Candidate Resources

CV Tips: Top x10 Mistakes Made In Your Job Applications Which Are Ruining Your Chances Of Getting Hired!

Introduction:

In the competitive realm of job hunting, where every application is a potential ticket to a better future, the margin for error is razor thin. Yet, surprisingly, countless applicants unknowingly sabotage their chances from the very beginning. It’s a grim reality that out of every 10 applications received for a single job advertisement, a staggering six have not even glanced at their own resumes before attaching them. Picture this: blank documents, unchecked auto-generated CVs with bewildering errors, and even resumes with nothing but a name on them. These blunders may seem too obvious to make, yet they occur far too often, transforming promising opportunities into missed chances. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From neglecting to edit and condense their resumes to sending generic applications, candidates continually stumble in their job pursuits. And, in an era where recruitment software screens candidates with ruthless efficiency, the consequences of these mistakes can be dire. Join us as we unravel the common, yet easily avoidable, missteps that could be hindering your career aspirations.

1. Not proofreading your resume/CV or application.

Out of every 10 applications we receive for every job advertisement, x6 have not looked at their own resume before attaching it to the application. In many instances the applicant has attached:

1. A blank document
2. An unchecked autogenerated CV where all your previous work experience is marked as a present employer.
3. A document with just your name on it.
4. A cover letter and no resume.

These are simple mistakes which could easily have been avoided.

2. Failing to edit your resume/CV.

Do you need to add all your responsibilities to each job of your CV? If you’re struggling to answer this question. In most resumes, your responsibilities tend to overlap. You should know that if your responsibilities overlap with your other previous positions, it would be worth creating a list of your primary skills and surmise it there.  This prevents repetition and condenses your CV into 2 pages max.

3. Having a CV that is more than x2 pages.

This comes back to correctly editing and formatting your CV. While it’s important to ensure your font and text size is legible and clear to read when an application is longer than 2 pages, employers and hiring professionals can get frustrated reading it. If you need assistance with this contact us here.

4. Not applying your skills to the job description.

Many believe that job applications are like winning the lottery. You must be in it to win. You should know that most companies and job boards use software to pre-screen candidates. So, if your CV doesn’t match what the employer is looking for, your application is already rejected. In some instances, your details are stored for a period so when you apply for a position your more suited to your previous rejections are beside your latest application acting like a red flag to the hiring professional.

5. Missed opportunities to showcase your skills.

Did you know that Microsoft Word is fast becoming one of the most sought-after skills in almost all job sectors? Yet, more than 90% of resumes/CVs are submitted as a PDF!
This is a wasted opportunity. In a job advertisement if a potential employer mentions a certain skill that you can demonstrate in the physical application why wouldn’t you? Take the opportunity.

6. Applying with a generic application.

One of the worst mistakes you can make when applying for a job is sending a generic resume and cover letter that don’t address the specific needs and expectations of the employer all of which are outlined in the job description. Generic applications can make you look like you’re not interested in the job or the company, and that you’re applying for any position without doing any research or preparation.

7. Lying in your application.

Some people may be tempted to lie or exaggerate on their resume or cover letter to make themselves look more attractive to employers. This is never recommended as all applicants go through a rigorous screening process especially as you progress to the interview stage. Your previous employers will be contacted and asked to verify the details supplied and if it comes out that you have lied in your application at this stage it will blacken your name with that company for good.  

8. Hiding your experience in your CV.

It might be difficult to believed that people hide relevant experience in their CV but it’s more common than you think. Most job boards have specific questions that are pertain to the specific skills, experiences or qualifications required for the job. And many applicants answer those questions but attach a generic CV where those specific skills, experiences and qualifications are either not mentioned or are not easily identifiable in the resume. It’s important to make sure that you tailor your CV to the job you are applying for, or risk recruiters/employers dismissing you for being unqualified or lying on your application.

9. Not following the instructions in the job posting.

Some employers may have specific requirements or preferences for how to submit the application, such as format e.g. Word or PDF. Most companies rely on recruitment software to manage and organise applications that come in. Some of this software is not compatible with documents submitted in every format. In these instances employers and hiring professionals stipulate in the job description how your application must be formatted before it can be submitted. If you submit it in the wrong format your application may not actually be readable preventing your application from even being considered.

10. Using autogenerated CVs.

Using auto generated CVs from the likes of Indeed can be a convenient and time-saving option for job seekers, but it also comes with some pitfalls. One of the main drawbacks is that if you do not review and edit the autogenerated CV, the detail these CVs create is lacking and recruiters/employers can learn next to nothing about your essential previous experience or qualifications. For example, an autogenerated CV may only list your job titles, dates, and responsibilities, without highlighting your achievements, skills, or personal attributes that make you stand out from other candidates. Moreover, an autogenerated CV may not be tailored to the specific job or industry you are applying for and may not include relevant keywords or phrases that can help you pass the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many employers use to filter out unsuitable candidates. Therefore, it is advisable to always review and edit your autogenerated CV before sending it to any potential employer, and to customize it according to the job requirements and expectations.

Summary:

In the quest for employment, it’s essential to remember that first impressions are everything. Sadly, many job seekers inadvertently tarnish these crucial initial encounters by neglecting the basics. Failing to proofread and edit resumes, submitting documents exceeding two pages, and applying with generic, one-size-fits-all applications are pitfalls that can swiftly turn opportunity into rejection. Moreover, the temptation to embellish or lie on applications can backfire catastrophically, staining one’s professional reputation irreparably. Another often-overlooked blunder is the failure to align qualifications with job descriptions, leaving candidates stranded in a sea of applicants. Furthermore, not following application instructions can lead to inadvertent disqualification, as incompatible formats render your submission unreadable. Lastly, while auto-generated CVs may offer convenience, they often lack the depth and customization required to stand out in the eyes of employers.

Conclusion:

In this high-stakes game of job hunting, precision and attention to detail are your allies. By avoiding these common yet detrimental mistakes, you can ensure that your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, giving you a fighting chance to secure the career you’ve been working diligently towards. Your resume should be a powerful tool, not a stumbling block, and with careful consideration, you can set yourself on the path to professional success.