Application documents
avoid these errors

Four tips for an error-free cv

If you send an application full of mistakes, it might prevent you from being invited for an interview – no matter how qualified you may be for the job. Do not neglect to correct your cover letter and resume carefully. Below you will find the most common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

Applying for a new job can be a time-consuming and sometimes extensive task. An application requires dedication, concentration and focus – even regarding the seemingly unimportant details, such as repeatedly checking each element of your application documents for spelling and grammar errors as well as formatting and consistency. It doesn't matter whether you apply for an advertised position or on your own initiative.

Error-free applications – even without having an eye for detail

Of course, it is a matter of debate to which extent an application must be error-free. You can be sure that the personnel sector is conducting this debate fiercely. However, that doesn't change the fact that error-free applications are still very important. The good news is that there are a few simple steps which can help you submit error-free applications – even if you have a lack of attention to detail.

1. Spelling and grammar mistakes

2. The application has no consistent form

3. Poor formatting

4. Lack of reading flow

1

1. Spelling and grammar mistakes:

Of course, everyone occasionally makes mistakes. Considering the technology and software available to us today, however, numerous kinds of spelling and grammar mistakes in application documents are almost inexcusable. So, before submitting your CV and cover letter, you must always:

Use the spell-checking software on your computer and make sure you set the correct language
Print out your CV and/or cover letter, this will make it easier for you to notice any mistakes
Read your CV aloud – this is another method to identify errors
Read your CV backwards – this may sound strange, but it’s a proven way to uncover mistakes
Ask a friend or relative to proofread the documents for you
Make use of free online software to help you find any grammar mistakes
Use a different font or font colour – errors are easier to detect in an unusual form. Just remember to change it back before you send it off.

2

2. The application has no consistent form:

Ensure consistency of all elements of your application. Here’s how:

Use abbreviations and capitalisations consistently. In an application, proper nouns, such as job titles, company names and training courses, are frequently used, which, of course, might lead to inconsistency. Candidates sometimes capitalise their job title in the wrong context, or use an abbreviation to refer to their company in one instance, but not another – so pay attention!
Consistently use the same simple font and font size throughout your application – the same goes for bold and italicised copy.
Don’t switch from writing in the first person, to the third person, and vice versa. Write in the first person throughout.
Similarly, ensure you maintain a professional tone throughout.

3

3. Poor formatting:

Formatting is often one of the first things a recruiter or HR consultant will notice. Here’s how to leave the best first impression possible:

Keep your reader in mind; your application should be written as clearly as possible. Avoid large paragraphs and divide important information by using bullet points
Avoid using logos and pictures on your CV. They are unnecessary and may lead to a poorly formatted CV. If recruiters/HR consultants use other systems than you, logos and pictures might cause problems for them
Keep it simple – resist the temptation to use backgrounds, borders or clipart
In your word processing program, zoom out of the document to get a clearer view of formatting
Print out the documents to detect formatting errors – this helps you to immediately spot any inconsistencies
If your CV is more than one page, ensure your page transitions are smooth. If you start with a certain position on one page, it should also end there, so avoid continuing it on the second page
When you have completed the formatting, you should convert the document into a PDF file. Like this, you can be sure that the formatting remains as you want it to be. In addition, you can integrate your appendix and save everything as one single PDF file.

4

4. Lack of reading flow:

This is particularly important if an email and/or cover letter are part of your job application. Take time to double check the following:

Do your paragraphs flow?
Does your text make sense to the reader?
Read it out loud to notice any sentences difficult to understand. This also helps to identify words that are used too many times in a particular paragraph or sentence
Read it to a friend or relative to double check that they understand what the key messages are

Invest in your application documents

In general, you should take plenty of time to ensure that you have completed each of the above steps before submitting your next application. This shows that you are ambitious and diligent, which ultimately increases your chances of being invited to an interview.

Hays creates opportunities
How we help you to succeed

What is a video interview, and what are the special types of video interview?

A video interview is a type of job interview in which the applicant talks to a recruiter via video chat. The conversation can take place either in real time or after a time delay. The synonyms for a video interview include online job interview, online interview, digital job interview, online job talk, digital interview and virtual job interview.
In a time-delayed video interview, the applicants are provided with a list of questions beforehand and have a certain amount of time to record and transmit their answers.
Another alternative is the so-called video pitch. This is a short presentation which the applicant records and sends to the company. It is a question of presenting yourself concisely and convincingly within a short time, and highlighting your own skills and experience. The video pitch is frequently used as a supplement to the CV and cover letter method, and can help applicants to be shortlisted more quickly.