7 CV Mistakes That Keep You From Getting Called for Interview
Employers look at a CV for only a few seconds. Avoid these seven common mistakes so yours gets read.
Most employers decide in a few seconds whether to read a CV or move on. If your CV has any of these mistakes, it may never reach the interview stage, however qualified you are.
It is too long
For most jobs, one to two pages is enough. Keep the strongest information and remove the rest.
Spelling and grammar errors
Read your CV out loud, then ask a friend to read it. One careless error can make an employer doubt your attention to detail.
An unprofessional email address
Use a simple address based on your name, such as firstname.lastname@gmail.com. Avoid nicknames and numbers that look random.
No clear results
Do not only list your duties. Say what you achieved.
Weak: "Responsible for sales."
Better: "Handled 30 customers daily and increased repeat orders in my section."
The same CV for every job
Read the job advert and use its keywords. If the advert asks for "customer service" and "cash handling", your CV should show both.
Missing or wrong contact details
Check your phone number twice. Put it at the top, with your location (for example, Ikeja, Lagos).
Lying or exaggerating
Employers check. A false certificate or an invented job title can cost you the offer, even after you are hired.
Quick checklist before you send
Is it one to two pages?
Did someone else proofread it?
Does it match the job advert?
Is your phone number correct?
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