TTD Insight 05
Five CV Mistakes We See Every Week (And How to Avoid Them)
By Emma Grace, Founder, The Talent Division
Welcome to Talent Division Insights, practical career advice and recruitment insight from Emma Grace, Founder of The Talent Division. Drawing on nearly 30 years in recruitment, these Insights are designed to help candidates navigate every stage of the job search with confidence
Your CV doesn't need to tell your entire life story.
Its job is much simpler than that.
It needs to make someone want to have a conversation with you.
After nearly 30 years in recruitment, here are five mistakes I still see time and time again.
1. Listing duties instead of achievements
Employers already know what a Marketing Executive or Finance Manager does.
What they really want to know is:
What difference did you make?
Where possible, include results, improvements or successes rather than simply describing your responsibilities.
2. Sending the same CV for every application
A small amount of tailoring can make a big difference.
Highlight the experience that's most relevant to the role you're applying for and make it easy for employers to see why you're a good fit.
3. Making it difficult to read
Keep your layout clean and professional.
Use headings, bullet points and clear spacing.
A recruiter should be able to quickly understand your experience without searching through long paragraphs.
4. Forgetting the personal profile
Your opening profile is your opportunity to introduce yourself.
Keep it concise.
Focus on your experience, strengths and what you're looking for next.
Avoid clichés and make it sound like you.
Don’t forget your contact details!
5. Worrying about perfection
Many candidates delay applying because they think their CV isn't perfect.
In reality, a well-written CV opens the door to a conversation.
The interview is where your personality, motivation and potential really come to life.
Don't let perfection stop you from taking the next step.
Emma's Thought
"Your CV isn't expected to answer every question. Its purpose is to create enough interest for someone to pick up the phone. That's where the real conversation begins."