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5 Resume setbacks that are costing you the job, Be Careful!
When it comes to job interviews, we've all heard that first impressions are key. Well, the same goes for your CV. An eye-tracking study by career site Ladders Inc. found that recruiters spend just seven seconds scanning an application. With such a small amount of time to impress, it's vital to avoid the mistakes that could cost you the chance of getting your dream job.
1. Making it too long
Given the short amount of time that a recruiter has to look over your CV, it's a good idea to keep it succinct. Most HR professionals suggest keeping it to under two pages in order to ensure it gets a proper scan. While this might sound challenging, it's actually helpful as it allows you to make sure that every sentence counts, and is really helping to sell you to potential employers.
2. Making it too short
Similarly, having a CV that's overly short isn't a good idea either. While a one-pager is often seen as being the ideal, you definitely don't want to start trimming off important bits of information in order to squeeze everything onto one page. This could mean missing out on the chance to tell your prospective employer about relevant achievements. While you might be able to impress them with this information in an interview, you have to make it to that stage first.
3. Picking the wrong design
It's a good idea to make sure that your CV is designed in a way that reflects the type of job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a position in graphic design or the creative arts, it could work against you if your application is dull and uninspiring. In contrast, if you're applying for roles in industries such as finance or law, it's best to stick to a traditional layout.
4. Strange font choices
The font you choose for your CV can also have an impact on your chances of scoring a job interview. Extravagant font options look unprofessional and make it difficult for recruiters to scan through your writing. There are some fonts that resonate particularly well. A study at Wichita State University found that people associate Times New Roman and Arial with stability, while Courier New and Georgia represent maturity.
5. Bad formatting
You want recruiters to be able to read through your CV with ease, so using the right formatting is essential. Large blocks of text are very visually unappealing, and may result in busy employers not bothering to look through it at all. Make sure your CV is tidy, with short paragraphs and enough spacing between them. Bullet points can also be helpful when listing things like qualifications or results.
