STAND OUT
Are you a CV cliché? The words employers are sick of seeing on job applications
Job search engine Adzuna analysed over 1.1million CVs to find the most used phrases
OVER using cliché phrases on your CV could cost you the job of your dreams.
But what are the buzzwords to avoid at all costs? Job search engine Adzuna analysed over 1.1million CVs to find the most used phrases.
2
More than a third of applications use the word "motivated", while a quarter use "initiative" and "social".
Other commonly used words included "organised", "friendly" and "leader". For the full list see below.
"Job hunters have a fine balance to strike when it comes to crafting a great CV," co-founder of Adzuna Andrew Hunter warned.
He added: "Moving away from recycled buzzwords like ‘motivated’ and ‘initiative’ could be the very factor that sets your own CV apart from someone else’s."
2
Earlier this week we revealed how now might be the best time to apply for a job or ask for a pay rise.
That's because there are more jobs out there at the moment than people applying.
Plus millions of workers could be missing out on pay, we explain.
How to create a great CV
1. Customise your CV for every role you apply for
It may seem time consuming, but ensuring your CV is tailored to every company and every role that you apply for is important as prospective employers need to be assured that you haven’t sent the same CV to 100 other companies.
To do this, you need to demonstrate that you are a good match for a company and role.
Study the job advert or specification, and tailor your own experience to the request.
If you don’t necessarily have the experience, focus on transferable skills to provide evidence that you have the qualities they are looking for.
2. Be ruthless – ditch irrelevant information
Potential employers usually have a finite amount of time to read CVs, so don’t include any experience that isn’t relevant.
For example, if a position you held five years ago was completely irrelevant to the role you’re applying for today, don’t waste valuable space talking about responsibilities and duties you had that do nothing to improve your application (but do leave the dates in there so you don’t have unexplained absences).
3. Include hobbies and interests that suit the role you’re applying for
Social is one of the most commonly used words on CVs according to our data, so there’s clearly an increasing onus on demonstrating that your social life and personality are a good fit for the role and the company culture.
For example, if you are applying for a role as a sales person, you may wish to include hobbies that demonstrate your competitive, outgoing nature - this is the time to mention a team sport you excel at, or your active participation in the university debating team (rather than use valuable space telling them that you quite enjoy reading).
MOST READ IN MONEY
4. Include a profile summary
This is a few sentences or bullet points (up to 200 words), right at the top of the first page, illustrating the unique selling points that make you a perfect match for the role.
Ensuring you update this for every role ticks the customised CV box.
Clearly outline the kind of role you are applying for and why, try to include the top three most relevant skills briefly in this section and expand further down in the CV.
5. Proof, proof and proof again (then ask a friend)
Errors, typos and spelling mistakes are a massive turn off for employers and provide an easy excuse to reject your application (and speed up their shortlisting process). Print off your CV and proof your work slowly and meticulously. Then, once you’ve done that, ask a friend or family member to proof it for you.
6. Keep it short.
Try to keep your CV short and make sure they are no longer than 2 pages.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 78 24516. Don't forget to join the for the latest bargains and money-saving advice.
Topics