There is plenty of guidance available to candidates on compiling CVs and filling in job applications as well as being careful about information shared on social media, yet applicants continue to include inappropriate, irrelevant or just plain daft comments.
These examples illustrate the point that it is always a good idea to proof read for spelling, grammar and repetition, or have someone else do it, before hitting the send button or mailing:
"My focus and intensity are at inordinately high levels, and my ability to complete projects on time is unspeakable". In this example perhaps the candidate should find an alternative to that final word.
"Strong maths aptitude; excellent memory; effective management skills; and very good at maths." This is a perfect example of how to not demonstrate an excellent memory.
"Thank you for your consideration. Hope to hear from you shorty." What happens if the recipient of this one is vertically challenged?
Another common blunder is to include information that the candidate has plainly not considered from the point of view of the recruiter or employer.
One recruiter recalled receiving a CV with a covering letter explaining that the applicant had used a different name rather than their real one on their CV because the fictitious name sounded better.
While the advice is to try to strike a positive note plainly some people struggle with this when giving reasons for leaving their last position and among the examples recruiters have reported receiving are that the candidate was suspected of embezzlement, that their boss had discovered that they were having an affair with his wife and that "fortunately" they were sent to prison. These are all good illustrations of the advice that while lying is not an option there are some pieces of information that it would be wiser not to volunteer.
Giving examples of skills and ability is another area that seems to cause problems. While candidates will want to demonstrate creativity and a wide range of skills it is important to offer examples that are relevant to the post being applied for and to the work of the organisation offering it.
Apparently qualifications including a licence to disturb and interfere with badgers, a U grade in religious studies or experience in puppy euthanasia have all appeared on applications.
If the employer is looking for a PA or EA they are unlikely to be impressed or find such examples relevant and clearly the message to anyone who is looking for a new position at any time, not only when the competition is as fierce as it currently is, is to think about the relevance of every piece of information they are considering including on an application preferably through the eyes of the person who is going to receive it.
Doing the research on a company, understanding its culture and ethos and the core skills required for a position should be second nature for any candidate who hopes to win an interview and eventually the position applied for.
The information candidates include in their job application form makes all the difference to securing an interview so why do so many include irrelevant or plain daft information? By Ali Withers.
