Write a CV with no mistakes- How often have you asked for a CV writer to have a well-written CV? How many jobs did you miss because you didn't have a ready CV? And how many times you've tried online templates to create your CV, but it seems lousy by the end?
Today, you'll unlock all the secrets behind writing a job-winning CV that attracts recruiters without even applying for jobs.
Eager to know how to write a CV with no mistakes in minutes? Read on!
Avoid Using One CV for All Job Postings
![Avoid Using One CV for All Job Postings](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Using-One-CV-for-All-Job-Postings.jpg)
With that said, job seekers have to convince two recruiters in today's job market: the machine recruiter: ATS and the human recruiter.
So, how can you convince both?
To fully understand the ATS, read this:How to Convince the Robot Recruiter (ATS) That Reads Your Resume?
Then, to convince the human recruiter, your CV should be a clear answer for the question: "Does this candidate has the required skills and experience that would help him excel in our position?"
So, you have to tailor your CV to each position, and by tailoring, I don't mean entirely recreating your CV, but adding a special touch that fits each position, by:
- Using the typical job title used in the job ad
- Using keywords mentioned in the job description
- Quantifying your achievements that show how you'll add value to the new position
- Showing your knack for HR by giving him answers to each question pops into his mind while reading your CV.
Note: A generic CV is allowed in two cases only: When you attend career fairs and when you upload your CV to job boards.
Write A Professional Email Address
![Write A Professional Email Address](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Write-A-Professional-Email-Address.jpg)
Create a professional email address with your first and last names to be serious and professional. It's the first thing the recruiter searches for if they find your qualifications match their requirements, so don't lose a chance because of an unprofessional email address.
Think About the Robot Recruiter (ATS)
![Think About the Robot Recruiter (ATS)](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Think-About-the-Robot-Recruiter-ATS.jpg)
- 80% of candidates described their online job search and online job applications as stressful!
- The ATS rejects 75% of qualified job applicants due to fake reasons like incorrect CV formatting!
Most job seekers don't realize that there's a robot recruiter that receives their CVs first, and 75% of recruiters depend on these robots to filter the CVs to narrow down their talent pool.
So, how to convince the ATS (if you already use the keywords)?
- Make sure your CV is well-formatted, well-organized, and easy to read.
- Separate parts of the CV with headings, and stop using photos, maps, or graphs to streamline the ATS's process of reading your CV.
Avoid Long, Overwhelming Paragraphs
![Avoid Long, Overwhelming Paragraphs](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Long-Overwhelming-Paragraphs.jpg)
Write A Strong Job-Winning Summary
![Write A Strong Job-Winning Summary](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Write-A-Strong-Job-Winning-Summary.jpg)
Start each role with a summary of your responsibilities and how your work contributes to the firm's performance overall.
Don't Use Logos or Icons
![Don't Use Logos or Icons](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dont-Use-Logos-or-Icons.jpg)
Too many images will also increase the file size of your CV, causing it to be misinterpreted by CV software applications, causing delays in delivery or disappearance to specific mailboxes.
Make your CV simple by using only text.
Avoid Using Skill Graphs
![Avoid Using Skill Graphs](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Using-Skill-Graphs.jpg)
Textual formatting is the simplest way to show solid proof of your expertise. Instead of giving yourself an 8/10 in Ms 365, you may declare you're Microsoft Accredited (if this is real). Likewise, instead of ranking your managerial skills, explain how you led a team of ten store employees to exceed sales objectives by 50% consistently.
Avoid Using Many Colors
![Avoid Using Many Colors](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Using-Many-Colors.jpg)
Adhere to basic colors that can only be used in headlines.
Don't go overboard by changing the background color or writing the entire CV in luminous.
Highlight Your Achievements
![Highlight Your Achievements](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Highlight-Your-Achievements.jpg)
Alternatively, showcase your distinctive strengths and attributes in your CV and how these impact a company.
Don't merely state your duties; move on to clarify the results you've achieved and the value you've added.
For instance, don't just write.
"It's my job to set social media plans."
Push to demonstrate your worth.
"We were able to gain 100,000 new followers per year by posting content that touches our target audience."
