Careers Advice Our future. It's in our hands

Getting your CV right can mean the difference between securing an interview for your ideal job or having your application quickly consigned to the bin. Understanding that first impressions really do count, the Careers Advice Service has identified the 10 most common mistakes made on CVs in order to help people avoid making them.

Research shows that as many as one in four CVs contain spelling errors, with candidates regularly mixing up ‘their', ‘they're' and ‘there'[i]. The research also reveals that job seekers are regularly criticised for using slang words such as ‘ain't' and ‘gonna' in CVs.

Mark O'Pray, a Careers Coach at the Careers Advice Service comments: "We review hundreds of CVs at the Careers Advice Service so we often see the common mistakes that people make. We want to help candidates avoid all the major CV no-no's in order to put them in the best possible light in the eyes of prospective employers. With the UK job market more competitive than ever, it's vital that your CV helps you stand out from the crowd - for all the right reasons!"

Below are the top 10 CV blunders identified by the Careers Advice Service which should be avoided at all costs:

1. Spelling and grammar errors

There is nothing more off-putting for an employer than a CV that is riddled with spelling mistakes or grammatical errors! Always use the spell-check function on your computer or double-check words you're not sure about with a dictionary. It's always worth asking a friend or relative to proof read your CV before you send it out.

2. Sloppy formatting

A CV which uses inconsistent fonts, a mix of headings and sizes or paragraphs and bullet points that do not align will look confusing and messy. Decide on the font and format you want to use and stick to it throughout the document.

3. Too long or too short

Get the length right. CVs are often too long with far too much information or too short with hardly any information at all. It should be two pages in length, maximum.

4. Poor structure

Your personal statement needs to be your biggest selling point. This is the first thing a prospective employer will see so it needs to be relevant to the job you are applying for.

5. Gaps in employment

If there are times when you were not working - for example because of maternity leave, travelling or sickness - these need to be explained. Never assume an employer will know your life history and gaps in information might be viewed with suspicion.

6. Being negative

You don't need to go into the reasons why you left your last job on your CV - it's irrelevant to your application. A prospective employer is unlikely to be too impressed by someone who complains about their old boss or the long hours they had to work. Stay positive and upbeat.

7. Poor quality

It's highly unlikely that a potential employer will take you seriously if you send out your CV on scrappy paper. Presentation is just as important as content, so invest in some high quality paper and also make sure there is enough ink in the printer first.

8. Full references

You don't need to include full references on your CV. If the employer is really interested in you, you can supply these after your interview. A line that simply says ‘References available on request' at the bottom of your CV will suffice.

9. Irrelevant information

Simply sending through a standard CV or one that has been written for a different job role will not impress a potential new boss. Employers like to see a CV appropriate to their vacancy so check the job requirements and tailor accordingly.

10. Lying

You will be found out! Remember that your CV should always be a true
representation of yourself and you should not need to resort to lying about your experience or qualifications. Instead, believe that your skills and talent are enough to help get you the job.

Mark adds: "Our CV Builder is a great online tool for helping people avoid the mistakes made far too frequently by job applicants. By steering clear of these common CV mistakes and using our step-by-step guide to creating a great CV from scratch, you are sure to maximise your chances of securing that all-important interview."

Check out the video of Mark with advice on how to write a CV that will stand out from the crowd on the Careers Advice Service media hub at: http://newmediaroom.careers-advice.org/

You will find the Careers Advice Service's CV Builder at www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice. Advice includes:

1. Build my Job Seeking Skills - get tips on how to look for a job, prepare for an interview and get on at work

2. Build my CV Confidence - identify your own skills and qualities and see how other people have found success

3. Build my CV Knowledge - find out everything you need to know about CVs, covering letters and application forms

4. Build my CV - create your CV in just 12 easy-to-follow steps!

The Careers Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice for those interested in learning a new skill; who want to find information on different courses or help with finding out about funding options and ways to get started in a new career.

The Careers Advice Service is open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm. To speak to a Careers Advice Service adviser call 0800 100 900 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice.

