Don't make these 3 mistakes when making a CV

You might not expect it, but your resume could actually decrease your chances of landing that dream job. So, make sure you avoid the following three mistakes:

1.Lengthy bullet points

Do you have a lot of bullet points on your resume?

While this is the best way to neatly list your experiences, it's better not to make it too long. Stick to a maximum of two lines. You only want to mention a few key points and achievements that reflect your strongest skills.

2.Too many different fonts

It's better to avoid using overly large fonts and too much bold, italic, or underlined text. Remember: less is more. Often, it's overwhelming and unnecessary, unless you're applying for a position that requires visual creativity (such as a graphic designer). If not required, keep the style and formatting as simple as possible and use attractive fonts.

3.A multi-page resume

You don't need to worry immediately if your resume is longer than one page, but try to keep it to a maximum of three pages. If you've had many previous jobs, remove the ones that are unrelated to the position you're applying for. Know which skills are most relevant to the job. Good luck!

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Curriculum Vitae

Don't forget to regularly update your CV, at least every 3-6 months. It's crucial to ensure your contact details, like phone numbers and email addresses, are current to avoid missing out on potential job offers.

What makes YOU a great fit for a role?

Highlight the skills you bring to the table that will make you a great fit and how they will translate to impact your role and the company.

Talk about what excites you most about this opportunity. Discuss a specific initiative or work tasks that excites you. 

In a competitive job market, employers have a lot of awesome talent to choose from. They want to hire people who are low risk and high reward. The more you can do to show off the impact you can have and minimize any concerns about your ability to contribute, the stronger your chances are of getting hired.

Emphasize on soft skills

Although employers seem keen to invest in upskilling and reskilling efforts to fill the skill gaps that exist within their organizations, their hiring efforts will focus on finding candidates who can bring the right combination of soft skills to a role. It’s much easier to train someone to use, for example, a new computer program than it is to teach them to become more empathetic in the workplace. And these soft skills—such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, effective communication, and conflict resolution, to name a few—are essential for professionals across all levels to build positive workplace relationships, foster a collaborative environment, and adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workplace.

Confidence is key during a job interview

A strong "30-minute pitch" can make a lasting impression. Practice makes perfect as they say, so start practicing today. You will be more confident during your job interview and can anticipate on the questions that the interviewer can ask you. 

Focus on outcomes

One of the best ways to stand out from the crowd is to explain the outcomes of your work through your accomplishments and contributions. These details provide the necessary context for hiring professionals to truly appreciate your skills and the value you could bring to their organization. When you’re facing a competitive job market—something job seekers should anticipate in the new year—there is no better way to catch the attention of employers than by helping them connect the dots between your skills and their impact. Anyone can say they have great sales skills or are a whiz at finance, but it’s the candidate whose résumé offers proof of these qualifications who will receive the most attention.

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