How to Ensure Your CV is Error Free

How often do you update your CV? Do you update it during a last-minute rush when applying for a job?

It can sometimes be a time-consuming task, but submitting a CV full of errors could be the barrier that prevents you from being invited to an interview no matter how qualified you might be for the role you’re applying for.

Here are our top CV tips to consider before hitting the apply button.

Spelling and grammar

It should always be at the front of your mind to ensure that your CV is free of any grammar and spelling errors. Here are some ways to ensure you perfect an error-free CV:

• Print off your CV and read it to yourself out loud, this can emphasise any errors you might have missed.
• Ask a friend or family member to proofread for you.
• Make use of free spelling and grammar tools such as Grammarly, for an extra final check.

Ensuring you’re consistent

• Ensure any abbreviations are used consistently throughout.
• Make sure capitalisations are consistent throughout.
• Write in a consistent format – such as using first person throughout, rather than switching between first and third.

Avoiding poor formatting

• Keep titles written in the same format – don’t switch between different fonts, sizes and design features.
• Avoid information overload by breaking up big chunks of text into distinct bullet points. These should be to the point and get the key information across.
• Make sure the layout is easy and clear to read.
• Try to avoid using pictures or graphic CVs. A lot of companies, job board websites and recruiters might use ATS (Applicant Tracking System/Software), ATSs struggle to read creative CVs that have graphics, logos, columns, tables etc.
  • Although at T2M Resourcing we will read your CV personally, often databases are not well designed for graphic-laden CVs or creative formatting which could hinder your visibility when applying for jobs.
• If your CV runs across multiple pages ensure that the page breaks don’t interrupt midway through a section of the CV – e.g. making sure that you don’t have the start of a bullet point list running at the bottom of one page and the top of the next page.
• Avoid attaching images. In most cases, it is no longer necessary to attach an image of yourself to your CV.

Personalise your CV to the job description

• Make sure that a recruiter or hiring manager will be able to tell that you’ve read the job description when they read your CV.
• Using buzzwords that also feature on the job description can help get your CV get noticed by both companies that use ATS software, as well as people who have read your CV personally.
• If you can use statistics to demonstrate your performance in previous roles that you’ve held, then this shows recruiters and hiring managers that you’re good at what you do.

At T2M Resourcing, we strongly advise that you give yourself plenty of time to ensure you have undertaken each of the steps above before you hit ‘send’ on your next job application. By doing so, you will highlight to the recruiter that you’re both diligent, conscientious, and care about the role you’re applying for, thus increasing your likelihood that you will be asked to attend an interview.