Caption: A lot of people tend to add irrelevant information like their hobbies (watching football), personal thoughts about their educational institutions or previous organizations in their CVs, etc. Trust me your employer isn't a bit interested about it. You can, however, write about your hobbies and interests only if they are professionally relevant. For example, blog writing is an advantage if you are applying for a writing or editorial position.
In the book Brilliant CV (2001, pg.1), Bright & Earl compared the first date with making a good CV in order to highlight the importance of making a good first impression: "Remember the first date, or the first time you went out with your partner? Did you make sure your clothes were right, your hair right, you were wearing the right perfume or aftershave? Well, at least that much effort should go into getting your CV right! CVs are 'first dates' in the selection process that could land you on a new career path.
Like the first date, they are the first time an employer gets to form an opinion about you - the first impression can make all the difference… The CV is your vital opportunity to present yourself at your best. CVs are important."
In Bangladesh, a lot of job seekers still face trouble while preparing CVs even with numerous resources available both offline and online. Here are a few points that the young graduates must keep in mind while preparing their CVs:
1. Avoid typing errors: A CV is an important element in your job entrance process. So can't you proofread what you have written in the first place? Typing errors are very common and people tend to lose trust on those who commit spelling mistakes repeatedly. So before you submit your CV, make sure you read it at least twice to ensure no spelling mistakes. Don't even trust the AutoCorrect feature even if it's correct 99% of the time!
2. Don't use tedious language: Employers search for keywords in an applicant's CV that match his/her job description. Hence you have a better chance of getting the job if your CV contains those specific keywords. Use the job posting or advertisement as a reference to see what key words they had used.
3. Don't provide poorly organized information: Research shows that when employers go through an unorganized CV, they lose their focus on the significant section. You have to make the reader's life easier by focusing on the important parts and not describe your entire life story. Many employers prefer seeing the applicant's work experience at the top (above education history) in reverse chronological order, with the most recent or current position first. It is advisable to highlight information about the last five to eight years and leaving the rest for the interview.
4. Avoid informal approach: Be formal when you make your CV. For instance: a) Use uniform font style and size. A lot of people try to use a variety of font styles to look flashy. However, this only acts against you as it shows your unprofessionalism.
b) Another issue raised by employers is the improper email address of the applicants. Avoid using e-mail address such as, "
[email protected] "or"
[email protected]"! Trust me it creates a negative impression.
c) Other informal approaches include the type of photos used. Selfies are not the type of photos you must use in your CV. Use a formal one.
d) A lot of people tend to add irrelevant information like their hobbies (watching football), personal thoughts about their educational institutions or previous organizations in their CVs, etc. Trust me your employer isn't a bit interested in it. You can, however, write about your hobbies and interests only if they are professionally relevant. For example, blog writing is an advantage if you are applying for a writing or editorial position.
5. Use an eye friendly layout: Don't make your CV crowded with irrelevant information or data. Employers give equal importance to both the layout of the content as well as the actual content. They tend to prefer CVs that are drafty and well-organized. Use a bold font to highlight different headlines and points. The use of bullet points is a debatable issue. However, it is safe to not use them and if used, then do not use it in an extensive manner.
6. Use proper references: The employer would expect to see the name and contact information of someone who can comment on your performance in a current or past job. In some cases, the employers want to confirm the contents of the CV and inquire about the character and suitability of the candidate for the job. (You may use this example to write the reference section: Name- work address-contact information)
With fierce competition knocking out even the most potential candidates, such mistakes will prove to be a huge disadvantage for you no matter how much qualified you are. So avoid the aforementioned mistakes and definitely you will have a better chance at impressing your employer. Good luck.
The author is schooling at University of Dhaka He can be reached at [email protected]