As the spooky season rolls around, the last thing you want is for your job application to turn into a horror story. While it might not involve haunted houses or vampires, submitting a flawed job application can sometimes feel like a nightmare to some job seekers!

To help you avoid turning your dream opportunities into scary stories, we’ve outlined all the monstrous mistakes you should steer clear of to ensure your CV doesn’t go straight into the job market graveyard!

 

1. The Terrifying Tale of a Generic CV

You might think a one-size-fits-all CV will save you time, but in reality, it can doom your chances before they even begin. Think of it this way, you wouldn’t show up to a costume party without a costume!

How to Avoid This:

Make sure you’re tailoring your CV for each job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills, experiences, and accomplishments most relevant to the role you're applying for. Use the keywords from the job description and your experience to demonstrate how you’re a perfect match for the position.

 

2. The Curse of the Typos and Grammatical Ghouls

Imagine spending hours perfecting your CV only for it to be dismissed because of a simple typo. Nothing screams "unprofessional" like spelling errors or incorrect grammar. These grammatical ghouls can creep into your application and make hiring managers run for the hills.

How to Avoid This:

Proofread your CV and cover letter carefully. Use spell check, but don’t rely on it completely. Read your application aloud, or better yet, have someone else review it. A fresh pair of eyes can catch those sneaky mistakes that might otherwise slip by unnoticed.

 

3. The Disappearing Act: Missing Contact Information

Picture this: the hiring manager is impressed by your qualifications, but when they try to contact you for an interview, your information is missing! Forgetting to include your contact details is a frightfully common mistake and can result in the loss of an amazing opportunity.

How to Avoid This:

Make sure your full name, phone number, and email address are prominently displayed at the top of your CV. Double-check that your contact information is up-to-date, and if you have a LinkedIn profile, include that as well.

 

4. The Monster of Irrelevant Experience

Including every job you've ever had, from summer camp counsellor to dog walker, might seem like a way to bulk up your CV. However, irrelevant experiences can clutter your application and make it hard for hiring managers to see your qualifications for the specific role you’re applying for.

How to Avoid This:

Keep your CV focused and concise. Only include jobs and experiences that directly relate to the position. If you have unrelated work history, emphasise transferable skills like communication, leadership, or problem-solving, but avoid overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.

 

5. The Haunted House of Outdated Formatting

Just like no one wants to visit a decrepit, haunted mansion, hiring managers don’t want to sift through a badly formatted CV. Cluttered layouts, strange fonts, and excessive use of colours or graphics can make your CV a nightmare to read.

How to Avoid This:

Keep your CV clean and professional. Use a standard, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri, and ensure the layout is well-organised with clear headings and bullet points. A simple, polished design will help your qualifications shine through without any distractions.

 

6. The Phantom of the Unexplained Gaps

Employment gaps aren’t as terrifying as they used to be, but leaving gaps unexplained can raise red flags for employers. If there’s a period where you weren’t working, and it’s not addressed, hiring managers may start to wonder if there’s a skeleton in your closet.

How to Avoid This:

If you’ve taken time off for travel, personal reasons, or education, briefly explain it in your cover letter or CV. For example, "Took a career break to pursue a personal development project" or "Returned to school for additional training." The key is to show that the gap was intentional and productive.

 

7. The Web of Overused Buzzwords

Buzzwords can be like candy on Halloween - sweet in moderation, but too much can make you sick! Phrases like "team player," "hard worker," and "detail-oriented" are so overused that they’ve lost their meaning. If your CV is packed with buzzwords, it can come across as generic and insincere.

How to Avoid This:

Instead of relying on vague buzzwords, focus on specific accomplishments. Instead of saying "team player," describe how you led a project that required collaboration. Replace "hard worker" with examples of how you exceeded goals or took initiative in a challenging situation. Let your achievements do the talking.

 

8. The Ghostly Cover Letter

Submitting your CV without a cover letter is like trick-or-treating without a costume—missing an opportunity to make an impression! While some job postings may not require a cover letter, including one gives you a chance to tell your story and demonstrate why you’re the best fit for the role.

How to Avoid This:

Always include a customised cover letter that explains why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs. Make it personal and avoid repeating your CV word-for-word. It’s your chance to show a bit of personality and enthusiasm!

 

9. The Frankenstein’s Monster of Overly Long CVs

Just like Frankenstein’s monster was stitched together from too many parts, an overly long CV can feel pieced together without focus. Most recruiters spend mere seconds skimming CVs, and anything over two pages might send them running.

How to Avoid This:

Aim for a one- to two-page CV, focusing on the most relevant and recent experiences. Cut out older or less significant jobs and keep descriptions concise. A streamlined CV not only looks more professional but is also easier for hiring managers to digest.

 

10. The Black Hole of No Follow-Up

After sending your application into the dark abyss, don’t let it disappear forever. Failing to follow up after submitting your CV can make you miss out on opportunities or appear disinterested in the role.

How to Avoid This:

If you haven’t heard back within a week or two after applying, send a polite follow-up email. Express your continued interest in the position and ask if there are any updates on the hiring process. This shows initiative and keeps you on the recruiter’s radar.

 

Avoiding these monstrous mistakes will help you put your best foot forward when applying for jobs. Remember, the goal is to present yourself as a qualified, polished, and enthusiastic candidate - one who stands out for all the right reasons.

Still haunted by your job search? Contact Acorn by Synergie today and we’ll help you conjure up the perfect job match. Whether you’re looking for a role that makes your heart race or something that’s a little less spooky, we’re here to guide you out of the job-hunting shadows and into the light of a thrilling new career!