Are you finding it tough to score that all-important interview? Does no one ever reply to your job application, despite the fact you send out dozens of CVs every week? If so, there are likely to be a few simple reasons why. This guide highlights some of the most common errors jobseekers make when it comes to doing their CV, and will often result in an employer tossing it straight into the bin without so much of a glance. Read on to find out more - and to start landing interviews as soon as possible.
A Terrible Cover Letter
The vast majority of employers ask for a cover letter these days, so if yours is poor and doesn’t hit the right notes with the employer, the chances are they will bin your CV immediately. That means it doesn’t matter how much effort you put into your resume, it won’t be read - and it will be the end of your chances of a job before they even get started. Your spelling and grammar should be impeccable, and you should aim to match your skills with that of the job. Don’t forget about the new, technologically advanced ways of using your CV, either; they are just as important as your cover letter these days.
Lack of Suitability
You don’t have to be a perfect match to score a new job, but you do need to frame yourself as suitable for the role. If you don't have any direct experience in the type of job you're applying for, highlight any relevant and transferable skills. Ensure you explain what it is that will make you a good fit for the job. If you have no transferrable skills or experience and are applying for jobs that are completely wrong for your skill set, you are just wasting an employer’s time. Make sure that you are applying for relevant jobs, and use recruitment consultants to help you target the right kind of companies. Also, tailor your current CV to each job you apply to - every role is different, and no CV will include enough detail on the right points that you need to make to help your application stand out.
Too Long
A CV should be no more than two pages long - any more than that and an employer just won’t have the time to read it. Keep paragraphs short and sweet, and make sure it is structured well. A good CV is easy to read, well organised, and has plenty of bullet points so an employer can scan them and either put them into the ‘next step’ pile rather than tossing them in the office shredder.
No Proof of Value
Be specific on your success when it comes to highlighting your suitability for a particular role. Money and results talk; your CV is not the place to offer vague promises or fluffy attempts to prove your worth. Use cold, hard figures that truly show your worth to a prospective employer, whether it’s actual money or a percentage of increase/decrease for performance related tasks.
Dull and Boring Interests Section
Here’s a secret that all recruiters want you to know - everyone enjoys music, going to the cinema, and reading books. And if that is all you have on your CV, you need to make some changes. Be a lot more specific than that, and go into a lot more detail. Don’t forget, employers are looking for people that will be a good fit for their company culture, and your interests section is a great way of telling them more about your personality.
