The Do’s and Don’ts of CV Writing: Expert Advice from Recruiters

Your CV is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers. A well-structured, polished CV can be the key to landing an interview, but common mistakes can quickly send your application to the bottom of the pile. To help you craft a standout CV, our expert recruiters at Unijobs have compiled a list of essential do’s and don’ts to consider. 

The Don’ts: What to Avoid in Your CV

1. Lying or Exaggerating Skills and Experience 

   Honesty is key when writing your CV. Employers will often verify your qualifications and experience, and any discrepancies can lead to disqualification from the hiring process. Instead, highlight your genuine skills and strengths.

2. Including Leaving Cert Results (Unless Necessary) 

   Unless you are a recent school graduate with little to no work experience, your Leaving Cert results are generally not relevant. Employers are more interested in your higher education qualifications and professional experience.

3. Overloading Your CV with Information 

   While you may want to include every detail of your work history, it’s important to keep your CV concise and relevant. Stick to the key achievements and responsibilities that showcase your value to potential employers.

4. Using Unprofessional Language 

   Keep your language clear, professional, and free from slang. Avoid casual phrases or slang that may not be understood by the hiring team. Your CV should reflect your professionalism and attention to detail.

5. Neglecting the Design of Your CV 

   A poorly formatted CV can be difficult to read and may fail to make an impact. Use a clean, structured layout with clear headings, bullet points, and a professional font. Avoid excessive colours, images, or overly complex designs.

The Do’s: Best Practices for an Effective CV

1. Start with Your Most Recent Experience 

   Employers want to see your most relevant and recent experience first. Arrange your work history in reverse chronological order, highlighting key responsibilities and achievements in each role

2. Tailor Your CV to the Role 

   A generic CV won’t stand out. Carefully read the job description and align your CV with the specific skills and experience required. Customising your CV for each application increases your chances of catching the recruiter’s attention as it highlights your interest in the role itself.

3. Keep it Clear and Concise 

   Recruiters often spend only a few seconds scanning each CV, so it’s essential that you make your content clear and to the point. Aim for a maximum of two pages, focusing on the most relevant details.

4. Highlight Measurable Achievements 

   Instead of just listing job responsibilities, showcase your accomplishments using measurable results. For example, “Increased social media engagement by 40% in six months,” is a more impactful statement than “Managed social media accounts.”

5. Proofread Your CV Carefully 

   Spelling and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression on a prospective employer. Always proofread your CV multiple times and consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well. A polished CV demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.

Your CV is your professional introduction to employers, and making the right impression is crucial. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a compelling and professional CV that enhances your job prospects. 

Looking for your next opportunity? Check out our latest job openings at Unijobs today!