Avoid these mistakes in your CV!

Your CV is the first thing the Yobbers recruiters as well as your future employer will see, so it's very important to give them a good first impression of you. We see many different CVs everyday, which is why we compiled this list of the 5 most common mistakes that you should avoid. Read on to find out how to write your perfect CV and get that job abroad! 

Nr. 1 - Cover the basics

First things first: to avoid mistakes in your CV, you first need to write one. We see many applications without one, and unfortunately we cannot process them. To find your dream job abroad, we need your CV! Moreover, we also need it in the right language - with English you can’t go wrong! 

The solution 👉 If you have not yet started writing your resume and are not sure how to do it, you can find many free templates online! Moreover, in this blog you can read how to structure it and which information you need to include. Click here to start writing your CV! 

Nr. 2 - Eye for detail 

It might seem obvious, but always double check the layout, font, alignment, or spelling. On average, half of all CVs we receive have mistakes in them that can simply be prevented by proof-reading. To your future employer, it seems like you don’t have an eye for detail. 

The solution 👉 Read your resume very carefully, line by line, word for word, and ask your friends, family or even your teachers to proofread it. 

Nr. 3 - Holiday pics? No thanks! 

Pictures on a CV are optional, but can always be induced to make it more personal and introduce yourself to your future employer. If you decide to do so, you also need to make sure that it is professional, otherwise you can quickly give the impression that you are not serious about your application.

The solution 👉 If you want to include a photo, take one from the front, in appropriate clothing, and framed on your upper body. This way, you make a professional and trustworthy impression.

Nr. 4 - Less is more

Multi-page CVs filled with text can be hard to read. Most employers prefer your information shortly summarised on 1-2 pages (exceptions apply, however, for very experienced individuals). Additionally, try to avoid long sentences that span several lines.Your goal is to be as concise as possible!

The solution 👉 You should condense your information as much as possible. Use bullet points to list your experiences/skills, and make sure to write everything clearly on one page.

Nr. 5 - Showcase your skills 

In many CVs, the actual work experience is often quite vague. Try to describe the results of your tasks as precisely as possible by using numbers and metrics. You didn’t have the chance yet to gather work experience? No worries! You can also share your experience in for instance voluntary or school projects. 

The solution 👉 Write down the results you've achieved! For example, instead of writing "telephone acquisition and lead generation," write "telephone acquisition - 120 calls/day - €30k additional revenue/month." This highlights the effectiveness of your work.

Nr. 6 - Choose the right file format

A slightly more technical point: the format, name, and file size of your CV. In fact, there are often compatibility errors between the programs used to create resumes (Word, Docs, Canva, etc.) and it's possible that your resume may not display correctly. Sometimes, extremely large photos make the file too big to open or send. So, be careful about which photos you add. Also, pay attention to the file name. A file named CV.docx won't be associated with you by the HR manager.

The solution 👉 No matter how you want to create your CV, the solution to all your problems is .pdf! If you use this format, you can be sure that the layout will be maintained and also not too large (usually not larger than 200 KB). For the name of your resume, use a format like "CV_FirstName_LastName_Year" so you can be found in the HR manager's files.

Nr. 7 - The truth always wins

It might be tempting to change a few numbers or add imaginary experiences or skills, but that's never a good idea! If you're hired based on a skill you don't actually have, your employer will quickly find out and a lie on a CV can be a reason to stop your application process. That’s really not worth it, right? 

The solution 👉 Always be honest and realistic in your CV! Highlight your skills and experience, but never lie about them.

Nr. 8 - Always stay up to date

Many CVs from applicants that companies receive are dated back to 2021 or 2022. This gives a really bad impression as it implies that your CV is not updated and does not have all relevant information in there.

The solution 👉 Always update your CV before you apply! Your skills or experiences may have evolved, and you have more experience to discuss with your future employer.

Nr. 9 - A nice design

You don't have to go all out with lots of colours and fonts, but a nice design of your CV catches the eye for sure. Stay true to yourself and let the design be something that portrays your personality in a simple way.

The solution 👉 Make a profile on our website and download our free CV template. Fill in all your personal information and voila, you have a good-looking CV!

You're done!

And voilà, you now have a great CV and are ready for the further course of the application process! Just a few more steps until your big departure abroad! Read our tips for a successful job interview and soon you'll be on your way to your dream job! Haven't applied yet? Feel free to check out our job offers abroad!