Amid the complexities of selection processes, it is common to face a series of rejections. However, sometimes we can inadvertently sabotage our own chances by making mistakes that exclude us before we even get to the interview stage.
In this article, we propose a frank analysis of the errors that may be present in your CVs, as recognizing our flaws is the first step to improving our search for professional opportunities.
Ready for a journey of self-discovery? Grab your CVs, as we’re about to explore the 7 mistakes that should be avoided at all costs to maximize your chances in the competitive recruitment landscape.
Mistake 1: Omitting the objective or professional summary
Starting your resume without a professional objective or summary can be a big mistake. Many people go directly to contact and training data, underestimating the importance of this element.
The absence of this component results in a resume whose information seems scattered, making it difficult for recruiters to understand where the candidate is coming from and where they want to go.
Therefore, it is super important to include a concise professional summary, with a maximum of three lines, highlighting your experiences and listing three or four crucial activities in your area. If you use a ready-made resume template, check if this section is included or if there is space to add it.
What to put in the professional objective or summary? For those with little experience, it is recommended to indicate the area of greatest interest or the desired activities.
Error 2: Missing keywords in the resume
A second mistake related to the first is the omission of keywords in the resume. This section is crucial to include terms relevant to the position, activity or area of activity. Keywords are essential to highlight the candidate’s affinity with the job requirements.
Identifying key terms in the job advertisement and incorporating them into your resume is an effective strategy for gaining recruiters’ attention. Make sure your resume reflects these essential keywords, highlighting your suitability for the position.
Mistake 3: Too much personal information
Avoiding excessive inclusion of personal information on your resume is a lesson that many people learn after a long time. Many people include the full address without realizing that it is not mandatory information.
The place of residence, theoretically, should not influence the recruiter’s decision. Avoiding unnecessary details, such as ID, CPF and banking information, becomes an essential practice. The privacy of this data must be preserved, and it must only be provided when the contract is signed.
I recommend checking whether the CV contains excessive information and, if necessary, simplifying it to ensure a more concise document focused on relevant professional information.
Also read | 4 questions you should ask in a job interview
Error 4: Too verbose when describing experience
Avoiding verbosity when describing professional experiences is essential to maintain a concise and focused CV. This is because many people make the mistake of believing that an impressive resume must be long and have many pages.
However, the amount of experience is not the only relevant criterion. If these experiences are not aligned with the desired new area or position, they become irrelevant. When submitting a resume for a job, recruiters are looking for a simple answer: “Is this candidate a good fit for the position we are advertising? Is it worth presenting it to the area manager?”
Therefore, it is crucial to exclude information that is unnecessary for the position or area of interest. Using relevant keywords and focusing on results achieved in previous experiences contributes to a more impactful resume.
Error 5: Omission of results in professional experiences
Stopping neglecting the results achieved and the impact generated in previous jobs is something you need to stop doing. People often focus only on the activity performed, without highlighting the results achieved.
It is important to understand that the impact is not always related to significant numbers. It can manifest itself in leading projects or coordinating initiatives that improve specific points in the company. Improving the description of experiences using techniques that highlight the results contributes to a more attractive resume.
Mistake 6: Lack of frequent CV update
Failure to frequently update your resume is a mistake that could be at the root of previous problems. In the past, when CVs were printed, constant updating was challenging due to printing costs and the need to visit internet cafes.
However, in the digital age, this dynamic has changed, and creating an online resume is more accessible. There are no excuses for submitting an outdated, rigid resume with old information. This error can harm the effectiveness of applications.
Mistake 7: Not customizing your resume for each vacancy
The latter can have a significant impact on your professional life. Despite keeping their CV up to date, most people add new information without changing the description of their experiences.
Therefore, the lesson here is clear: re-read your resume from the perspective of someone who doesn’t know you. Highlighting all relevant experiences aligned with the job description is crucial. Personalizing your CV for each opportunity significantly increases your chances of successful applications.
