching.

Will is a professional, natural leader who manages to make you feel at ease. He manages to be both emphatic and encouraging, whilst also managing to challenge you to find your own answers. Will’s approach is totally non-judgmental and the sessions are really focused on you and on what you want to achieve. Working with Will has allowed me to address challenges I was facing and he brought a wealth of resources and practical tools to help me set goals, clarify my values, and explore avenues right away. Even though I left teaching 5 years ago, I still seek out Will for his help and guidance and I appreciate his versatility as a thought partner, ally, and coach. Our sessions are always productive and efficiently run, which is perfect for someone who is juggling many priorities! Will brings great communication, professionalism and quality to his work and I highly recommend him as a life/business coach.
- Jamie T (Leadership Coaching)

Highly recommended


I am so glad I found Mapleleaf Vision! Will has been super supportive and understood exactly what I needed to help me to redirect my focus. I now have fresh enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
- Greg M (Life Coaching)

Friendly


Will at Mapleleaf vision fitted me in for a last minute decision-making session that I needed to make ASAP re. a job offer / career change. He was friendly, professional, and really knew his stuff! He unpicked things that I could never have done on my own. I’m so grateful to him & will be highly recommending him to everyone! Where there is a ‘Will’, there’s a way! Thank you, Will. You truly have a gift.
- Cat K (Career Coaching)