Handlerkron.com – When it comes to job hunting, the CV or resume is your golden ticket to grab the attention of potential employers. However, if you’re looking to make a good impression with your CV, there are certain things you should avoid saying. Whether it’s making unrealistic claims about your skills or oversharing personal details, there are some common mistakes that could cost you that dream job. In this article, we’ll be discussing some top tips on what not to say in a CV. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
Overused Buzzwords
When creating a CV, it’s tempting to pack it with all the buzzwords and industry jargon that make a person sound knowledgeable or experienced. However, using too many buzzwords can actually backfire and make a candidate appear pretentious or desperate to fit in. Here are some of the most overused buzzwords to avoid:
“Team Player”
When employers see “team player” on a CV, they might roll their eyes and assume the candidate couldn’t come up with anything more creative. While teamwork is a crucial aspect of most jobs, simply claiming to be a “team player” doesn’t actually demonstrate how one functions in a team. Instead, use specific examples such as “collaborated with a cross-functional team of designers and developers to launch a new product” or “facilitated team meetings and successfully resolved conflicts.”
“Creative”
“Creative” is another buzzword that gets thrown around a lot in CVs but doesn’t carry much weight on its own. Instead of claiming to be “creative,” show it in action. Use the space to describe a specific project, campaign, or piece of content that you developed and how it demonstrated your creativity. Use concrete details and results to reinforce your claim. For instance, “Designed a new marketing strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in sales” is much more compelling than simply stating “creative.”
“Detail-Oriented”
While being attentive to details is certainly valuable in many roles, claiming to be “detail-oriented” is often seen as empty self-promotion. It’s better to show this skill by highlighting specific instances where you went above and beyond to ensure accuracy. For example, “Proofread and edited all internal communications for a team of 50 people, catching numerous errors and inconsistencies” is much more convincing than “detail-oriented.”
“Hardworking”
Every job requires some level of effort, so simply claiming to be “hardworking” doesn’t make a candidate stand out in any meaningful way. Instead, use the space to highlight specific achievements or projects that demonstrate a strong work ethic. For instance, “Worked overtime to meet a tight deadline and received praise from the client for exceptional quality of work” is much more impressive than “hardworking.”
“Strategic Thinker”
While strategic thinking is certainly a valuable skill in many roles, simply claiming to be a “strategic thinker” doesn’t provide any concrete evidence to back it up. Instead, use this space to describe a specific situation where you used strategic thinking to solve a problem or achieve a goal. Use data and metrics to show the impact of your work. For example, “Developed and executed a new marketing campaign that increased website traffic by 50% in six months” is much more impressive than simply claiming to be a “strategic thinker.”
At the end of the day, a CV should be a reflection of the candidate’s skills, experiences, and achievements. While there is certainly a place for buzzwords and industry jargon, it’s important not to rely on them too heavily. Use concrete examples and specific results to demonstrate your value to potential employers.
Unrelated Hobbies and Interests
As much as we love to talk about our personal interests and hobbies, it’s important to draw a line when it comes to including them in our CV. Unless your hobbies and interests are related to the job you’re applying for, it’s best to leave them out altogether. While you may think that sharing your hobbies and interests will make you stand out from the crowd, they can actually distract the reader from your qualifications and professional experience.
For example, if you’re applying for a job in finance, including the fact that you love to knit or hike in your spare time is not relevant and can give the impression that you’re more concerned with personal pursuits than the job at hand. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a job in the outdoor industry, sharing your passion for hiking or camping can show the employer that you have a genuine interest in the field and can be an asset to the team.
Another reason to avoid including unrelated hobbies and interests is the simple fact that they can take up valuable space on your CV. A potential employer only has so much time to review each candidate’s application, so it’s important to keep the information concise and relevant.
Some job seekers may be tempted to include hobbies and interests that are controversial or polarizing. While it’s true that having strong opinions and beliefs can make you stand out, it’s important to remember that a CV is not the place to express them. Including hobbies or interests that are controversial, such as political activism or religious affiliations, can potentially risk offending the employer or coming across as unprofessional.
Overall, it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to including hobbies and interests in your CV. Unless they relate directly to the job you’re applying for and can help you stand out from other candidates, it’s safer to focus on showcasing your professional experience and qualifications. Remember, your CV is your chance to make a great first impression, so make sure the information you include is relevant, professional, and tailored to the job at hand.
Reasons for Leaving Past Jobs
When it comes to writing a CV, one of the most important sections is the employment history. Employers are particularly interested in the reasons for leaving your past jobs as it can be indicative of your work ethic and attitude towards work. However, there are some reasons for leaving that should be left unmentioned in your CV.
