Your CV is your first impression. It's your chance to showcase your skills and experience and land that dream job. But just as important as what you do include is what you don't.

A cluttered, irrelevant, or unprofessional CV can send your application straight to the rejection pile. So, before you hit "submit," make sure you've purged these common CV clangers:

1. Irrelevant Information:

• Personal Details (Beyond the Essentials): Unless specifically requested, you don't need to include your marital status, age (especially if you have extensive experience), religion, or photos. This information is irrelevant to your qualifications and can open the door to unconscious bias. Stick to your name, contact details (phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile URL - optional), and location (city and province/state).

• Hobbies and Interests (Unless Relevant): While a brief mention of a relevant hobby (e.g., leading a hiking club if you're applying for a leadership role) can be a conversation starter, generally, hobbies like watching TV or playing video games are best left out. Focus on what makes you a strong candidate professionally.

• High School Information (If You Have Higher Education): Once you've earned a degree, your high school details become less important. Unless you're a recent graduate with limited experience, prioritize your university education and subsequent professional achievements. You can mention your high school only if you achieved something exceptionally noteworthy.

• Every Single Job You've Ever Had: Focus on the most relevant roles, especially those from the last 10-15 years. If you have a long work history, summarize earlier positions briefly or group them together. 

 2. Typos and Grammatical Errors:

• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! This seems obvious, but typos and grammatical errors are a huge turn-off. They demonstrate a lack of attention to detail and can make you seem unprofessional. Ask a friend or family member to proofread your CV as well – a fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.

3. Negative Language:

• Avoid Negativity: Don't dwell on past failures or reasons for leaving previous roles. Frame everything positively. Instead of saying "I was fired from my last job," focus on what you learned from the experience and how you've grown since then. Focus on your accomplishments, not your shortcomings.

4. Exaggerations 

• Honesty is the Best Policy: Never exaggerate your skills or experience. It will likely be discovered during the interview process or even after you're hired. Be truthful and accurate in your representations.

5. Generic Statements and Buzzwords:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Avoid clichés like "team player," "hard worker," or "results-oriented." These terms are overused and don't tell the hiring manager anything concrete about your abilities. Instead, provide specific examples and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use action verbs and showcase your accomplishments with data. For example, instead of "Results-oriented," write "Increased sales by 15% in Q2 2023 by implementing a new customer outreach strategy."

6. Formatting Fails:

• Keep it Clean and Readable: Avoid using too many different fonts, colors, or design elements. Stick to a professional and easy-to-read format. Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space to break up the text and make it visually appealing

7. Lengthy and Unfocused Content:

• Keep it Concise: Aim for a maximum of two pages, especially if you have less than 15 years of experience. Hiring managers often spend only a few seconds scanning each CV, so it's crucial to make your points quickly and effectively. Tailor your CV to each specific job application, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create a CV that is clear, concise, and compelling, increasing your chances of landing an interview and ultimately, your dream job. Remember, your CV is your marketing document – make it count!