Dos & Dont’s of CV Writing & Job Application

CV writing & submission thereof is the first impression of any candidate to employer. A fairly large employer receives thousands of wandering applications and mostly HR Managers expressly admits they 1st short list CVs from junk merely based on 1st sight impression. Before going into writing d & ds, try to understand Difference Between, Resume, CV & Portfolio.

Therefore, to win you good 1st impression, there is some recommended to dos and not to dos. These dos & dont’s will not only win you a good 1st impression, but also will increase your chance of shortlisting:

List of To Dos & Professional Things to Consider:

DosRecommended Things To Consider
Brief profileMust have for any job, specially for professional jobs. It including brief about name, professional qualification, latest job position, experience & looking forward statement.
Black & white layoutChoose template with black and white layout. Avoid color mix and combinations. As this will give solid formal and print out look. Even if you have to choose from other colors, make CV in 2 colors template.
Compatible, concise formal formatSelect compatible, concise format with top down content orientation or maxiumum of 2 column side by side style. Avoid multi column & too conjusted style.
Job experience with brief job descriptionWrite latest & previous jobs with brief main job description, not casual or occasional work.
To the point descriptionSpecifically write descriptions related with job you are applying for. Stay to the point and relevant.
Only use bold headingsTry to make headings in same tune as main body but create headings with bold fond, to create segmentation.
Job & work experience firstAlways write job & work experience 1st and education, other allied skills later. Education on top, is only
recommended if you are applying for first job or any first internship.
Job & education from recent to laterJob & education must be written in top down hierarchy, with recent job/ qualification to later, not otherwise.
Reference on demandIf job is open marit then avoid reference name, and always try to mention “will be provided on demand”. Further, reference will have to be 3rd party who you work with or under. 
Formal pictureMost of the time, picture is not required. But if your template have any such built in space, then use formal plain background latest picture.
Limited usage of only popular accronymsAccronyms and abbreviations are not preferred, unless of very popluar one. These can be used with full length
name of phrase.
Modifications as per requirement of jobUpdate CV on a periodical basis even if you don’t switch jobs much. Also don’t forget to modify profile, descriptions as per job you are applying for.
Website, portfolio & linkedIn profile linksMost neglected section. As must have, do add websites links of organizations you work with, your portfolio
link, if any and professional social media profile links.

Things Not To Do & Consider Non-Professional:

Don’tsThings to Avoid
Personal informationAvoid unneccesary personal information, like age, religion, gender, ID Card numbers, marrital status and other
things like these.
Color combinationsDon’t use Multi color headings, fonts and formats. Keep things simple with 2 colors, preferrably black and
white.
Informal format, too lengthy descriptionInformal, multi columns, lengthy unnecessary descriptions, all such things considered unprofessional &
irrelevant. Try to keep things as to the point as you can, in a simpler possible way.
Job experience without work domainEmployers name, with only position title and year of service, not as important for prospective employer, as
you work JD and domain of work is. Try to give you relevant work experience description.
Too much capital text, proper textAs a general accepted corporate writing practice, avoid all capital text, as this will perceive offensive. Also try to avoid body content with all proper content.
Putting education, personal information firstUnless it is your 1st job, always try to put all things other than relevant job experience, at last or after required experience. Say if you are less qualified by education but are with more work experience. Chances of your acceptance in normal course of technical job is high.
Hierarchy of job/ education & marksKeep order of these 2 things, job and education, latest to old, not otherwise. Further avoid education marks
percentage, if not required or not necessary.
Reference, in an open marit jobMust avoid if not required. Also only to mention non-relative, professional, 3rd party to employer and you.
Informal picturePictures taken from mobiles, like selfies, recreational tours snaps, not fit for professional job application. Making bad impression on prospective employer.
Use of excessive accronymsTry to provide complete names of organizations, institutes and of terms related to you. Avoid short or
abbreviated terms.
Old updated fileDon’t use one file for all purpose. All jobs required different skill set and experience. Therefore, try to amend relevant portion now and then for every applying job.

As we have had a good look into basic principles to write a CV. Now ask next step of How to Write & Present Perfect Elevator Pitch or Brief Profile on CV?

3 thoughts on “Dos & Dont’s of CV Writing & Job Application

  • November 26, 2020 at 7:01 am
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    Really helpful . Please add template pictures too.

    Reply
  • January 17, 2021 at 8:32 am
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    Great information.keep up the good work

    Reply
  • January 29, 2021 at 6:40 pm
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    I’m a HR associate, believe me I saw resume with full of blunders. I recommend your compilation to new commers

    Reply

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