CV Fact or CV Myth?
Everything you need to know before writing your own.
When it comes to writing a CV, it seems that everyone is an expert. Some people seem to have the perfect version but there is a difference from having the facts and having fiction on your CV. There can sometimes be not much room between someone starting their career and someone with more experience, so how can we distinguish CV fact from CV myth?
There is a common misconception that your CV will only be read by a computer scanning for keywords. The fact is that recruiters will always read your CV when you submit it directly. So cramming in lots of key words will only make your CV look repetitive and unoriginal. This myth may stem from people sourcing your CV using online databases. If your aim is to write something along these lines for your CV then it will be picked up by algorithms but it’s time to put the robot recruiter paranoia aside.
There is also no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ document for every job. Sending the same CV every time is not an option. Recruiters will quickly see who is passionate about a role and who is just apply to as many different roles as possible. In their eyes you have properly applied for hundreds of jobs and are not really interested or payed attention to what the role is asking for. Taking time to research the role’s your applying for and tailoring your CV to match will show that you are taking the time and effort to look into the role and are genuinely interested in it.
Your CV doesn’t have to include everything you have done. Your CV should only be a maximum of two pages, so including relatively recent and applicable experiences, that can show transferable skills, will show enough information about you. Adding Jobs or experience that doesn’t fit with the role your applying for is not worth including. You do not want your CV to be too long and full of unnecessary information.
It is also a misconception that it is who you know not what you know. Writing a CV may feel last century but every role you apply for will require you to have one. Even with social networking and the ability to show off your work and skills, it is still not a suitable alternative to a CV. To avoid any potential embarrassments, make sure you always provide one for anything you apply for.
Having gaps in your CV is understandable, taking time off to have a baby or a family emergency to sort out, happens. Everyone is entitled to a personal life outside work and you don’t need to include details about it in your CV. Keep everything professional and focused on the positives. People are more interested in your experience and skills, than the gaps you may have.
Including hobbies on your CV is good to show that you have interests outside of work but don’t feel as though you have to include them. Adding hobbies that have gained you awards or if you have taken part in a big event like fundraisers, could be a nice addition. Think about whether it’s a good conversation starter.
Although creating a good Cv is important, having a well round approach to your job searching, interviews and applications will but you in the best place for getting the role. At Free2learn, our employability team will help and support you while you are taking your course to ensure that you are prepared to start applying for roles. Go to: free2learn.org.uk/courses to find your next step to your next career.
