Top 5 CV Mistakes To Avoid

Whether you are writing a CV from scratch or you have decided it is time to update your current CV, the task ahead can seem a little daunting.

Creating a CV is an art in itself and will play a big part in you securing your dream role. Therefore it is vital that it is accurate, up to date and displays the relevant skills and experience you have to offer to an employer.

On average, recruiters spend 6-7 seconds looking at a CV before making a decision on a candidate. Therefore, it is important that the layout and content entices them to keep reading.

It's also extremely important to avoid making mistakes as it could be interpreted that if you make mistakes on your CV, you could also be sloppy in your approach to work.

Here's our top 5 CV mistakes which you should avoid at all costs.

Bending the truth

It is important not to lie, exaggerate or mislead the recruiter in any way.

In fact, it is actually illegal to lie on your CV as it can be classed a ‘fraud by false representation’ and in severe cases, it can carry a maximum 10 year jail sentence.

Poor grammar and spelling

It doesn’t matter how much you have to offer an employer, if you make a mistake on your CV, it demonstrates you don’t have the attention to detail.

It is always a good idea to have a family member or friend proofread your CV before you submit it.

Alternatively, tools such as Grammarly or the spell check feature on Microsoft Word or Google Docs can be really helpful - just make sure you don’t get caught out with americanised spellings!

Not focusing on results

If you are writing about tasks that you have been responsible for during past employment, then you should also focus on the results that came from your actions. This will show a hiring manager that not only can you successfully carry out instruction, you can also have a positive impact on the business as a whole.

Using an inappropriate email address

It is important that you are using an appropriate email address on your CV. If you have an email that you would be embarrassed for your friends to see, it’s probably not a good idea to use this for your CV. A professional email address should always be used when applying for jobs.

Not laying out your CV neatly

The layout of your CV will be the first thing a recruiter sees before they have even read any of the content. Therefore, ensuring your CV is neat at first glance will be key to encourage the hiring manager to read it in full.

Who is Spencer Clarke Group? 

Since 2017, we've been changing the face of recruitment. From our employees, to the way we do business, to the culture within our office, we're determined to make a difference and create a positive impact on everyone around us.

Recruitment to us isn't just about matching candidates and clients; we’re passionate about finding candidates the perfect job which has the ability to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health. 

Similarly, we understand the impact which an experienced and skilled employee can make to a business and we love seeing clients thrive through the hard work of candidates which we have placed with them. 

We operate in two sectors:

Private Sector

Public Sector 

In eleven specialisms:

Accountancy & Finance

Education & SEND

Construction, Trades & Labour

Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing

Housing

Corporate Functions & Business Support

HR & Workforce Development

IT & Digital

Property & Asset Management  

Planning, Development & Regeneration 

Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering

If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available. 

If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our consultants will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you.