Vast majority of CV's will be thrown straight in the bin
An unnerving statistic for those looking for new jobs has been divulged by research undertaken by global recruitment specialist, Hudson.
Hudson's research highlighted that only 8 in 100 CV's would pass the basic tests notwithstanding some of the more detailed points relating to a CV. It also highlighted that the average time spent reading each CV by a prospective employer is roughly 30 seconds which suggests the need for brevity and every word needing to be carefully thought out. The high number of applications per vacancy in the current climate means that anyone screening CVs will go through a process of de-selection before finalising a shortlist and dismissing poorly constructed CVs is the easiest way to do this.
Further data and research by Hudson shows that nearly 60% of current candidates are ill-prepared for competency based interviews and over 70% were not aware of all of the media and avenues available to them when searching for vacancies.
Kate McClorey, Director for Hudson IT said “ Since the start of 2009, we are seeing an unprecedented level of applications for positions within the IT sector. As more candidates from both a contract and permanent background become available in the market, candidates are in turn becoming much more flexible with regards to location and type of work. Currently, we are receiving a minimum of 50 CVs per vacancy and with Business Analysis and Project Management roles this is nearing the 200 mark. With the launch of our new Candidate Career Guidance Workshops, we can help our candidates learn how to prepare for an interview, as well as utilise all the non-traditional methods of securing a new role. It is quite surprising how many people lack these skills but this is mainly down to the number of people who have not had to actively look for a job for many years."
Hudson in association with ScotlandIS recently hosted the first in a series of their Candidate Career Guidance Workshops for IT professionals with great success.
Polly Purvis, Director for ScotlandIS said “This event provided IT professionals with an invaluable opportunity to get right up to date with the latest ways to promote yourself effectively in today's fiercely competitive marketplace. If you've been working for the same organisation for several years you won't know all the latest recruitment techniques but it’s often difficult to admit.
The workshop allowed everyone to gain valuable insights into current practices, in a friendly, non challenging environment, and was very much valued by attendees".
Hudson offers the following basic advice on CV’s:
Spelling and Grammar
Everyone did basic spelling in school but it is so important to check and re-check as it is perfectly acceptable for an employer to reject someone who won’t even put the effort into their CV. A couple of tips are not to rely on the spell checker as it is usually an American English dictionary and also to remember that a spell checker does not recognise when you have written the incorrect word like ‘from’ instead of ‘form’.
Layout
It is not about writing everything you know – you need to be selective. This is the hard part but also what can differentiate you. If you consider that you have only been given 30 seconds, ensure they read the important parts. The number one thing a prospective employer looks at is what you did in your current or last job so have this detail on page one – not your education or qualifications details. The key point to note on layout is if the recruiter does not like the look of the CV and finds it hard to read, then that is your problem not theirs. So, get advice and ask others to read it and look at it from an objective, visual perspective.
Length of CV
A basic rule of thumb is a maximum of 1000 words and if you cannot write it in this then you are putting in too much detail. Remember if your CV only gets 30 seconds you want to ensure that they read the important information. Naturally, however, years of employment can be somewhat a determination of length of CV.
Content
Finally, for the 8% of CVs that did pass the spelling, grammar and layout that is only stage one. Now you need to focus on selling yourself in the best way possible and ensuring that your CV reads as achievements (not duties) as this is what will differentiate you. Remember the only thing a CV is meant to do – get you to the interview.