It is always a good idea to get someone else to look over your C.V. as they might see something that you have overlooked. I was recently looking over a C.V. for a client, the C.V. was very professional and they had outlined their duties and greatest achievements, however in one line they had stated that they ‘assisted the manager with ruining the business’ of course they meant ‘running the business’ but this was not detected by spell check. This is why it is always a good idea to look over your C.V. many times and if possible seek an external opinion.
Below are my top ten favourite spelling and syntax errors that I have found over the years on C.V.s and have managed to support clients in changing them before they were sent to the employer. Phew!
Receptionist / Administration
- “Performing on the reception desk”
- “Working in a busty environment”
- “Responsible for the manager’s rooster”
Care Work
- “Dressing up for the patients”
Waiter
- “Serving customers in order to satisfy them all night long”
Education
- “I have a curse in business”
Personal qualities
- “I have great Atention to detail”
- “I am hard work”
- “I can work hard under pleasure”
Hobbies and Interests
10. I enjoy hose riding”
Make sure to look over your C.V. many many times to ensure that it is perfect and shows that you are an organised and careful person. You want to ensure that your C.V. gets passed around the office for the right reasons not the wrong ones.
Breda Hegarty is the Pre-employment Trainer in Business in the Community, supporting people with barriers gain employment and author of the blog www.thejobmotivator.com . For more information and to book an appointment for a place on our next free training course in relation to C.V.s, cover letters and Interview skills call (01) 8743840 / (01) 8743814 or e-mail employmentprogramme@bitc.ie
Breda Hegarty - Career Counsellor 