CV Help - (Writing a CV) Common CV error - number one. Spelling and grammar errors on a CV.

 Writing a CV

Common CV error - number one.

 

Spelling and grammar errors on your CV will ensure that it hits the bin immediately.

 

Recruiters are routinely receiving over 200 CVs for each position advertised and spend less than 20 seconds before rejecting unsuitable CV's. There is a strong negative message to the recruiter sent by any error and in the highly competitive employment market; a single error will almost certainly outweigh any positive content.

 

An error on any CV that you send means: “I didn’t notice it” - (I pay no attention to important detail), “I didn’t spell-check it” – (I’m lazy) – “I thought that was correct” – (I’m semi-literate).

 

Even spellcheckers can unwittingly assist you to make errors on your CV in several ways:


Autocorrect: except it corrects to a word that you did not intend to use on your CV and you don't notice this!


No incorrect spelling noted: (unfortunately, your spell checker is still set to the default “American English")


Grammar check:  your spell checker offers two suggestions, but which one (if either!) is correct?


Use the spellchecker but do ensure that it's set correctly, that you check carefully before accepting any word offered as an alternative and finally, read and read again to identify any errors.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CV Help -(Writing a CV) Common CV error - number seven. Negative information

Writing a CV Common CV error - number seven.   Why would you want to make a  common CV mistake  by highlighting your weaknesses, shortcomings and failures? A CV is not a confessional and you’re certainly not asking for understanding or forgiveness! When you sell your house, would you typically begin by conducting the viewing by showing the buyer all of the property's negative points, maybe point out how inconsiderate your neighbours park or the noise that the factory makes two doors away (even though it’s closed during the time of the viewing).   A well written CV  shines a very bright light onto all of your attributes, so bright in fact; it casts a shadow over the lesser parts of your history. Concentrate on this as an approach to  writing a successful CV  and ignore the other aspects: there will be plenty of opportunity for a skilled interviewer to explore these at the interview stage,  by which time, the plus points will have completely outweig...
Read more

CV Help - (Writing a CV) Common CV error - number eight. Blame

  Writing a CV Common CV error -  number eight.   It is not unusual for people with an extensive career history to have moved to positions that have just not worked out.   However, attempting to “explain” why you subsequently moved by blaming companies, people or circumstances simply adds a negative context to your CV, a  serious and common error when compiling one’s own CV.   Recruiters are looking for people with the skills and attributes to fit in with their company ethos and to make a positive impact.   Any reference to blame indicates a negative aspect in the candidate, pointing to someone who will not take personal responsibility for their actions
Read more

CV Help - (Writing a CV) Common CV error - number four. Too long

  Common CV error - number four.   One of the most  common CV errors  is to add too much content into your CV.  A  CV should ideally be two pages long  and contain all of the  relevant information  in an easily accessible format.   There are lots of things that really do not merit inclusion, a few of which are: heading it as “Curriculum Vitae” (most recruiters will recognize it as one without this pointless heading, “Marital Status” (not required), “Age” (not required and additionally, invites potentially negative comments).   It is also a  common CV mistake  to include lots of unsubstantiated personal statements including: “committed team player”, “great communicator”, “target driven”, “inspirational leader”. At best they sound empty, at worst they make the writer sound shallow and conceited.   “ Target driven ”, when linked to evidence can be a powerful and meaningful statement, such as “achieved 130% of annual sale...
Read more