The phrases that are letting your CV down

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With the number of finance vacancies set to rise in 2016, this is a fantastic time if you’re a candidate looking for a new job.

Whether it has been a while since you were last on the market or you have been looking for some time and don’t seem to be getting anywhere, below are some of the most common phrases job seekers put on their CVs that could be letting them down.

‘I don’t have much experience’ 

There’s no harm in applying for a job that you don’t have all the right skills and qualifications for. At the end of the day, a company would much rather employ someone who is enthusiastic and can learn on the job than someone who is fully qualified but doesn’t really want to be there.

If you are applying for a job that is a bit above you, go in with confidence because hiring managers aren’t going to be blown away by a candidate who is constantly apologising or highlighting their downfalls.

You’re much better off focusing on what you can do and don’t even address the skills you’re missing unless asked. If it does come up then emphasise the fact that you’re happy to learn new skills and you’re ready for a challenge.

‘I’m a team player who also works well alone’

Most people have the ability to work in a group as well as individually so this doesn’t really tell a recruiter much about you or set you apart from other candidates. It also sounds as if you’re simply trying to cover all bases depending on which the role requires you to do.

You’re better off having a good read through the job specification and focusing on which aspect the role requires the most. If it’s a management job for example, the employer will be looking for someone who is very good at dealing with and motivating people. Demonstrate times where you have proved your success when working as part of a team as this will really help to set you apart from other applicants.

‘I’m a people person’

The vast majority of companies and jobs require you to be a people person. In a customer facing role this is particularly important but even if you’re not dealing with the public, your employer still wants you to be able to get on with other members of the team.

This is a very overused and clichéd line and by saying it you’re merely stating the obvious and irritating the people who see it again and again – especially if you’re doing this without any context or elaboration.

Don’t be afraid to demonstrate your people skills but do it in a way that effectively describes your communication skills and customers service experience. Highlighting proven instances and examples of successful interactions and good relationships is much more effective than simply saying you’re a people person.

If you would like help perfecting your CV or finding your next finance job, please feel free to contact Choralis Consulting and we will be more than happy to help. Alternatively, you can also look at our vacancies page for a list of all the current finance jobs we are recruiting for.