Constantly being rejected? Could this be the reason?

It is highly likely that your CV has spelling and grammar errors in it!

Ok so I’ve probably lost you now!  Are you are thinking, I’m a great speller, I’ve got a qualification to prove it and I’ve proof read my CV,  it’s perfect this doesn’t apply to me? 

Please keep reading........

You will be surprised to learn that most of the CV’s we receive have spelling and grammar errors in them, a whopping 95 to 98% of applicants. These are from people of all ages and include lots of people who are surprised to find an error in their perfect CV.


Mistakes will prevent you getting a job!!!!


Companies will overlook your details assuming: You lack attention to detail.  Have a poor command of the English language.  Think you will make lots of mistakes in written work, which could damage their brand and reputation.  That you simply don’t care enough to present yourself properly as a future employee for their company.

Your CV should represent the very best of you and your experience!

I often have conversations with people, of all ages, when I am interviewing, about how very difficult it is to spot our own mistakes, in things we type ourselves.  Our brains are very clever at working out what we mean to say, which leads to the copy we write, reading ok in our head but not necessarily on paper.  It’s not until someone else reads it that they spot the errors.  You can spot some mistakes yourself by re-reading, especially if you walk away and check it later.  However having another person check it, helps ensure any additional errors are corrected ahead of you applying for a role.

I use this example when I give career guide talks at local universities, to emphasis the point to students, before I ask them to check each other’s CV.   As this is not exclusive a young person problem, anyone would benefit from this quick test.

"i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg, if i an raed ths jsut igamine how mnay msitaeks cluod be in yur CV!"

Ok so this is an extreme; however it just shows how our brains help us out.  It can usually work out the word if the first and last letters are in place and all the other letters are jumbled up.

For the last few years, I have seen more capital letter errors.  This includes, job titles missing a capital letter on the 2nd word.  Lower case I’s being used.   Descriptive words, in job experience text starting with a capital letter, when not part of a job title.  I can only assume this is due to texting, where we use less capital letters, looks like our brain is evolving to not spot these as important mistakes.

As an experienced recruiter, if I spot an error I am always happy to point it out, so it can be amended ahead of it reaching a potential employer, however this is a last resort and I have also rejected applicants with numerous errors in their CV, especially if a role has an element of proof reading or attention to detail in it.


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The simple fix is: 

Ask someone else to proof read your CV! 


10 Things you should have on your CV

10 things you should have in your CV

 

  1. Contact Details: Your name, address, telephone numbers, email address and link to portfolio (where appropriate).

  2. Employment History: Make sure you include more details about the jobs that are most relevant

  3. Education & Qualifications: These may not be directly related to your experience but employers want to see this

  4. Profile: This can be used to display your skills and strengths but also to get some of your personality across.

  5. Good Spelling and Punctuation: Having bad spelling and grammar mistakes in a CV will prevent you getting an interview.

  6. Skills and Strengths: Skills are something you acquire with education and experience.

    Strengths are things that you are naturally good at.

  7. Simple Format: A well designed easy to read format should be used.

  8. Appropriate Layout: Depending on your experience, layout should be work-focused or education-focused.

  9. References: State, references are available on request

  10. Cover Letter: Most employers will expect a cover letter, it gives you the chance to get your personality across, let them know why you think you are suitable for the job by outlining relevant experience