In today’s competitive IT job market, creating a strong CV is essential for landing the role you desire.
Even if your technical skills and experience are undoubtedly impressive, a poorly written CV can easily send your application straight to the “no” pile.
Here, we explore some common CV mistakes IT professionals make and provide tips on how to avoid them:
Mistake #1: Generic and Unfocused CV
- What it looks like: A one-size-fits-all CV used for every job application, lacking specific details and keywords relevant to the position.
- How to fix it: Tailor your CV to each specific job you apply for. Highlight relevant skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the posting throughout your CV.
Mistake #2: Typographical Errors and Grammatical Mistakes
- What it looks like: Typos, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes throughout the CV.
- How to fix it: Proofread your CV thoroughly before submitting it. Utilise spell-checking tools and take your time when proofreading. Have someone else review it for you – a fresh pair of eyes often picks up mistakes you miss.
Mistake #3: Outdated Format and Design
- What it looks like: A cluttered CV with an outdated layout, poor font choices, and an unprofessional design.
- How to fix it: Use a clear and concise format, easy-to-read fonts, and maintain a professional layout. Consider utilising simple CV templates available online.
Mistake #4: Lack of Quantifiable Achievements
- What it looks like: Simply listing responsibilities without demonstrating the impact of your work.
- How to fix it: Use numbers and data to quantify your achievements. For example, “Increased website traffic by 20% through SEO optimisation.” Talk about the “I” not the “We” – focus on what you personally delivered, not just what your team achieved.
Mistake #5: Irrelevant Information
- What it looks like: Including irrelevant hobbies, personal information, or irrelevant dated work experience from a long time ago.
- How to fix it: Focus on information relevant to IT jobs. Tailor your CV to showcase your skills and experience related to the specific position you’re applying for.
Mistake #6: Including Too Much Personal Info
- What it looks like: Including a picture, date of birth or age at the top of your CV.
- How to fix it: You only need name, contact details and location for personal information – anything else could just open you up for discrimination. And it’s not necessary.
Mistake #7: Listing Job History in Reverse Chronological Order
- What it looks like: Listing your work history from oldest to newest, with your most recent work towards the end of your CV.
- How to fix it: Always have your current or most recent work history at the top. Otherwise you may get rejected from a role as the person reviewing your CV doesn’t see your relevant experience first.
Mistake #8: Ignoring Keywords
- What it looks like: Not including keywords relevant to the job you’re applying to. With advancement of AI tools, many companies now use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to filter CVs. Ignoring keywords means you may get rejected.
- How to fix it: Incorporate the relevant keywords/skills into your CV for the role you’re applying for. Make sure to use ones you actually have experience in, otherwise you’ll end up falling short when it comes to interview stage.
Mistake #9: Neglecting Soft Skills
- What it looks like: Focusing purely on technical skills and ignoring soft skills.
- How to fix it: Include soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are crucial for IT roles and demonstrate that you can work well in a team and adapt to different situations.
Mistake #10: Too Long
- What it looks like: Pages and pages of information, meaning your CV reads more like a short novel rather than a snapshot of your achievements and abilities
- How to fix it: Keep it short and concise. Your CV should ideally be no more than 2 pages. If you have a long work history, then only provide full details for your most recent couple of positions, and either just list job title, name and dates for further positions or add “further work history available on request” at the end of your work section.
By ignoring these common mistakes, you can create a CV that not only gets you noticed, but will give you more success when applying to jobs. So make sure you have a CV that will effectively showcase your knowledge and skills – and help you make the career move you’re longing for.
If you’re keen to explore the new IT roles out there, head over to the Mexa Solutions website to see our latest jobs.
You can also get in contact with one of our consultants today and find out how we can help you advance your career:
Phone: 01489 850202
Email: info@mexasolutions.com