DOs & DONT's on CV Writing

Thinking of updating your CV? Or probably creating a new one? Read this first and get ideas on how to make them better. Yes I know there's been a lot of advise here and there, but these are simple tips you could use and create a better resume or CV.

1.  DON'T ADD IMAGE/ID - Adding a photo of you will just use up a space on your CV, most of the time it is suggested not to put a photo for the employers / HR personnel to pass an early judgement base on your image. Of course, you could always add one if in case the employer will ask you. But for now, keep it unless required.

2.  DONT WRITE YOUR OBJECTIVES - Once you submit a CV, it is obviously meant to apply for a certain position. Of course, the main objective of such is to earn that post. Therefore, adding your "objective" will be a waste of time. 

How about considering that during interviews if the interviewer will ask "What's your objective other than gaining this position?" Or more probably, what's your goal?

3.  DON'T ADD IRRELEVANT EXPERIENCES - Some employers are very keen in checking sepcific and RELEVANT work experiences, so it is easily noticed once you put on an extra expereince that is totally out of the context. To be safe, delete all irrelevant experiences and save up space for more meaningful information.

4.  DONT USE BUZZWORDS - Yes it's true that somehow when we submit our CVs to employers we want to impress them. We add words such as hard working, fast learner , a good team player and the likes... But don't you think almost all or probably 90% of the applicants do write such words as well? So don't join the BUZZ Words mania. Create a more meaningful CV with relevant information. Those buzz words may come up during interviews and not necessarily on your papers!

5.  DO USE PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS - Remember the good old YM (Yahoo Messenger) names we used to enjoy? Forget about them! When applying DONT use happygirl1995@yahoo.com or harrypotterfan@gmail.com. Instead show more professionalism with your email addresses by using your name and/initials and avoid those "fan boy/girl", internet alter ego names.

6.  DO MIND THE TENSES - When writing your tasks; make sure to use PRESENT tense for your present job descriptions and PAST tense on your past work experiences.

Maybe some interviewers won't mind about that, but to follow simple grammar rules is a plus points. So yes, please - add a little grammar because it will lead you a long way.

7.  DON'T ADD UNNECESSARY  

WORDS  - When I say "unnecessary words" I mean, the words such as "Address", "Date of Birth", "Email" - these words speaks for itself, when you type 01 Street Abu Dhabi UAE - obviously that's your address. Or if you add 1 January 1980 or hello@yahoo.com are very much obvious words, so skip them.

So, let's RECAP:

          1.  DON'T add images/ID

          2. DON'T add your objectives

          3. DON'T add irrelevant experiences

          4. DON'T use buzz words

          5. DO use professional email address

          6. DO mind the tenses

          7. DON'T add unnecessary words

Hope the above DOs & DONTs helps you in creating your CV!

Keep being Creative,

THE CREATIVE PASSPORT

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