You have the right skills, qualifications and experience so why aren’t they calling you back? You may want to analyse your CV to see if you have made any of the following mistakes.
Overuse of jargon and abbreviations
Using keywords and phrases can be quite helpful in appealing to both people and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Extensive jargon and abbreviations do not always make your CV more appealing or stand out, it can make it appear cluttered and difficult to read; it can also come across as added fluff to bulk up your expertise.
Sometimes the person reviewing your CV is not an expert in your field. If they do not understand your CV, they’re unlikely to pass it along to the relevant recruiter. Always make sure to expand on any abbreviations used and write clearly enough so that anyone will be able to understand your CV.
Neglecting visual design and the use of a good CV layout
If your CV looks unprofessional with ineffective design and flow, chances are a recruiter won’t look at it. With hundreds of applicants, they need your CV to be easy to scan.
Avoid using images and infographics because they can distract from the information you want them to focus on. Keep it simple and aesthetic. Use a consistent font throughout your document with a 10-12 font size and even spacing.
Including irrelevant information
Your CV should be focused and succinct, highlighting your achievements and skills. Do not add information that is not directly related to the position, such as your hobbies, interests, sports or school awards. Do not include too much personal information; hiring managers only need your name, surname, email address, phone number and location.
It is best to avoid disclosing your number of dependents, your ID number, gender, exact address or health status. Add your EEA status if you’re applying for an EEA-specific job.
Typos and grammatical errors
Don’t fall into the 64% of people who include spelling errors on their CV. You can easily avoid them by proofreading your document several times – you can even put it through spelling and grammar checks on apps such as MS Word or Grammarly.
An easy way to spot mistakes is to read your CV out loud or listen to someone else read it to you – MS Word and most browsers have a “Dictate” function that you can use for free. Text-to-speech (TTS) online software can also be helpful – https://www.naturalreaders.com/online/ is an excellent option.
Make sure the words you are using make sense within the sentence. Avoid adding personal pronouns and too many articles where they are not needed.
Using an outdated or unprofessional email address
Firstly, ensure sure your email address works and that you check it often. Ensure your email address is professional and suitable for the workplace. An inappropriate email address can put someone off completely. You can easily create a new email address via Gmail. A safe option is to use your name and surname, followed by a number if necessary.
Not tailoring your resume to the specific job
Sending in a generic CV can look as if you are not that serious about getting the job. Tailoring your CV shows that you did some research on the company and the role. It also puts you in a better position, over and above other candidates because you’re directly answering the job advertisement.
Not adding a cover letter
A cover letter helps the hiring manager get to know you personally and can help you get an interview if the role is highly competitive. It can show how you’re different from all the other applicants; having a cover letter in itself will set you apart and give you an advantage.
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