6 Common Reasons for CV Failure: Read Our Article To Avoid It

Have you been trying to get jobs for weeks, yet not secured an individual interview?

After a while it could feel pretty disheartening.

Unfortunately, your CV is probable letting you down.

But don’t fret!

The good thing is a few small tweaks can enhance your CV and enable you to land an interview.

Below we’ve outlined six of the very most common reasons your CV has been rejected and you skill to resolve the problem.

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1. You’re not tailoring your CV
 

Recruiters can spot a generic application from a mile away, so although it can end up being tempting to construct a generic CV and fire it off to many employers at once, this plan often proves ineffective.

Recruiters need to know that you’re genuinely thinking about their role and not simply trying to land any old job, so an instant, generic CV just isn’t likely to cut it.

Instead, you have to spend period researching the business and role before starting writing your CV.

Utilize the job description, company website and internet searches to assist you tailor every application you submit.

2. Using an unclear format
 

It could be tempting to create your font smaller or put the written text close together to help you to fit in whenever you can.

But using an unclear format such as this is off-putting and may make it problematic for the recruiter to learn - so they’ll probably simply push your CV aside.

You need to make certain it’s readable and that the recruiter can easily scan through and discover the key information they want.

You need to use small paragraphs and break these up with subheadings and bullet factors.

A very clear font is important, usually Calibri, and using size 10 or 12 is preferred.

3. Not using keywords or keywords stuffing
 

Using keywords in your CV helps the recruiter to quickly identify in the event that you match their criteria, rather than doing so may cost you the interview.

To do this, you need to use the work description to highlight any key skills or requirements the employer wants and utilise these words whilst writing your CV.

That said, be cautious you’re not keyword stuffing - it’s about obtaining the balance just right.

Don’t shove lots of keywords and key phrases set for the sake of it.

You still need to make a strong and coherent application.

4. Not listing your achievements
 

It’s all well and great listing your skills, but without context, these don’t mean much to the recruiter.

So, you also must make sure you’re giving types of your achievements.

Using facts and figures showing what you’ve achieved throughout your amount of time in education and in your previous roles, really helps to show the employer ways to add real value with their business.

For example:

- Typically exceeded sales targets by 45%.

- Boosted customer retention rate by 30% in 12 months.

- Recruited and trained 4 junior workers.

5. Using way too many clichés
 

Are you a separate team-player that is effective with others but also by yourself?

That’s great!

But it’s not likely to encourage the recruiter to continue reading your CV.

Employers are completely fed up of the same kind of clichés which, the truth is, don’t help them to choose if you’re an excellent fit for the role.

As such, you should avoid filling your CV with these clichés and instead ensure that you list your core skills and achievements showing ways to add real value to the employer.

6. Choosing a bold design
 

Finally, you’ve seen some of these quirky CVs which have gone viral (like those written on cupcakes or converted to a rap video) and made a decision to follow suit.

Unfortunately, this isn’t usually the answer.

It might seem that choosing a bold design might help you to stick out, but the truth is that it could be distracting and detract from the info contained within.

It’s better to avoid bold colours, quirky layouts or using imagery and graphics.

The general exception to the rule is if you’re trying to get a higher creative role; but also for the most part, simple is usually often best.