MAIN CV WEAKNESSES - OVERVIEW 

Winning CV has compiled a comprehensive list of the 'Top CV Weaknesses', as identified by recruiters. 
Think smarter - use this advice to improve a job application by avoiding such weaknesses. 

Top recruiter tips to help applicants sell their CVs more effectively to employers and ultimately
get an interview.  The following tips are not highlighted in any specific order or preference.

Not tailoring a job application to the role 

This really irritates recruiters, as it can show a lack of preparation and attention to detail.

Tailoring a CV will show that thought has gone into the application process and will have greater
impact when selling credentials to recruiters.

Poor Spelling and grammar

There is no excuse for poor spelling and grammar, especially with computer spell-checks.
Remember there is a difference between English and US-English on a spell-check!
Sloppy work shows a lack of attention to detail.

Being too creative

Creative touches do not impress recruiters. Keep your CV simple and professional. Use a standard black font and good quality white paper. Fancy colours, binding CVs, photos, poor quality paper and photocopies do not add any value to an application.

Work experience - lacking in achievements

Candidates tend to list job tasks rather than selling achievements.

For instance, a recruiter would be interested in someone with sales experience. The recruiter would be even more interested if the candidate was responsible for generating 25% increased sales or improved margins within a given time period by doing certain activities. This shows evidence of achievement.

Including too much personal information

Candidates often include unnecessary personal information. Check the relevance of personal information before including it. Make sure all personal information is accurate.

Omitting a covering letter

Covering letters are crucial in adding value to an application. It persuades recruiters to read-on by highlighting the main skills, qualities and experience contained in a CV, which are also most relevant to the role. Recruiters expect to receive a covering letter and any omission can mean your application is instantly rejected.

Other covering letter issues

Covering letters are often not directed to a correct person, are too long, do not add value to CV, omit job reference numbers and do not state why candidates are interested or suited to the role.

There is nothing to persuade recruiters to read on and is badly written (i.e. poor punctuation, grammar, spelling, poorly structured, etc.).  Also, the letter is not properly tailored to the vacancy.

Letters are addressed to 'Whom it may concern' or 'Dear Sir / Madam'. Recruiters may deem this
as a lack of interest or just being lazy by not researching the company.

                                                                                                                                 

Not reading the job advertisement properly

Omitting requests or instructions from a job advertisement - like including current salary or
being asked to tell the employer why you really want the role.

Overstating skills, experience & achievements - must have credibility

Overstating skills - claiming to be an 'expert' when good working knowledge would be more appropriate.
Achieving fantastic results - candidates must back this up with credible evidence.

Excluding activities and interests

Activities and interests can reveal more about your personality.  Sharing something in common with the recruiter can be a good interview conversation starter.  Keep details brief.

Candidates adding humour - totally unnecessary

Recruiting the right candidate is a serious and considered process which needs to be handled professionally.

CV Weaknesses - Miscellaneous

CV not containing a skills and qualities profile - can help to reinforce experience.
Candidates sounding desperate by overstating interest in the role.
Making salary demands - not applicable at this stage.

                                               

                       

An interview-winning CV? - Getting the basics right can leave a good impression!