Ali from CV Cafe outlines the following top ten most common CV blunders that prevent candidates from being shortlisted for positions:

  • Lying! – you will always be caught out if you lie about your level of experience or abilities on your CV.  Don’t do it!
  • Novelty Email Addresses! – thebigfella@myemail.com does not present a professional image!
  • Misspelling Curriculum Vitae – If you are applying for jobs that require attention to detail, for example an office administrator or personal assistant, you should probably know how to use a spell-checker! 
  • It’s not about what you want! – Keep the CV to what you can do for the employer, not the other way around.
  • Five Page CV! – Unless it’s two pages or less, your CV will most likely be binned.
  • Expert Level! – Calling yourself an expert in something when you have only one year’s experience doesn’t work!
  • Lack of Formatting!  - Use paragraphs, bolding, bullet points and italics but but don’t overdo it!
  • Unexplained gaps in your career! -  If you took time out to surf in Bondi Beach, say so! Ambiguity on a CV is never a good thing!
  • Generic CVs!  - Tailor each CV to each job application. A generic CV won't allow you to highlight different skills aimed at different job applications.
  • No Cover Letter! - It's important to highlight your key skills and abilities so that your potential employer is excited to read your CV.

For further tips and advice, see cvcafe.com