5 mistakes developers make on their resume

I recently shared a free CV template for developers, and for this occasion I wanted to go back over the things to do and not to do in a CV to optimize your chances of getting a positive response.

If you'd like to see the template, it's available at the link below:

Mistake #1 – Rating your skills

Whether it's with numbers, stars, or progress bars, you should definitely not rate your skills. First of all because many recruiters hate that, and it can get your CV set aside at first glance, and secondly because self-assessment is a very tricky exercise, especially as a junior.

Generally, if you're trying to do that it's to highlight certain technologies as more important in your CV than others, but a simple icon, an underline, or a different font weight works just as well!

Mistake #2 – Not including a link to your site

If you don't have a site, you must at least give a link to your GitHub, it's essential for a technical referent to be able to get an idea of a candidate's technical level.

If you don't have a personal site, I'm making my site template available to you, which can be used to present yourself and your projects, while including links like your GitHub!

Mistake #3 – Not including a photo

A photo allows the recruiter to imagine you in the company, to build a mental image of your presence in the offices (in normal times).

And if you're afraid of not being selected because of your photo, would you really have wanted to work for a company that hires based on looks?

Mistake #4 – Not talking about your personal projects

Why talk about the two months you worked at McDonald's while you don't highlight the professional experience you've gained through your personal projects?

Especially for juniors and people changing careers: a recruiter wants to see a developer's CV, not a CV where 75% of the space is reserved for experience from another field, take the opportunity to showcase your projects!

Mistake #5 – Listing your hobbies

At best you'll get a small conversation starter with the recruiter, but at worst your CV will get tossed aside because you love soccer and the recruiter hates it.

The ideal approach is to replace your hobbies with your achievements, things that may be related to your passions, but that demonstrate a professional or personal quality.

"Passionate about archery" is far less interesting than "Federal referee for French archery championship competitions" which is much more impressive and meaningful in terms of skills!