The prospect of returning to work after having children can be very daunting for mothers for many reasons. The trauma of separation from their little ones, the fear of the unknown in terms of workplace developments, or even the stress of juggling work and family life.

The Careers Advice Service, in collaboration with Sherridan Hughes, an occupational psychologist and expert in career management, has developed a six point plan to support mums who are going back to work.

Research shows that two-thirds of all mothers now return to work after having a baby - an increase of 50 per cent since the 1980's, according to the Policy Studies Institute1. The research also reveals that almost 70 per cent of mothers with children under five now work, up from just 38 per cent ten years ago.

According to Sherridan Hughes: "The job market has changed significantly for women in the last twenty years. We are far more likely to go back to work after having a baby and we are also taking less leave, before and after childbirth. Some of us may feel this is due to financial pressures but others may be seeking to minimise interruptions to their careers. Our advice aims to help mums across the country be more prepared when returning to work."

About the advice:

Yvonne Fox-Bibby, a careers coach at the Careers Advice Service, who worked with Sherridan on the tips, says: "Whether you're looking to get back into work or you haven't made up your mind yet, the Careers Advice Service can help you. That's why we have developed this six-point plan to help you take those first steps towards getting back into the workplace."

Tip 1: BE REALISTIC

Honestly assess your situation and understand your true motivations for returning to work to help you make an informed decision.

Think about why you want to return to work - are you hungry to climb the corporate ladder, or do you simply want to supplement the family finances? Consider carefully both the financial and emotional implications surrounding childcare - for example, you may not realise how much you will miss your child, or even end up resenting the carer who is looking after them! - and what arrangements you will need

Tip 2: TIME FOR A CHANGE?

Think about whether you want to return to your previous field or place of employment, or try something new.

Are you returning to your former place of work, or are you ready to embrace a different challenge or even a brand new career? Don't be put off from exploring new horizons, even if you may be doubting your own abilities after time out from the workplace - you'll be surprised at what you can do.

Tip 3: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

Don't be afraid to talk to those around you about your professional intentions.

Use your network of friends, other mothers at your playgroup, and even family members for support, they can all help you keep in touch with what is happening in the workplace Talking about your plan to return to work and sharing insights with friends and family - who may even know of a job opening - will be a source of inspiration.

Tip 4: LEARNING WITHOUT EARNING

Finding the right volunteering opportunity can help you keep your skills relevant whilst giving something back to the community.

Brushing up on your existing skills or training to learn new ones, can give you a real advantage when you start looking for work and will get you noticed by employers.

It may not be possible to secure a paid position immediately, but volunteering, retraining, or even securing work experience will all help bolster your CV and, more importantly, boost your confidence.

Tip 5: STAY IN THE LOOP

Keep as up to date as you can with what is happening in your industry, so you don't feel out of your depth or out of touch.

Read industry journals and newsletters, attend workshops and keep in touch with workplace changes and trends online to get to grips with what's happening If you know people in your field, such as former colleagues or even your old boss, why not meet them for a coffee; they may well pass on invaluable advice and suggestion.

Tip 6: DON'T UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF

Although you may not feel confident after time away from the workplace, try to remember all the skills you have developed both at work and beyond.

Don't feel scared, or even guilty, about going back to work - it is perfectly possible to be a devoted mum AND a successful working woman Remember that as a busy mum, you have already been honing skills such as budgeting, time management and even negotiating (with your wilful toddler!)

Sherridan adds: "I idolised my twins, but I was dying of boredom at home with them all day. I valued my time with my twins more and gave them more quality time when I had a break from them - my time at work with adult company and stimulation felt like the time off and relaxation, so I had far more energy and enthusiasm!"

There are a number of funding options available to help you return to work. Ask a Careers Adviser about Surestart or log onto www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents. You may also be entitled to free childcare; visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning to find out more.

Check out the video of Yvonne with top tips for mums who are returning to work on the Careers Advice Service media hub at: http://newmediaroom.careers-advice.org/

The Careers Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice for those interested in learning a new skill; who want to find information on different courses or help with finding out about funding options and ways to get started in a new career.

The Careers Advice Service is open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm. To speak to a Careers Advice Service adviser call 0800 100 900 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice.