You probably wouldn't be able to do this with all of your responsibilities, but make an effort to do so where you can.
Avoid Using Buzzwords
![Avoid Using Buzzwords](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Using-Buzzwords.jpg)
So, no need to use these cliches in your CV. Show by examples how you'll add value and how your "team working," and "self-motivating" skills can benefit the company.
Avoid Misusing Fonts
![Avoid Misusing Fonts](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Misusing-Fonts.jpg)
Although using "trendy" fonts may make it more attractive, it pushes recruiters to skip your CV as they find it hard to read and find the details they are looking for.
Read the following two CVs samples & Judge which one is more readable?
Avoid Listing Reasons Behind Quitting Your Previous Jobs
![Avoid Listing Reasons Behind Quitting Your Previous Jobs](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Listing-Reasons-Behind-Quitting-Your-Previous-Jobs.jpg)
It's your "commercial". If the recruiter needs to find why you left your prior position during the interview, he will ask you openly.
Avoid Mentioning Any Salary-Related Details
![Avoid Mentioning Any Salary-Related Details](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Mentioning-Any-Salary-Related-Details.jpg)
When talking about how you increased business revenue or implemented a great tactic on time and within the allocated budget, for instance, you might talk about money. Everything else can wait until the end of the interview or discussion.
Avoid Keyword Stuffing
![Avoid Keyword Stuffing](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Keyword-Stuffing.jpg)
Create Smooth Page Transitions
![Create Smooth Page Transitions](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Create-Smooth-Page-Transitions.jpg)
Create A Two-Pages Max CV
![Create A Two-Pages Max CV](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Create-A-Two-Pages-Max-CV.jpg)
Keep your CV to two pages or fewer to successfully present the important data and generate a strong CV. Make sure your points are clear and concise.
Order Your Work Experience Chronologically
![Order Your Work Experience Chronologically](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Order-Your-Work-Experience-Chronologically.jpg)
Employers want to learn more about your previous employment and how your abilities may assist their businesses to thrive. So, give heed to your former role and don't go into too much detail about it to save the recruiter's time and space on your cv.
Stick to the File Format Mentioned in the Job AD
![Stick to the File Format Mentioned in the Job AD](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Stick-to-the-File-Format-Mentioned-in-the-Job-AD.jpg)
The main one is that you can go through the boring experience of applying for a job online, and the only way out is to upload your resume. And if your CV is in PDF format, how will you organize all the details? If you have a CV in Word format, it will be easy to copy and paste the content and end this ongoing process.
Employers may prefer a resume formatted as a Word document. So, read the job posting to the end to find what the recruitment specialist is asking for.
Avoid Adding A Reference Section
![Avoid Adding A Reference Section](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Avoid-Adding-A-Reference-Section.jpg)
Here it should be emphasized that there is no need to add “references available on request” because the recruiter is fully aware of this and will ask for them if needed.
Add Your Social Media Accounts
![Add Your Social Media Accounts](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Add-Your-Social-Media-Accounts.jpg)
Read these blogs for a job-winning LinkedIn Profile:
- How To Pick Skills on LinkedIn That Get Employers to Contact You?|Drjobpro.com
- How To Increase Your Visibility in Recruiter’s LinkedIn Searches?|Drjobpro.com
- How To Get More Views For Your CV On Linkedin If You Are Looking For A Job?|Drjobpro.com
- “Green LinkedIn Dot” Opens Doors for Unexpected Job Opportunities… Discover More!|Drjobpro.com
Use A Professional Filename
![Use A Professional Filename](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Use-A-Professional-Filename.jpg)
Read Also: 28 Resume Filenames Recruiter Never Read
Proofread Your CV
![Proofread Your CV](https://blog.drjobpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Proofread-Your-CV.jpg)
Recheck your CV for grammatical problems and use a language checking tool like Grammarly if you want to be extra confident.
Other common CV errors include:
- Using unprofessional photographs
- Listing incorrect contact details
- Adding Personal Info
- Using different tenses and many pronouns
- Ignore using action verbs
- Using third-person
- Adding "Objectives" section