The Top 5 Resume Killers

Jeffrey Metzger, Your Resume Consultant

There are many articles that describe the proper techniques for CV writing. In this article, I will discuss five ways that you can ensure that your CV does not make it to the top of the pile.

#5 – No Cover Letter. Your CV will summarize your accomplishments and highlight your skills and competencies. Don’t miss the opportunity to tell a perspective employer why you’d be perfect for the job. Craft an energetic, concise cover letter written specifically for the role and take the opportunity to tell the hiring manager exactly why they should hire you.

#4 – Hobbies and Interests – A waste of valuable CV space. There is no question that collecting Russian nesting dolls is a fulfilling pastime but unless it tells me about a skill that will add value to my organization I don’t want to read about it. Never put hobbies and interests on your CV!

#3 – An inappropriate email address – I don’t want to look at the top of your CV and see VetteMeisterGeneral@ or BooTayShkr@. This immediately calls your common sense into question! There are countless free email services available to you. If you don’t already have one, create one specifically for your job search. Jane.Doe@, or use your own name.

#2 – An Objective – Another waste of valuable CV space. If your CV is in my hands, I already know that you’re “Seeking an exciting and challenging job with room for growth”. Lose the objective and replace it with a Personal Branding Statement or Professional Profile.

And the number one surefire way to guarantee that your CV winds up in the trash is….ERRORS! Never….let me say that again. Never, submit a CV with errors. This should go without saying, but I recently deposited a CV in the trash when the candidate wrote that they were “deetail oriented” Proofread, proofread, proofread. Ask a friend or relative to help. Don’t rely on spell check. Grammar and punctuation count!

If you’re guilty of any of these CV sins, avail yourself of the countless resources available to you online and don’t send out another CV on their fixed!

Author Byline: Jeffrey Metzger
Author Website: http://www.yourresumeconsultant.com

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.