Ways of getting a job in 2021 have changed, things are not the same anymore. Writing a CV and curating a suitable cover letter for jobs in 2021 has seen a new shift. A lot of job seekers are in the dark as to regard to this new development so we have decided to enumerate a few of these points for our readers. While maintaining absolute professionalism in writing CVs, the goal is to capture the mind of your next employer.
Below are what should be removed from a 2021 CV:-
1. Career Objective
When you start your CV off with a Career Objective, it shifts the focus away from what YOU can do / why they should hire you / what problem you can solve. Most career objectives are generic and only provide the reader with what YOU are seeking or looking for. "Seeking a role that will enable me to utilize my skills within a growing company". Sound familiar? Do not make the introduction about what you want, but rather what makes you the best candidate concerning the role you're applying for.
2. Personal Information
This includes your Home Address, ID Number, number of dependents, health info, date of birth, marital status, religion, etc.
3. Photo
Unless a huge part of you getting the job is dependent on your looks, then leave this off. Recruiters, like everyone else, have inherent biases, and you don't want to be in a position where the focus is drawn on your appearance, rather than your actual skills, experience, etc.
4. Additional documents
DO NOT combine any documents such as your certificates, copy of your ID to your CV. Your CV should be a file on its own. If the job application requests the docs to be sent, then attach them as separate files.
5. Buzzwords
These are words that, as a result of being over-used, have now lost their impact. Words/phrases such as, "hard-working, "motivated", "punctual", "diligent". Imagine when Hiring Managers/recruiters have to scan through dozens of CVs, and every candidate claims to be "hard-working and motivated individual"? It does nothing to help you stand out from other candidates.
6. Graphics
Such as logos, charts, and tables. These might be great for a human to look at, but not for the robot (ATS) that needs to initially scan your CV when you've applied online. These kinds of graphics are unreadable to the ATS (depending on which ATS it is). The file will look like it got corrupted with random characters everywhere and that’s what a recruiter will see if they find your CV in the system.
7. Unnecessary fluff
Your CV does not need a cover page and it doesn't need the title, "Curriculum Vitae of...” Recruiters spend less than 6 seconds reviewing each CV. You’ve got 6 seconds to show them that it’s worth their time to continue reading. Get to the point!
8. Long paragraphs
These will make your CV hard to read. Your intro summary should be 2 - 3 sentences MAX. Your responsibilities should always be in bullet point form. And please, DO NOT copy all that text from your cover letter and include it on your CV.
9. Social media links
Unless it's a link to your LinkedIn profile, other social media channels you include should be done to showcase your skills and professional abilities that align with the role you're applying for.
10. References
This is a preference more than anything, so to each his own. However, I would recommend not including these if you've gathered quite several references over a long career span. Some references might be great to specifically speak on or your sales skills, for example, whilst others can speak directly to your skills as a Supervisor, so, not including them gives you time to choose which references you'd like to pass along for each role.
11. Your life story
Your resume should not resemble a Wikipedia page, with details of every single thing you've done throughout your existence. Essentially, it should resemble the landing page of a website. Your Unique Value Proposition should be clearly articulated (on the 1st page). It should follow a clear, readable structure. Succinct. Straight to the point. I struggle a lot with my entry-level clients who, mostly because of lack of experience, think they have nothing to offer. Everyone has something to offer. Everyone has value to add. Everyone has something they can bring to the table.
12. E-mail address from your current employer
It is unprofessional, and more than that, leads the recruiter / Hiring Manager to believe that you apply for jobs during company time.
13. "Responsible for" in the duties section
It sounds passive. It sounds like you did the bare minimum, and not at all like someone who drove impact within their previous roles.
14. Salary information. (Current/Expected salary). #1 rule of negotiation: First person to give away their number, usually loses. An interview is a much better opportunity to demonstrate your value and attach a number to it.
15. Inconsistent formatting
Make sure the spacing between paragraphs and the font size for the body and headings are the same throughout. If you've made some headings bold, make sure this is also consistent throughout the document.
16. "Criminal Record - None".
It's not like they'll take your word for it. Smiling face with open mouth and cold sweat they’re still required to run checks. (Sorry I had to, but this is my favorite one Smiling face with open mouth and cold sweat)
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