We have questioned graduate employers about their top reasons for rejecting graduate CVs and these are the results. Commit any of these top ten CV sins at your peril!
1.) Applying for the wrong job position
Surprisingly, sending a CV tailored to a completely different role is a fairly common occurrence, but definitely not advisable if you want to be considered for the job.
2.) Spelling and grammar blonder
With the abundance of spell-checking software available there is no excuse to send a CV with any spelling or grammar mistakes, all that this demonstrates to an employer is a lack of attention to detail.
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3.) Lack of research into the role
Although sending a generic CV can be very tempting, it pays to spend time applying your CV to each role. Employers often perceive a generic or untargeted CV as an indication that you aren’t really bothered about the job.
4.) Complicated layouts
Graduate employers often have many CVs to look through for each role, they don’t have time to waste trying to navigate a complicated CV layout. The simpler you make your layout, the easier you make their job, so they are much more likely to focus on the content of your CV.
5.) Formatting errors
Over-complicated formatting, errors and inconsistencies in the formatting of your CV are really off-putting to employers, and again show a lack of attention to detail.
6.) Lacking evidence
Including your skills is a good way to demonstrate how you may fit into a role as a graduate. Employers are looking for proof that you have these skills, and the best way to do this is to demonstrate these using your employment, education and interests as evidence.
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7.) Not spending enough time on your CV
Graduate employers have lots of experience of assessing CVs, and they will be able to tell exactly how much time and effort you have put into your CV, so make sure your first impression shows your dedication.
8.) CV being too long or short
As a graduate, your CV should be 2 pages long (for an internship it can be one or two pages), but if you have relevant information that will enhance you chances in the consideration for an interview, you should not bother if your CV pages are more than 2 or 3 pages, make sure you include all those information. You should avoid irrelevant information in your CV, it makes your CV boring to the recruiter.
9.) The relevance of information
Padding out your CV with extra information, or missing out something vital will stand out to employers. Make sure that your CV contains only relevant information for the role you are applying for.
10. ) Being unable to open the CV
It sounds silly, but if an employer can’t open your CV they are unlikely to have the time to chase you for one they can open. Make sure you put your CV in a common format, such as a compatible version of word or a PDF.
See also:
5 Tips on How to Write, a Better Fresh Graduate Resume / CV
Top 10 CV Mistakes Graduates Make and Ways To Avoid Them
Why 90% of Job Seekers Never Get Invited For An Interview
How to Write a Brief But Powerful and Standard Cover Letter