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5 Reasons Your CV Isn’t Getting You Interviews

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Aisling Harrison Blog, Tips, CV...

CV writing is a long process, but it is so worth the time and effort when you’re offered your desired role. When applying for jobs, make sure your CV stands out for the right reasons and avoid these common CV pitfalls.

1. NOT TARGETED ENOUGH

Your CV should be tailored to every job and company you apply for. While a lot of content will be transferable between your different CVs, it’s important to show you’ve properly read and understood each individual job spec. A recruiter will know if you haven’t.

If it’s obvious you’re applying for a vacancy using a generic CV, which offers no insight into your career aspirations or your relevancy for the job in question, you will not engage the person reading it.

2. TOO LONG

While, there are the essentials to include on your CV, (click here for a reminder) you’ve got to limit the content and keep it concise.

Ideally, a CV should be no more than 2 sides of A4. If you’re exceeding this, then you best be saying something very impressive and very relevant.

Recruiters want to ascertain an applicant’s suitability quickly. If you don’t grab the attention of whoever is reviewing your CV straightaway, then they won’t investigate further if your CV is more like a novella!

They’ll move on to the next.

3. LACKING STRUCTURE

A strong CV is a CV that is simple to read with clear sections.

Although it’s tempting to cram as much as possible into a 2-page document, it’s important that visually the CV is easy on the eye.

Divide your sections with clear spacing, signify the title of your sections with bold or an enlarged font and use bullet points to list more generic attributes. 

Save your words to elaborate on your key skills and areas of experience. And remember, you’ve always got your cover letter to expand further.

4. POOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR

Besides the fact it exemplifies you have poor spelling and grammar, it also signifies a lack of effort or real interest … even if the job you’re applying for doesn’t require strong written skills.

Before submitting your CV, proofread it, get someone else to proofread it, run it through Grammarly, and get Google Translate to read it back to you.


5. INAPPROPRIATE DETAILS

Your CV is a professional document designed to engage a potential employer. They care about your work history, career aspirations, skills and qualifications. They’ll judge your personality as a cultural fit in their organisation should they interview you.

The only private information on your CV should be your contact details. Full name, number and email address. And ensure your email address is professional, nothing cringes a recruiter more than childish names or attempted humour in your email address – iLUVkittens@hotmail.com … maybe a cat sanctuary wouldn’t mind this, but most recruiters won’t be impressed.