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Great CV but no interview? This could be why.

Here’s what could be making your applications to be ignored according to Nelly Mutula, Fuzu’s Head of Human Resource.

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Here’s what could be making your applications to be ignored according to Nelly Mutula, Fuzu’s Head of Human Resource.

Photo credits: Oladimeji Ajegbile

Good CV but No interview invite:Reasons why this may be so

Have you been wondering why your applications have not borne any fruit despite having a good CV? You tailor your CV to every Job description but still don’t get any invite? The only thing you are getting in your email inbox from the few companies that respond is “We regret to inform you that due to high level of competition we will not be moving forward with your application but we wish you all the best in your career endeavors.”

If this sounds like something you’ve been experiencing, here’s what could be making your applications to be ignored according to Nelly Mutula, Fuzu’s Head of Human Resource. 

1. Failure to understand the job description

You might have a good CV, the right qualifications but fail to understand the requirements of the job description. Every employer has what they want and it’s up to you to read the job description meticulously. Get the picture of what the employer is looking for. This will allow you to only apply for jobs that you are fully qualified for. Employers normally have minimum qualifications and added advantages for a job, therefore, get to weigh whether you have those.

2. Failure to follow instructions laid out in the job description

Your CV might be the best but failing to follow key instructions laid out in the job description ultimately disqualifies you from even being shortlisted. 

Unsuccessful applicants fail to convert their CV into PDF format when asked to do so, while others fail to accompany their applications with the documents that the recruiter has asked for. This shows that you pay little attention to details and hence no consideration.

3. Industries mismatch

You might have the skills, but according to Nelly, if your industries don’t match what the employer is looking for, you will not get shortlisted. For example, as a Salesperson, you might have experience in the hospitality industry but not the engineering industry which could be what the employer is looking for. 

4. Keywords missing

Some recruiting processes are aided by an Application Tracking System alias ATS. Therefore, they sift through every application and eliminate those that don’t have the right keywords nor the right education and work experience as stipulated in the job description. Ensure that you sufficiently have what is required by the recruiter and articulately incorporate the right keywords in your applications.

5. Long CVs

Nelly advises that long CVs are boring and dilute your experience. The HR experts that are reviewing your CV are also reviewing a thousand more. They therefore do not have the time to read through 3 pages of your CV. If you have less than two years of experience, your CV should be less than two pages.

Only include the most important information in your CV and leave out extras that are not necessary such as high school information.

6. Grammatical errors

Grammatical errors in your cover letter and CV are like tiny stains in a clean white cloth. They scream at the recruiter and they cannot be ignored. You need to ensure that you have a flawless, infallible application.

7. Copying your CV and pasting it on the cover letter

Nelly emphasized that some job seekers miss out on opportunities because they are too lazy to write a fresh cover letter that points out their unique achievements so they instead duplicate their CV.  

A cover letter is supposed to highlight unique achievements and accomplishments relevant to the job description that you got while working in different places in the course of your work experience. However some people go to the lengths of just indicating see my CV instead of going the long way and uniquely selling themselves.

Quick tips

  • Avoid clichés in your cover letter.
  • Have a very honest, true account of your employment gaps.
  • Make your cover letter exciting and arouse the recruiter to desire to meet you.
  • Apply for the right job. The one that you are fit and qualified for.

 

Written by

Kelvin Mokaya


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