What Recruiters Really Want to See on Your CV

Are you looking for a new job? Or perhaps you are just trying to update and improve your CV? We asked experienced HR professional Rachel Shopland, HR Manager at Family Lives, to share her top tips on how to make your application stand out from the rest. She also shares her wisdom on some common pitfalls to avoid...

Q: With over 15 years’ experience in HR you must have seen a lot of different mistakes in job applications submitted to you! What are the most common ones?

A: The most common error is that candidates write what they want to tell the employer not what the employer wants to know. For example, don’t just repeat your job history in the statement on your application form or covering letter. This is the biggest frustration I find as a recruiter!

Poor spelling or grammar is a frequent issue and does not leave a good first impression. Also, statements and letters are also often much too short or too long. 1 side for a covering letter and about 2-3 sides for application form statement or CV are usually about right.

Amazingly, I still receive handwritten applications, letters and CVs. Unless specifically asked for, always write these on a computer. Handwritten ones are harder to read and also suggest the individual has poor computer skills.

Q: Can you recall any particularly memorable or amusing errors?

A: Candidates who seem to forget what job or organisation they have applied for and even go as far as to leave the name of the previous job or employer on their application.

I had one candidate who sent her CV for a call centre job on what looked like child’s writing paper. It was coloured and had pictures of horses on!

Typos in my name or the organisation’s name also don’t go down very well.

Q: What top 5 tips would you give to someone trying to write an excellent application that will stand out from the rest?

1. Always ensure that covering letter and application forms are focused on the role you are applying for. Look at person specification criteria and address every one in 1 or 2 sentences. Not only does this mean that you show exactly why you are suitable and makes you more likely to get shortlisted, but it also pleases recruiters which is always good when they have hundreds of CVs/application forms to get through.

2. Get someone else to read through your application form/CV and give honest feedback and spellcheck it, or use a proofreading service.

3. Sell yourself but NEVER lie as that could lead to you being dismissed from the job.

4. Explain anything on your CV that a recruiter may be concerned about e.g. gaps in employment, why you have had lots of short-term jobs, why you want a different role/career etc.

5. Finally, make sure you have done some research on the organisation so you can clearly show why you want to work for them.

Q: Thank you Rachel, for sharing your experience and insights!

A: No problem, good luck with your applications! It can certainly be a frustrating process but ultimately is worth it when you land that dream role! Don’t forget to ask for feedback if you don’t get a job.  If you make it through to the interview stage employers should provide this.

Would you like to have your CV or job application proofread to make the best possible impression? A to Z Proofreading can help. We offer affordable and reliable professional editing and proofreading service to academics,individuals and businesses. Find us at www.atozproofreading.co.uk