There is a ton of CV writing guidance available on the internet. Because of this, there are a lot of contradicting suggestions regarding best practices and what details to put on your resume. With years of expertise crafting CVs, CV Writing Services in Dubai can demystify the process and assist you in separating reality from fiction. Here are six CV myths you should never believe when applying for your next job:
1. You should list all of your previous jobs on your resume.
It can be tempting to list every position you have held on your resume to demonstrate your broad expertise and qualifications. Including every job you’ve ever had will not only make your resume much too lengthy but will also leave you with little room to describe your experience in detail. For a senior-level post, emphasize professional experience that is relevant to the role. Generally speaking, concentrate on experience over the previous ten to fifteen years, providing specifics on noteworthy accomplishments. Anything before that is probably irrelevant to the position for which you seek an application.
2. A career gap shouldn’t be mentioned on your resume.
Everybody’s motivation for taking a career sabbatical is different. The most frequent explanations are taking care of family members or children, traveling, going back to school, being laid off, etc. A hiatus in your career does not imply that you are unfit for a position. Explain any shortcomings in a concise, professional manner. If applicable, include evidence of how your career break helped you grow; for instance, if you took time to pursue additional training or volunteer work.
3. ATS stops employers from looking at your CV.
Recruiters may now more quickly sift through applications to locate prospects who match the keywords they’re looking for, thanks to the growth of applicant tracking software. There are many worries about how this will impact job searchers, just like with every technology innovation in the employment sector. Employers really have more time to review resumes because of applicant tracking systems (ATS). You may use Applicant Tracking Software to your advantage if you use the proper keywords and format. CV Writing Services in Dubai constantly ensures that all of your documents are ATS-compliant in terms of presentation and keywords to provide clients with the best opportunity of being accepted for an interview.
4. You should put a photo in your CV.
We do not advise putting a photo of yourself on your CV when applying for jobs in the UK, even though it is expected when applying for positions in some European countries. A photo not only takes up valuable space on your resume, but an ATS may be able to scan it. As a result, adding one could make it less likely that your CV will make it past the initial application screening stage. Make sure to upload a professional photo to your LinkedIn profile if you have one. Most employers will look into this during application to learn more about your background and experience.
5. References must be listed on your resume.
For a few reasons, you shouldn’t list specific references on your resume. Similar to an image, referee information takes up space on your resume, which is better utilized to highlight your qualifications for the position. Furthermore, providing contact information may result in potential employers calling your references frequently and needlessly, which could result in a less favorable recommendation. Of course, when you apply for jobs, you need to have references ready. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t have to disclose references until you receive a conditional offer because they shouldn’t be required in the initial phases of the hiring process. Just end your CV with the phrase “references available upon request” rather than revealing any personal information.
6. With AI, you may create a CV of the highest quality.
In the employment market, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more important. Even though generative AI tools like ChatGPT can be useful for job seekers, they should never be utilized to write a resume or cover letter. When we asked ChatGPT to format a CV, for example, we tested it beforehand and discovered that much of the advice it gave was outdated and inaccurate. Additionally, depending on the prompts you enter, these tools have a tendency to produce generic content that, at best, won’t help you stand out from the crowd and, at worst, can misrepresent your skill set. Once your work is finished, AI should be used to proofread it for spelling and grammar errors. However, it cannot produce a CV that is unique and impresses employers.
We hope that some frequent CV myths have been dispelled by this blog. You may create a unique and pertinent CV that convinces potential employers that you’re the ideal candidate to join their team by avoiding these frequent mistakes.
Also Read: Essential Tips for Crafting an Effective CV/Resume in (2024)