If you would prefer to speak to someone in person, nextstep provides free careers information and advice to adults face to face. For more details visit: http://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/

Official Website: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/careers_advice1

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Careers-Advice-Service/202088201941

Media hub: http://newmediaroom.careers-advice.org/

 

1 March 2010: Research revealed by the Careers Advice Service today shows that two thirds of Brits do not look forward to going back to work after their days off (64 per cent). The survey of over 3000 people shows that people dislike Mondays so much, they spend most of Sunday night feeling glum, with a quarter saying the blues kick in between five and six o'clock in the evening (23 per cent).

Career worries were the main cause of people's Sunday night blues (33 per cent); with over half identifying their ‘to do' lists as their main worry (51 per cent). Other triggers include people worrying about their workload (16 per cent) and not being able to do their job properly (12 per cent).

Positively over half of respondents thought that improving their confidence would help ease the way they felt about going back to work (54 per cent), and two thirds recognised that further training and broadening their skill set would help them deal with their work related worries (63 per cent).

Leo Woodhead at the Careers Advice Service says: "Learning a new skill or improving the ones you already have can really help ease those Sunday night blues by boosting your confidence and adding value to other areas of your life. The Careers Advice Service can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and suggest ways to improve things."

The Careers Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice for those interested in learning a new skill; who want to find information on different courses or help with finding out about funding options and ways to get started in a new career.

The Careers Advice Service is open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm. To speak to a Careers Advice Service adviser call 0800 100 900 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice.

Official Website: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/careers_advice1

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Careers-Advice-Service/202088201941

Social Media Pressroom: http://newmediaroom.careers-advice.org/

For free face to face careers information and advice to adults, nextstep provides help and support in updating skills, training, learning and work. The service is available throughout England. The nextstep advisers are able to provide careers information and advice based on detailed knowledge of the learning and work opportunities available locally. For more details visit: http://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/

A Careers Advice booth will be at the White Rose Shopping Centre next Wednesday (20th January), providing free and impartial jobs and careers advice to people in the local area.

For adults looking for advice, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC)’s travelling Careers Advice booth arrives on January 20th, 2010 and will be based at the White Rose Shopping Centre, from 9:30am to 6pm. The booth will be manned by experts from the three agencies that offer information and employment advice in England. Advisers from the Careers Advice Service, nextstep and Jobcentre Plus will be on hand to help passers-by plan their next career move or progress in their career.

With unemployment in Yorkshire and the Humber rising by 6,000 in December 2009, taking the total number of people out of work in the region to 239,000*, the Careers Advice booth will also give people who are currently unemployed the chance to receive face-to-face careers advice on how to gain new skills to improve their job prospects in the familiar setting of the White Rose Centre. Those who are unable to visit the Careers Advice booth next week can still get help from the Careers Advice Service by calling 0800 100 900 or visiting www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice.

Philippa Lester, Skills Development Director at the LSC in Leeds says: “The Careers Advice booth is a great way of giving people living in and around Yorkshire the opportunity to meet Careers Advisers and get first hand advice on getting into work or progressing further in their careers.

“Over the next 10 years, it will become increasingly difficult to get a job without any basic qualifications[1]. This campaign will help provide valuable information about the opportunities for individuals to develop their skills in order to improve their job prospects and get on in life. There has never been a better time for individuals to actively consider learning new skills, or even building on their existing skills.”

The Careers Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice for those interested in learning a new skill; who want to find information on different courses or get further details of the funding options open to them.

To speak to a Careers Advice Service adviser call 0800 100 900 (8am to 10pm, seven days a week) or visit www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice.

Adults looking for advice on their jobs, training, or who would like to find out about financial support and ways to get started in a new career, can also visit their local nextstep centre.

The nextstep service offers free face to face careers information and advice to adults. nextstep provides help and support in updating skills, training, learning and work. The service is available throughout England. The nextstep advisers are able to provide careers information and advice based on detailed knowledge of the learning and work opportunities available locally.

The regional nextstep helpline number is 0845 0521 040; http://www.nextstepyorkshireandthehumber.org.uk/