Top Ten CV sins

Typically less than half a minute is spent reading a CV and experts say that it is crucial to stand out from the crowd.

Research undertaken by Marketing Professionals UK, which specialises in marketing recruitment, reveals the top ten most common and CV howlers:

Typos - it is proven that around 50% of CVs contain spelling mistakes or grammatical errors

Work experience listed in wrong order i.e. most recent position should be first. In particular applicants often neglect to detail their current role, it is sometimes omitted or out of date

Unexplained gaps in dates between jobs

Sloppy formatting - inappropriate fonts or mixing of styles and sizes; paragraphs or bullet points that do not align

Inappropriate use of colours, photographs, logos or fancy paper, it is rare they aid your application

Listing of irrelevant information such as holiday jobs or casual work that are not relevant to the position

Sending through a CV that has clearly been constructed in application for a different role - employers like to see a CV tailored to their vacancy

Disorganised - where a CV is hard to follow and information is scattered around the page

Making it too long - CVs should be kept to 2-3 pages. Long paragraphs and sentences should be avoided

Too basic - CVs that only give basic information are not enough to interest the employer. Do not hurry over the preparation of your CV - it shows! Take your time and consider the best way to explain your achievements and responsibilities in a clear and concise manner

Jonny Cainer, at Marketing Professionals UK, commented:

You’d be amazed at the number of mistakes we find on CVs. It’s the first thing a potential employer sees and determines whether you should move to the next stage of the recruitment process. It’s vital that jobseekers get it right.

If a CV is badly constructed, it can seriously hinder career progression. People should be aware of the most common mistakes as this is the only document the employer has to judge you on.

Reputable recruitment agencies will often interview candidates and reformat CVs before presenting their details to a prospective employer. They will add their comments and include any information they deem relevant to support an application. This ensures candidates will be considered in the best possible light, increasing their chances of being selected for interview he added.