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Hiring managers spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning a CV before deciding if a candidate moves forward. If yours isn’t grabbing attention immediately, you could miss out on great opportunities!
Here are three common mistakes that might be hurting your chances—and how to fix them:
❌ Mistake #1: Using a Generic, Buzzword-Filled CV
Phrases like “hardworking team player” or “results-driven professional” are overused and add no real value. Hiring managers want specifics—what results have you achieved? What makes you unique?
✅ Fix: Replace vague buzzwords with concrete examples of your skills and accomplishments.
💡 Instead of: “Excellent problem solver”
🔥 Try: “Implemented a new workflow that reduced processing time by 30% and improved team efficiency.”
❌ Mistake #2: Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements
Many job seekers simply copy and paste their job descriptions into their resumes. But hiring managers don’t just want to know what you did—they want to see how well you did it!
✅ Fix: Use the “CAR” formula (Challenge → Action → Result) to showcase your impact.
💡 Instead of: “Managed financial modelling”
🔥 Try: “ Implemented a dynamic financial modelling tool and improved data analytics for more precise forecasting by increasing forecast accuracy by 20%.
❌ Mistake #3: Submitting the Same Resume for Every Job
Your resume isn’t one-size-fits-all—tailoring it to each job description is key!
✅ Fix: Customize your resume for each role by:
🔹 Incorporating keywords from the job description
🔹 Highlighting relevant experience and skills
🔹 Adjusting your summary to align with the company’s needs
💡 Instead of: “Experienced Finance Professional”
🔥 Try: “Data-Driven Finance Analyst | Controlling Specialist | 5+ Years Driving Company Growth”
✨ Final Pro Tip: Make Your Resume Easy to Read
📌The first half of your CV is quite often what recruiters and hiring
managers look at when deciding to continue reading further.
📌 Use clear, professional formatting
📌 Try to keep it 2-3 pages
📌 Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
📌 Quantify your achievements wherever possible
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