What’s Wrong with My CV?

Have you ever applied for a job, waiting with bated breath and hoping to get a call, only to open your inbox a few days later and receive a rejection email?

More than likely its because there maybe gaps in your work history or, unfortunately, the skills you have developed are not suited to the role advertised.

Here are five suggestions to help you spruce up your resume and increase your chances of getting a call from your recruiter or potential employer:

  1. Ctrl+V

Just like your old school teacher or professor, we can normally detect when you’ve copy-pasted directly from the internet. If you are doing this, make sure that you actually edit the passage, so it makes sense in context. Copying random sentences that sound fancy or professional and lumping them altogether, simply looks disorganised.

  1. Are my gramer and spellin right?

The answer to that question is a resounding no . It may seem logical to proof read your CV before applying for a job, but often we tend to glaze over our own mistakes and leave very small yet obvious errors. Ask a trusted person to have a read through your resume; or at the very least, use an online grammar editor. This is important, because you need to demonstrate you have put in the effort into presenting your resume in the best way possible. Just as you want to be able to present yourself in the best way possible, at your interview.

  1. Personal vs Professional

We don’t need to know if you’re single or married with 3 kids, always remember this is a professional profile, not your Facebook account (which also should be set to private). Your name, address, contact number and email are more than sufficient.

  1. Too much detail

When a recruiter or line manager is required to read through a high volume of resumes, having to tackle huge slabs of paragraph or a very long resume, can be daunting to say the least. Elaboration is good, but when it goes to the extreme, can give the impression of overcompensation. Is there something you’re trying to hide between the lines? Try and put yourself in the place of the resume reader, what would you prefer?

  1. Not enough detail!

On the opposite end, responsibilities described in one word, or clichéd phrases like ‘Team Player’ is too little. How were you a team player? During your company’s Soccer matches every second Friday night? The key is to be specific and relevant, especially with regard to the role for which you are applying.

Get in touch

Shell Bongares • July 3, 2018

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.

NZ's 2024 Employment

and Salary Trends Report

Salary trends, talent attraction and retention strategies

Request your copy
Share by: