Avoid Common Student Resume Mistakes in the UK

As a student in the UK, crafting a compelling CV is essential for landing interviews. However, many students unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to rejection. These errors often stem from a lack of experience or understanding of what recruiters seek. To enhance your chances of success, it's wise to review your CV early on and identify any hidden mistakes.

Mistake #1 – Poor Formatting

Why this hurts

Inconsistent formatting distracts recruiters and makes your CV hard to read. A cluttered layout can lead to important information being overlooked.

Example

• Bad: Using different font sizes and styles throughout the CV.
• Better: Consistent use of one font style and size for all headings and body text.

How to fix

• Use a clean, professional template with consistent formatting.

Mistake #2 – Generic Objective Statement

Why this hurts

Recruiters dislike vague objective statements that don't reflect the role you’re applying for. This gives the impression that you haven’t tailored your CV to the job.

Example

• Bad: Seeking a challenging position in a reputable company.
• Better: Eager to apply my analytical skills in a data-focused role at Company X.

How to fix

• Write a specific objective that aligns with the job description.

Mistake #3 – Lack of Relevant Keywords

Why this hurts

Failing to include relevant keywords can cause your CV to be filtered out by ATS. This reduces your chances of being seen by a recruiter.

Example

• Bad: Describing experience without mentioning relevant skills.
• Better: Highlighting 'data analysis' and 'problem-solving' in your experience.

How to fix

• Incorporate keywords from the job description into your CV.

Mistake #4 – Overloading with Experience

Why this hurts

Listing every job or volunteer role can dilute the impact of your key experiences. Recruiters prefer concise and relevant information.

Example

• Bad: Listing every part-time job since high school.
• Better: Focusing on roles that demonstrate skills relevant to the position.

How to fix

• Only include experiences that highlight your skills for the particular job.

Mistake #5 – Ignoring Spelling and Grammar

Why this hurts

Spelling and grammatical errors portray a lack of attention to detail, which can be a dealbreaker for recruiters.

Example

• Bad: Misusing 'there', 'their' and 'they're'.
• Better: Correctly using these terms throughout your CV.

How to fix

• Proofread your CV multiple times and consider using tools like Grammarly.

Mistake #6 – Unclear Job Titles

Why this hurts

Unclear or vague job titles can confuse recruiters about your actual responsibilities and skills.

Example

• Bad: 'Intern at Company'
• Better: 'Marketing Intern – Assisted in campaign development.'

How to fix

• Clarify your job titles and provide context about your responsibilities.

Mistake #7 – Omitting Achievements

Why this hurts

Not highlighting achievements reduces the impact of your experiences. Recruiters want to see how you made a difference.

Example

• Bad: 'Worked in a team.'
• Better: 'Collaborated in a team to increase engagement by 20%.'

How to fix

• Include quantifiable achievements to showcase your impact.

Mistake #8 – Lack of Personalisation

Why this hurts

A generic CV fails to connect with recruiters. Personalised CVs resonate better and demonstrate enthusiasm.

Example

• Bad: Sending the same CV to every application.
• Better: Tailoring your CV for each role you apply for.

How to fix

• Customise your CV to reflect the specific role and company culture.

Entry Level

Entry-level candidates often struggle with showcasing relevant skills. Focus on education and internships that demonstrate capability.

Mid Level

Mid-level candidates should highlight leadership roles. Ensure that your achievements reflect your growth and contributions in previous positions.

Senior / Lead

Senior candidates need to convey strategic impact and leadership. Your CV should signal seniority through responsibilities and outcomes.

• Ensure consistent formatting throughout.
• Craft a specific objective tailored to the job.
• Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.
• Limit the experiences listed to relevant roles only.
• Proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
• Clarify job titles and responsibilities.
• Highlight quantifiable achievements.
• Personalise your CV for each application.
• Use standard headings for ATS compatibility.
• Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages.

Don't let hidden mistakes hold you back from securing interviews. Review your CV carefully and consider a professional review.

Using mistakes.cv can provide you with the insights needed to enhance your CV and boost your chances of success.