Is your CV blunder free?

Recession is in, jobs are a rarity, but applicants are plenty. In such a cut throat race the need to have an error free CV (Curriculum Vitae) is very important. Candidates today are trying to make their resumes different and impressive, so that they stand out. In the process, they end up making major blunders. A badly written resume ends up in the dustbin, completely knocking out the candidate's chance of getting a job.

A recent research done by TeamLease Services, a staffing company found that 90 percent of the randomly selected 500 CVs had 'some or the other form of error.' With piles of job applications available to HR managers, it is doubtful if erroneous CVs would be entertained.

Here are few of the top blunders made in a resume:

1. Biography: Marital Status - Yes
   
   
2. I laugh easily, but do not suffer fools gladly. I expect the same effort as others as I give myself.
   
   
3. Weakness: Fresher
   
   
4. Interests: Open to learn, make others laugh and feel happy, enjoys the nature.
   
   
5. Family details: Father - Death
   
   
6. Objective: To always spread positively within the branch and reduce the grape vine.
   
   
7. Notice Period: Minimum two (1) month.
   
   
8. Career Objective: To consistently develop by learning and sharing skills with a focus on the ultimate objective in order to achieve higher goals in conjunction with the growth of the organization and to set a name and be recognized in the industry.
   
   
9. Marital Status: Marriage
   
   
10. Profile: To prepare the whole film production plane and financing plane.
    
    
11. Contact Email: www.aradhana@rediffmail.com
    
    
12. Areas of strength: My background to date has been centered on grooming myself as a well-rounded person.
    
    
13. I am quietly forceful, original and sensitive.
    
    
14. Languages known: English (Good), Malayalam (Native), Hindi and Tamil.
    
    
15. Career Objective: Seeking a final placement in any organization to untilize the plethora of skills I have developed during my whole career.

The study revealed that many resumes are written in great haste and no attention is paid to detail. Candidates in an attempt to impress go overboard and consequently make a mockery of their bio-data. "The situation worsens when candidates make silly mistakes due to sheer oversight and sometimes overconfidence. A CV is the first piece of information about a candidate that reaches the potential recruiter. It is always advisable to have one's bio-data proof read and checked by professionals, or someone proficient in English.

So, is your CV blunder free?

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Five Resolutions for Your Resume

And Five Bloopers to Avoid!

Here are a few resume-related resolutions to consider and some real-life goofs -- dubbed "Resumania" by Robert Half -- from job candidates who could have benefited from resolutions of their own:

Resolution #1: I will customize my resume.

Different companies have different needs, so don't send the same version of your resume to every organization. Tailor your resume by highlighting your skills and qualifications that most closely relate to the requirements of the open position. Carefully review each prospective employer's job advertisement and mirror their language when discussing your strengths and previous experience. In short, make it easy for hiring managers to see how you will play a role in helping them accomplish their goals.

This candidate failed to do so: "OBJECTIVE: To find any type of job."

Resolution #2: I will write in a straightforward manner.

Hiring managers are drawn to professionals who communicate clearly and concisely. Write short, crisp and compelling sentences in "plain English." Applicants hurt themselves when they weigh down their resumes with trendy business phrases, technical jargon and flashy five-dollar words.

Here's an example of a candidate whose verbiage confuses instead of clarifies:

"SKILLS: Able to remedy posterity and proficiency to the desired cumulus within the work arena. Once expounding upon these various constitutional elements, affinity is achieved, and I sequester the cultivation essential for yielded efficiencies."

Resolution #3: I will eliminate unnecessary information.

Certain pieces of personal information don't belong on a resume. There is no reason to include your date of birth or marital status, for example. In fact, doing so puts potential employers in an awkward position because they are not supposed to take information like this into account when making hiring decisions. In addition, omit details about your hobbies, reasons for leaving previous positions, and non-work-related achievements that have no bearing on your career.

While these accomplishments, like the one provided below by a nostalgic job hunter, may be treasured, a prospective manager probably won't be as impressed.

"HONORS: I won an award for an essay in first grade and got my picture taken with the principal. That was a big win. My parents took me for ice cream."

Resolution #4: I will make no mention of money.

Never cite your salary requirements unless an employer specifically requests that information. Mentioning money in your resume, or cover letter, can come across as presumptuous. Wait until you've secured an interview and the employer has expressed interest in hiring you before broaching the subject.

Consider this off-putting statement:

"REQUIREMENTS: I'll need $50K to start, full medical, three weeks' vacation, stock options and, ideally, a European sedan."

Resolution #5: I will develop a proofreading procedure.

Nothing damages a job candidate's chances like a careless typo, which calls into question the person's attention to detail. Steer clear of grammatical goofs and spelling blunders by establishing a step-by-step proofreading system. In addition to running your computer's spell-check function, read your resume several times on screen and on paper. It's also wise to ask trusted friends or family members for editing suggestions.

This applicant's miscalculation may have indicated to hiring managers that they couldn't "count" on him:

"HOBBIES: My three biggest hobbies are cars, racquetball, golf and reading."