5 reasons why your C.V. is trashed
“There are no jobs” we hear job searchers shouting out.
“We can’t find skilled candidates” we hear employers crying out.
Where’s the mismatch? Or should we be asking, is there a mismatch?
You might be perfectly suited to the role but you’re just not getting noticed. Why?
We are in a highly competitive employment market. For each job advertised an employer can receive hundreds of applications. Whether you agree or not, employers make rapid decisions about which C.V.s will be trashed immediately, and which will make it to the pile to be given more consideration. It sounds harsh but in today’s workplace time is very precious.
Sadly, only a handful of applicants make it to the stage where their C.V. is more carefully considered.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why…
1) You haven’t followed the application procedure
Many modern job searching websites encourage job searchers to apply using an easy `one click` application process which automatically sends a stored C.V. to the employer. However, employers often give additional instructions within their job advertisement, such as the requirement to include a covering letter.
The impression this could give: You don’t follow procedures and you don’t pay attention to the detail.
The solution: Read the job application fully before applying and be sure to follow the application procedure precisely. If you feel a job searching site is preventing you from doing this then follow your application up with a phone call.
2) You haven’t included any form of communication with your C.V.
In business, when we send documents internally or externally, it’s standard practice to include a covering email or letter. Not only does it explain what we are sending and why, but it’s also considered courteous.
The impression this could give: Your basic communication and customer care skills are poor.
The solution: Always include a polite covering letter/email which follows good practice.
3) You’ve used a C.V. template provided by a job searching website
Some online C.V. templates are dreadful! They all look the same and they’re often poorly presented and disorganised. Some instantly turn employers off. If your C.V. doesn’t look good, then you don’t look good either!
The impression this could give: You don’t take initiative or have pride in your work.
The solution: A C.V. is similar to a shop window and it should invite the reader to come in. Create your own C.V. so it’s unique and stands out amongst the others.
4) You haven’t explained why you’re suited to the role
In the first round, an employer could spend less than a minute glancing over each application trying to identify the ones that are clearly not suitable. If it’s not obvious that you have the qualifications, skills and experience that they’re looking for, then your application is likely to be dismissed.
The impression could this give: You haven’t read the job specification and are looking for any type of job.
The solution: Tailor the covering email/letter and C.V. profile for each job, clearly illustrating how you’re suitable. The covering letter should make the employer want to read the C.V., and the C.V. should make the employer want to interview you.
5) You’ve made mistakes
We all make mistakes but we really shouldn’t be making them when we’re applying for jobs! Some employers may ignore errors but some might not. Some errors can’t be ignored.
The impression this could give: You can’t work accurately when it really matters.
The solution: Ask others to proof read your application before you send it.
It sounds like a lot of work doesn’t it? That’s because it is. The skills that you need to utilise are very similar to the skills sales representatives and businesses use to sell their products and services. You need to become skilled at selling you! You need to work out how to get noticed and make the right impact so you can secure that interview. It’s often an area of personal development that is overlooked. There are plenty of resources online to help you and we’ll be adding to them in the next few weeks, so do pop back.
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