Both HR professionals and recruiters are busy people and haven't got time to act as a nursemaid / psychologist / English teacher etc when reviewing CV's for a role. You get one opportunity when applying for jobs, so you want to make absolutely sure that you get it right.
What you don't want to do is to commit one of the seven deadly sins below when it comes to applying for jobs!!
1.Read the Person Specification properly
Make sure that you address the criteria in the person specification in your application, preferably in the order they appear in the further particulars.
Cardinal Sin: Not reading further particulars or person specification. Person specification is important as it lists the qualifications, skills required for any job. No point in applying if they do not meet most or all of the criteria listed. Read the job description, further particulars and information about the organisation so you are fully informed and can tailor your application. My favourite gripe these days with online recruitment - people just don't read anything!!!
2. Neatness/ presentation
Make sure your application form is neatly presented completing all questions fully. The same applies to a CV/Resume - make sure it is well presented.
Cardinal Sin: Scruffy forms/illegible writing/spelling mistakes/crossing out/etc
Make sure your application is well presented, either typed or written clearly and legibly. Cardinal Sin: Spelling errors - and don’t type in capitals or bold text . Make sure your application is neatly presented form completing all questions fully. Presentation is very important. Make sure your handwriting or font is easy to read and neat.
3. Sell yourself! Use your presentation of your application to highlight your key selling points and your capabilities. Make it as easy as possible for the recipient to pick out the key things they are looking for on your CV or application. If they have to search for the information they are looking for and they have a pile of applications, they might just miss something! What is needed is clear and concise information which tells them how wonderful you are - make them think that they can't manage without you.
Cardinal Sin: Don't lie! And if you enhance the truth, be prepared to talk about it at interview.
4. Follow the instructions, quote reference numbers and heed Closing Dates.
Follow any instructions, e.g. to use black ink, to complete an application form rather than sending in a CV and to make sure that your application is submitted before the deadline. Application forms should arrive in time for the closing date and don't send a photo unless asked to.
Cardinal Sin: make sure the application goes to the right person.
5. Explain why you are applying for THIS job - covering letter/ CV tailoring to be unique to each position. Write a good covering letter with application (why are you applying for the post and what skills and qualities could you bring to the role, any previous experience).
Applicants should try to make each application seem unique to the post they are applying for rather than send in a universal CV/covering letter.
Cardinal Sin: Making comments about previous employers as to why you wish to leave current job
6. Lengthy CVs - self explanatory (2/3 pages long, absolute maximum of 4 pages). Try to give enough information without it too wordy or too brief. It should be concise not repetitive. Keep application forms and CVs short, concise and uncomplicated. The longer and harder to read your application is, the less likely the prospective employer is to read through it all.
Cardinal Sin: Attaching lengthy documents (thesis, research papers) not necessary and not asked for
7.Make sure you supply a number of contact details
Always ensure you have you full address and contact details, an employer is not going to spend extra time chasing to get your details if they have a pile of other candidates.
Cardinal Sin: Lack of contact details e.g. daytime telephone numbers/email addresses.
None of the above will suprise anyone who has had the pleasure of reveiwing CV's, but what is surprising is just how often they all still keep on occurring!!
