5 Common CV Mistakes Graduates Make (and How to Fix Them)
Graduating is exciting! You’re ready to step into the professional world, but first, you need to navigate the job market. Your CV is your primary tool, and unfortunately, many graduates make simple mistakes that hinder their chances. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Let’s look at 5 common CV mistakes graduates often make and, more importantly, how you can easily fix them.
1. The Generic, Unfocused CV
The Mistake: Sending the exact same CV to every single job application. Recruiters can spot a generic CV a mile off, and it suggests you haven’t put much thought into their specific role.
The Fix: Tailor your CV for each job! Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experiences (yes, even from university projects, internships, or volunteer work!) that match what they’re looking for. Use keywords from the job description.
How ThePerfectCV Helps: Our easy-to-use templates make it simple to duplicate and customize your CV for different applications without starting from scratch each time.
2. Typos and Grammatical Errors
The Mistake: Small errors in spelling or grammar might seem minor, but they scream ‘lack of attention to detail’ – a quality no employer wants.
The Fix: Proofread, proofread, proofread! Read your CV aloud, use spell-checking software (like the one built into word processors or online tools), and ask a friend, family member, or career advisor to give it a final check. A fresh pair of eyes often catches things you’ve missed.
3. Focusing on Duties, Not Achievements
The Mistake: Simply listing your responsibilities (e.g., “Managed social media accounts”) doesn’t tell recruiters how well you did it or what the impact was.
The Fix: Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of “Managed social media accounts,” try “Increased Instagram engagement by 15% over three months by implementing a new content strategy.” Think about the results of your actions, even in academic settings. Did a project you led get a high grade? Did your presentation skills impress your tutor? Frame these as achievements.
4. Poor Formatting and Design
The Mistake: A CV that’s cluttered, hard to read, uses unprofessional fonts, or has inconsistent spacing looks messy and makes it difficult for recruiters to find key information quickly.
The Fix: Keep it clean, professional, and easy to scan. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting (font style, size, spacing). For most graduates, aiming for one page is ideal.
How ThePerfectCV Helps: Choose from our range of professionally designed CV templates. They are structured for readability and ensure you present your information clearly and effectively, making a great first impression.
5. Including Irrelevant Information
The Mistake: Filling precious CV space with details that aren’t relevant to the job you’re applying for, like listing every single module you took (unless specifically asked), detailing hobbies that don’t add value (e.g., ‘watching movies’), or including your primary school achievements.
The Fix: Be ruthless! Every piece of information on your CV should serve a purpose and be relevant to the target role. Focus on your higher education, relevant work experience (including internships and part-time jobs), key skills, and perhaps 1-2 hobbies if they demonstrate relevant skills (like ‘captain of the university debate team’ showing leadership and communication).
Ready to Impress?
Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly boost your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Crafting a great CV takes effort, but it’s a crucial step towards landing that first graduate job.
Why not start building or refining your CV today? Check out the templates and tools available here at ThePerfectCV to make the process smoother and help you create a CV that truly shines!