CV Dos and Don'ts!
CV Advice

CV Dos and Don'ts!

by XPRESS, 04 February 2019

Ditch:

  1. Ditch hard copies of references. Having work experience on your CV implies that you have references. An employer will always contact them directly, even if you have supplied a hardcopy.
  2. Your grades from high school – no need to add each individual grade, a synopsis is fine. Unless you are a recent leaver, and perhaps looking to pad out your CV due to lack of work experience!
  3. Adding basic computer competencies as a skill. Unless the job is particularly technologically inclined (e.g. computer programmer), there is no value in stating that you have ‘basic Excel skills’
  4. Over-detailed job descriptions. Only include your highest accolades in a few bullet points, especially if you’re looking to take a step up in your career.

 

Add:

  1. Company descriptions. Particularly useful if you have worked for a smaller, lesser known company. Adding in details such as industry and purpose of trade is highly useful to recruiters and hiring managers.
  2. Contact information including location. Sounds like a silly one, but CVs come through with no phone number or email address. Double check your info is correct and up to date. It is also useful for recruiters to have an idea of where you’re based. If you don’t feel comfortable stating your whole address, your city is a good start.
  3. An easy to read font, in black.