Don't Make These CV Mistakes

Good Morning Data Scientists!

Struggling to get interviews in your Data Science job search?

It’s likely to do with your CV.

A director of analytics recently reached out asking for help on her CV.

Despite her 17 years of experience, she’d applied for over 50 roles and not had any interviews.

Here’s a quick summary of the mistakes she’s making (and you might be too)

1. Dual-Column Format

This makes it hard to read, as employers aren’t sure which column to prioritise reading.

With a traditional single-column format, it’s easy to read down the page.

With a dual-column format, you make life harder for the employer because they have to decide which column to read first.

You want to keep the format simple and easy-to read, so it’s your experience that stands out (not the format).

2. Profile Pictures

Any formatting decision which stands out and goes ‘against the grain’ (including pictures) gives the employer a decision to make (and the chance they’ll reject you).

You want your CV to look as boring as possible.

This lets you stand out with your experience.

If you include a picture of yourself and they don’t like it, it increases the chance of your CV being ignored.

Bin the pictures and keep it simple.

3. Bold Text

Bold text is useful to emphasise your previous roles and when you worked there.

But if you start bold-facing every project you’ve done or technology you’ve used, it starts to lose its effect (like the boy who cried wolf haha).

So keep the format simple (no dual-columns or pictures) and stop putting everything in bold.

Happy Wednesday and God Bless,

Albert

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