Recruiters often spend less than a minute reading a CV and sometimes only seconds. It’s a fact! So, your CV has caught the attention of the recruiter, what are six common mistakes that a candidate makes?
Errors on your job application materials
Do all that you can to avoid any kind of errors – whether typos, spelling errors or formatting issues – in your CV and cover letter. It’s worth using Grammarly or a similar online writing assistant.
Not customising your CV and covering letter
The skills you highlight and keywords you use in your job application materials, particularly your CV should always align with the specific job you are applying for. If the employer or recruitment consultant uses an “Applicant Tracking System,” to screen CV’s, you may not make it past phase one. Always include a short covering letter. If you sent your CV in the post you would attach a covering letter, so make the effort if it's online. It can set you apart and demonstrate this is important to you.
Not doing any research on the company
This is one of the quickest ways to come across as unprepared to your interviewer. It’s unprofessional and, frankly, a bit lazy. From their perspective, if you have not done your research (and demonstrated it) how do they know you are truly interested in becoming a part of their team?
Not asking questions in the interview
If you make it to the interview stage and don’t come prepared with some thoughtful, well-researched questions for your interviewer, you will run the risk of coming across as disinterested in the job and underprepared. It’s a good idea to memorise a few “fall back” questions that you can ask in any circumstance.
Not being self-aware
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses and how to effectively communicate them on your job application materials and in the interview, is key to being successful in the job market.
Not cleaning up your social media
Research suggests up to 70% of employers screen job candidate's social media accounts before hiring. Like it or not, social media has become a key part of the recruitment, hiring, and vetting process. It is essential that your presence online is “employer-friendly.” If a potential employer or recruiter looks at your social media accounts what could they find?
I hope this blog helps you and I would love to hear your feedback!
The blog was written by Graham Hughes, Financial Services Recruitment Specialist