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Why you should have your CV checked
Using only the one pair of eyes to check over your CV is a bad idea. An idea which could lead to a poor quality CV with many mistakes none the less!
So rather than relying on just your own judgement and checking skills, it makes much more sense to get someone else involved with the process.
Here’s why you should have your CV checked by someone else…
You’re not perfect
It’s very easy to assume that your abilities to write a great CV and to have it completely free of mistakes are unquestionable. However, even the most experienced CV writer and checker would always have their own re-checked by a third party. This would ensure everything has been covered and is free of mistakes.
Don’t let your pride get in the way of what is the most important step of gaining an interview. Just one tiny error in your CV could be enough to put you on the ‘no pile’ – so why risk it!
Your checker has more experience
Ideally your first point of contact is with a manager. Someone who has extensive experience and knowledge in reading CVs and hiring would be ideal. This could be a friend or previous work colleague, or even a dedicated website that offers a CV proofreading service.
When attempting to write a ‘blow your socks off’ CV, you should search for experience. Unless you’ve been a manager yourself, your only contact with a CV is your own. This biased opinion is not going to land you an interview. But what will is seeking help and guidance from an experienced professional.
It will help the overall quality of your CV
The first thing you want your proof-reader to do is check for any errors. Spelling and grammatical errors are going to result in rejection. The same could be said for layout and spacing mistakes. Ask them to look for anything at all which can be edited before it goes out.
But the proofread shouldn’t just end there. You should also ask them to check the quality of what you’ve wrote, along with the overall presentation.
- Does the font look professional and does it suit my CV template?
- Are the sections neatly presented along with the right amount of spacing?
- Do the margins look correct?
- Is there anything else I should add or remove?
Ask for a report on your CV and take the constructive criticism on the chin. Let them be as brutal and honest as possible, so you can get the best possible feedback. If they fail to provide honest feedback, you are going to be stuck with a second-rate CV.
Bonus tip
Don’t forget to supply your checker with the advert and job description. They need to know exactly who and what you’re applying for. Only then can they provide feedback which can help you gain an interview.
If you have any further knowledge on what the job entails, make sure you give it to them. You should also consider handing them a comprehensive list of your background, including skills and achievements. You may have missed something off which the checker feels should be added.
Finally, your LinkedIn profile (if you have one, and you should) must be provided also. If the employer is going to be reading your profile, then so should your proof-reader.
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