5 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your CV or Resume

Are you a recent school leaver who is crafting a CV or resume for the first time? Or are you a parent helping your child create a CV or resume? Either way, it’s important to know what to include – and what to leave out. Your CV or resume is a crucial document that can make or break your chances of getting an interview. To help you avoid some common mistakes, here are five things you should NOT put in your CV or resume:

  • Personal details: Avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or religion. These details are irrelevant to your ability to do the job and can even be discriminatory. As a career coach, I always advise my clients to keep their personal information private and only include information that is relevant to their job application.
  • Unprofessional email addresses: Your email address is one of the first things a hiring manager sees when reviewing your CV or resume. It’s important to use a professional email address that includes your name or initials. Avoid using email addresses that are unprofessional, such as “partygirl123” or “skaterdude”. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, “70% of hiring managers believe that an unprofessional email address or social media profile can negatively impact a candidate’s chances of being hired.
  • Irrelevant work experience: When creating your CV or resume, it’s important to focus on relevant work experience. Avoid listing jobs that are not related to the position you are applying for. I always advise my clients to tailor their resume to the job description and highlight their relevant experience.
  • Personal pronouns: Your CV or resume should be written in a professional tone. Avoid using personal pronouns such as “I”, “me”, or “my”. Instead, focus on using action verbs and phrases that demonstrate your skills and achievements. For example, instead of saying “I managed a team of five employees”, say “Managed a team of five employees”.
  • Negative language: Your CV or resume should showcase your skills and achievements in a positive light. Avoid using negative language or focusing on your weaknesses. Instead, focus on your strengths and accomplishments. As a blogging expert, I always encourage my clients to highlight their achievements and focus on what they can bring to the table.

In conclusion, your CV or resume is a crucial document that can impact your chances of getting an interview. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can create a strong and professional CV or resume that highlights your skills and experience. Remember, your CV or resume is your first impression – make it count!

#SchoolLeavers #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #InterviewTips #Volunteering #Networking #LinkedInTips #UniversityvsWorkforce #CareerPaths

5 Questions to Help You Find Your Dream Job

As a school leaver, deciding on your career path can be daunting. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, the good news is that finding the right job for you doesn’t have to be a painful process. By answering some simple questions, you can identify your strengths, passions, and potential career paths. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through five important questions to help you discover the job that’s perfect for you.

Question 1: What is play for you, that is work for everyone else?

Think about the things you enjoy doing in your free time that others might not find enjoyable. Perhaps you love writing or coding, or you enjoy organizing events. These are all activities that could translate into a potential career path.

Question 2: If you didn’t have to make money, what would you actually want to do?

This question helps you identify your true passions. Even if it seems unrealistic, think about what you would do if you had unlimited time and resources. This can be a great starting point for exploring potential career paths.

Question 3: What kind of people do you get energy from, and where do you find those people?

Think about the people in your life who inspire and motivate you. Do you enjoy working with people who are creative and innovative, or do you prefer a more structured environment? By identifying the types of people, you enjoy being around, you can gain insight into what type of work environment might suit you best.

Question 4: In the next 5 years, how do you want to grow, and what do you want to learn?

Think about the skills you want to develop and the areas you want to improve in. This can help you identify potential career paths that will allow you to grow and learn over time.

Question 5: Who are five people in your life that you admire, and what are they doing?

This question helps you identify potential career paths by looking at the people you admire. Perhaps there’s someone in your life who has a job that seems interesting, or maybe you admire someone’s work ethic or creativity. By looking at the people you admire, you can gain insight into what kind of work you might enjoy.

By answering these five questions, you can gain a better understanding of your strengths, passions, and potential career paths. Remember, it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right away. Your career path is a journey, and it’s okay to take time to explore and discover what you truly enjoy. With some self-reflection and a bit of research, you’ll be well on your way to finding the job that’s perfect for you.

#CareerPath #DreamJob #SchoolLeavers #CareerAdvice #SelfDiscovery

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