Mistake 2: Writing too little

If it isn't one, it's the other. Consider this CV:

'Worked as product manager for HLL between July 2000 and September 2003.'

Does it indicate anything besides the fact that the person worked for HLL?

Fancy designations do little to explain the kind of work you might have done. So, in your enthusiasm to adhere to the guidelines in Mistake 1, don't forego your job responsibilities and details about the company or the department you worked for.

The above should read:

'Worked as product manager, between July 2000 and September 2003, for the colour cosmetics division of HLL, a premier FMCG company in India, with a turnover of Rs 2614.07 crore.

'Job responsibilities included overseeing the operations of the department comprising 10 sales managers, setting targets for the team, keeping track of market trends and coordinating between the production, logistics and sales functions.

'Under my supervision, the department posted an annual growth of 40 percent.'

This gives an indication about the kind of work the applicant has done and his/ her achievement. However, beware of going overboard with the details of your job responsibilities.

"One of the applicants was looking for an administrative job, and housekeeping was one of the functions. The CV mentioned 'making sure the toilet bowls remain clean', as one of the job responsibilities," laughs Seth.