Having a good qualification is not enough!
The saying “first impressions last” also applies to your CV because it is the first part of you an employer sees.
And if your CV has mistakes on it, half of your battle is lost . . .
Lillian Bususu, an employment expert at The Independent Institute of Education, Mzansi’s private higher education provider, said because of the difficult economic climate, job applicants should expect to apply for many jobs before they get noticed.
She listed some issues applicants needed to be aware of.
- Discouraged by repetition, job seekers may become careless and make mistakes on their CVs that could cost them opportunities.
- Overselling yourself. Graduates often only put their biggest achievements on their CVs, but it’s the little interests and hobbies that tell people who you are as a person.
The five big CV sins
The who: What is the name of the company and what is the position you are applying for? Make sure that you have the correct details everywhere.
The why: If you are sending out exactly the same CV to every offer, you can be sure that application will not stand out. Customise your CV for every job.
The how: Did you take time and effort to make sure you have covered everything relating to your qualifications, academic performance, experience and background?
Was your CV and covering letter double checked for grammar and spelling mistakes? Does the layout and formatting look professional? Are your dates, and details correct and complete?
The what: It may be tempting to make your CV’s facts look more impressive, but hiring managers hunt for this.
The when:It does not create a good impression when your CV shows you graduated two years ago and haven’t worked since then.
