Six common CV errors

The key to securing your job in the Middle East is with a strong CV. Unfortunately, mistakes can be costly. Even though these may seem obvious, it is surprising how many job seekers continue to make the same mistakes.

Robert Walters show six key points to avoid before submitting your CV.

It is surprising how many CVs contain spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. These mistakes are avoidable and imply carelessness. Your CV is the first impression you give a potential employer so it’s vital to convey a professional attitude.

Lack of detail

When an employer views your CV, they expect to know what you have achieved in your previous roles, and how this relates to the role you are applying for. For example, if you were responsible for driving growth in a business, say exactly how you went about doing this with a clear insight of the results achieved. It is also essential to include date ranges that each role was held for within a company. Detailing projects or initiatives you have been involved in will add significant value to your CV. 

When an employer views your CV, they expect to know what you have achieved in your previous roles, and how this relates to the role you are applying for

Over-elaboration

Don’t overshadow your previous responsibilities and achievements by using excessively long words and over-elaborate sentences on your CV. It’s a good idea to use bullet points as they allow you to be concise and give recruiting managers the information they want in a clear format.

Photographs and fancy fonts

There’s been an increasing trend for candidates to liven up their CVs by including photographs of themselves, alongside fancy fonts and colour. While some may think this will make their CVs stand out, what it really does is distract a potential employer and imply style over substance.

Incorrect contact information

This is another mistake that is easy to avoid so it’s vital to remember to update your CV whenever you switch phone numbers or move home. Nothing is more frustrating for a recruiter than when they have an amazing CV in front of them but are physically unable to contact the person concerned.

Attempting a ‘one size fits all’ CV

Employers that receive generic, non-tailored CVs generally discard them. Most recruiting managers look for detailed CVs explaining exactly why – in terms of achievements and accomplishments in previous roles – that the person is appropriate for the particular role they are applying for. 

For more career advice information, please contact:

Jason Grundy, Managing Director (Middle East)
jason.grundy@robertwalters.com
+971 4 8180 100