Firstly, it is important to note that honesty is always the best policy. However, there is a difference between being honest and being too candid. For example, if you were fired from your previous job, it may be tempting to try and cover it up by simply not mentioning that job on your CV. However, this will only lead to further questions down the line and may ultimately harm your chances of getting the job. Instead, be honest about the situation but also focus on what you learned from it and how you have moved on.
One reason for leaving that should never be mentioned in your CV is a personal conflict with a former colleague or boss. This is simply unprofessional and can make it seem like you are unable to work well with others. Instead, if you need to explain a difficult work relationship, focus on the actions you took to resolve the situation and what you learned from the experience.
Another reason for leaving that should be left unmentioned is financial compensation. While it may be true that you left a job because you were not being paid enough, mentioning this in your CV can make it seem like money is your primary motivator. Instead, focus on the skills you gained in that job and how you are looking for new opportunities to further develop those skills.
Similarly, personal reasons for leaving such as wanting to spend more time with your family, should also be left unmentioned. While this is a legitimate reason for leaving a job, it can make it seem like you are not fully committed to your career. Instead, focus on the transferable skills you gained in that job and how they will be useful in your next role.
Lastly, avoid mentioning past jobs that you left without having another job lined up. Employers may view this as irresponsible or that you are someone who is prone to making rash decisions. Instead, simply mention that you left that job to pursue other opportunities.
In summary, when it comes to the reasons for leaving past jobs in your CV, it is important to approach it with honesty and professionalism. While there may be several reasons for leaving a job, it is important to focus on what you learned from that job and how it has helped you grow as a professional. By doing this, you can help employers see that you are motivated and committed to your career.
Personal Information
Your personal information is a crucial part of your CV. It should include your name, contact number, and email address. However, there are certain details you might want to avoid including in your CV as they can be irrelevant or, worse, inappropriate.
Firstly, never include your date of birth or marital status in your CV. These are personal details that have no bearing on your ability to do a job, and including them could potentially result in discrimination. It’s better to leave them out entirely.
Similarly, there is no need to mention your religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation in your CV. While these details may be important to you, they are not relevant to your prospective employer, and including them could result in bias.
You should also avoid providing your full home address in your CV. Including just your city or country should suffice. Providing your full home address can raise privacy concerns, and it is unnecessary information for most job applications.
It’s important to note that you should also avoid including any sensitive personal information in your email address or social media handles. If possible, try to use an email address that is professional and incorporates your name. It’s also a good idea to review your social media accounts to ensure they are not publicly displaying any sensitive or unprofessional information that could affect your job prospects.
While your personal information is important to include in your CV, it’s crucial to consider the relevance and appropriateness of each detail. Avoiding irrelevant information can help keep your CV concise and professional, while also protecting your privacy and avoiding any potential bias from prospective employers.
Negative Phrases or Language
When writing a CV, it is important to ensure that it reflects you in the best possible way. Negative phrases or language can not only make your CV look unprofessional but also has the potential to leave a wrong impression on the hiring manager. Below are the top five negative phrases or language to avoid while writing your CV.
1. “I hate my current job”
You might think it’s a great idea to mention your hate for your current job in your CV as it shows your motivation to leave your current job. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Employers are looking for candidates who are passionate about their roles and can stay committed in the long run. Therefore, negative language can come across as being unprofessional and may leave a negative impression on a hiring manager.
2. “I don’t have experience in this field”
While it is important to be honest about your work experience, mentioning that you don’t have experience in a particular field may leave a negative impression on the employer. Instead, try to highlight your transferable skills that will be beneficial for the role you are applying for. Whether it’s a unique perspective, teamwork skills, flexibility, or quick learning, be confident that these skills will help you stand out as a candidate.
3. “I don’t have a reference from my previous boss”
Having a reference from a previous employer is an added advantage in your job application process, but not having one isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. Mentioning this in your CV could make you seem unprepared, and it reflects negatively on your organisational and networking skills. If you don’t have a reference, focus more on your skill set and work experience.
4. “I’m not a good communicator”
Being a good communicator is a crucial skill in any job role. Thus, mentioning that you are not a great communicator can lead to the employer questioning your ability to work in teams, develop healthy relationships with clients, or relay information proficiently to colleagues or superiors. Instead, emphasize how you handle communication challenges and articulate your ideas and points of view in a better way.
5. “I’m just looking for any job”
It is understandable to be eager to get a job, but using this specific language can give a faint impression to the hiring manager that you are not genuine about this job role. Even if you’re not decided on a particular job, try to give an impression that you’re interested in the specific job and have done thorough research, highlighting how it fits in your future career goals. Assuredly, this will exhibit your determination to work and will leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.