Project Description
It’s only when you complete your CV and you are ready to send it to the amazing job you have found, that you realize the weight and importance of this document. As eager as you are to get your application in, take a few minutes to read our advice on what not to do. It could be the difference in getting that interview and missing out on it.
Poor CV presentation
Considering how attractive Australasia and Asia are for career opportunities, recruiters will receive an inconceivable number of CVs. Software is now used to screen out applicants that don’t fit the criteria, but even so, this will still leave a significant number of candidates and there is little time for this.
For this reason, it is necessary that your CV has the correct layout so that recruiters can easily find the information they need. A messy and confusing CV is likely to get your application rejected at the first stage.
Gaps without explanations
It’s not uncommon to have periods without work because of illness, travel, or a sabbatical. However, when a recruiter is screening CVs they will need to see a reason stated for the gap. They may choose to contact you for information about the gap, which will make the process longer. They could also see this as a reason to put you on a shortlist, or even reject the application.
Personal status not stated
This is not a way to discriminate! When moving to a foreign country you will need work permits and/or visas. A recruiter will need to know if these documents are only for you or whether they will have to be expanded to other family members.
If your spouse or partner is looking for employment too, they may have a separate process for applying for work permits/visas, but for the sake of practicality, the recruiter will benefit from knowing this up front. Essentially, the process is easier if you are single but either way, it will help the recruiter if you include this.
Mistakes in spelling and grammar
It’s so obvious it pains us to say this, but you absolutely must proofread your CV and if you aren’t confident in doing so, ask someone else to do it, use tools to check sentence structure and punctuation. You would be surprised how many people don’t do this. You can’t claim to have great attention to ‘detaile’ when you can’t spot the mistakes. “I speak English good” is a clear indication that you don’t!
Your references must be available
And no, you can’t just add the phrase and hope you can scrabble up a few references if you are invited for an interview. There is a massive amount of competition for these positions and without references, you will be passed over. Additionally, it makes a lot of sense to have your glowing reviews available for future employers. Ask previous employers if you can use them as a reference before assuming they will do it or giving out their contact details.
In conclusion
It takes approximately 30 seconds for a recruiter to screen a CV. Those 30 seconds have to count.
Your CV needs to be formatted, correct and to the point: providing a disciplined CV is a strong start to your future career.
