18
The CV The Interview You’re Hired Report: How to alienate employers and miss out on potential jobs R R
The CV
The Interview You’re
Hired
Report: How to alienate employers and miss out on potential jobs
RR
RR
About This Report
Whether you’re a candidate in search of a position, a new company taking on your first hire, or a dab hand at recruiting, our findings will provide an insight into what turns recruiters off, from application right through tostarting the job.
We’ve spoken to recruiters from all over the UK and askedtheir opinions on how candidates should be presentingthemselves to potential employers.
Candidates: take heed and use this report to learn how to navigate the recruitment process successfully: maintain professionalism using this how-not-to guide to ensure you don’t over-step boundaries and under impress.
Companies: irritating fonts, bad breath and bossy new starters - see what gets up the noses of your fellowrecruiters.
RR
First Impressions
MistakesWe asked employers to tell us about the worst mistakesa candidate could make on their CV and it was clear thatspelling errors, followed by messy formatting, were themost irritating issues.
In this day and age, spelling mistakes are unforgivable –but using auto-correct can be equally fatal. Even if you’vegone through your CV with a fine-tooth comb checking forerrors, it sometimes helps to get another person to look over your CV to help to identify those silly application-destroying errors.
We view over 10,000 CVs each week and find that the use of headings, sub headings, and bullet points not only helps to organise the CV and break up dense copy, but also enables recruiters to hone in on your relevant skills quickly and easily.
And whilst you wouldn’t believe it, people really doforget to put their contact details on their CV! Don’t bea dummy – make sure that your name, address, email address and contact numbers are all correct and clearlyaccessible on your CV.
The CV
What’s the worst mistake a candidate can make on their CV?
Not including contact details
Spelling errors
Using an unprofessional email address
Using an unprofessional or unflattering photograph of themself
A long ‘About Me’ paragraph
Not including references
Poor/messy formatting
RR
Presentation Skills
FontsMistral is the clear winner – or should we say loser –coming out as a total no-no when it comes to font choice.
When presenting your CV, whichever font you choose, make sure that it’s clear, legible and big enough to read – don’t try to cram too much information onto two pages.And always avoid anything too comic book – unless ofcourse you’re a graphic designer and it’s all part of theeffect.
You might consider engaging the services of a professionalCV writing company. There are plenty out there - here’sa list - http://bit.ly/TFQ1xP. And for some free tips checkthis out http://bit.ly/VEimTN.
The CV
Which of the following fonts, used on a CV or job application, would put you off a candidate?
Mistral
Times New Roman
Typewriter
Calligraphy
Comic Sans
Don’t pay any attention to the font
RR
The Real You
Other InterestsOf course, future employers want to get to know the realyou, but it’s not surprising that they don’t want to hearabout those mindless activities you enjoy behind closeddoors. When the sum of your hobbies is taking care ofyour cats and watching reality TV, it’s time to get a life –unless of course you’re applying to be a veterinary nurseor television critic, in which case, tell them all about yourmenagerie of animals, or your Saturday night viewingpreferences.
Prospective employers are equally put off by your nightlifeescapades, so when writing your CV, try to thinkabout those extra-curricular activities that show that youare interested in personal & professional development,adding value to your community, or showcasing yourachievements. Everyone loves a winner!
Need ideas? Why not check out this article about interests and hobbies on your CV - http://bit.ly/Ufh5PT.
Just make sure you stand out from the crowd!
The CV
Which of the following ‘Other Interests’ do you find most annoying on a CV?
Clubbing
Hunting, shooting, fishing Taking care of my cats
Skiing
Territorial Army
Extreme sports
Spending time with my family
Watching reality TV
Travelling
Stamp collecting
Socialising
RR
Abbreviations
Correspondence during the interview process – don’t cut corners!These days the recruitment process might be sped up byfast response emails and text messaging, but don’t get toocasual.
When we asked about which informal abbreviations weredeemed unacceptable by clients, a whopping 82% ofrespondents described any form of ‘text-speak’ to be ano-go-area. With LOL (Laugh Out Loud) and XX (Kiss Kiss)seeming to be the most reviled by recruiters, we wouldrecommend that unless you’re using a widely recognisedacronym appropriate to your sector – CRM – CustomerRelationship Management, SEO – Search Engine Optimisation or FLT – Fork Lift Truck - you leave out the short-hand!
Which of the following informal abbreviations are unacceptable for a candidate to include in any of their correspondence with you during the recruitment process?
Thx (Thanks)
AFAIC (As Far As I’m Concerned)
B4N (Bye For Now)
LOL (Laugh Out Loud)
All the Above
TBH (To Be Honest)
The Interview
CU (See You)
F2F (Face To Face)
XX (Kiss Kiss)
CM (Call Me)
i (Instead of I)2 (Instead of to or too)
Any kind of smile emoticon eg :-)
RR
Off-Putting Traits
Responses to the most off-putting traits were in the mostpart evenly spread across several clear turn-offs. Mostobviously the report highlighted that bad-manners,poor personal hygiene and nervousness jeopardise yourchances of securing the role.
Not making eye contact with your interviewer could signalthat you’ve got something to hide, you’re not telling thetruth or you lack confidence. So make sure that you’regenuine and confident and aim for minty-fresh breath ifyou want to do well.
Come on guys, we’ve known for yonks that it’s all aboutthe firm handshake, positive body language and eyecontact!
And here’s another fun article we’ve found for you on howto nail the job interview: http://bit.ly/R8ypvo.
Which is the most off-putting trait in a candidate at interview?
Bad breath
Mumbling
Not looking you in the eye
Biting their nails
A limp handshake
Slouching in their chair
Confrontational body language
Not saying goodbye at the end
Flirting / Being over friendly
The Interview
RR
Social Networks
The first thing a candidate looks at to find out about aprospective employer is their website. Remember, theemployer will be interested in your web-presence too.Now’s the time to clean-up your Facebook profile, or upyour security settings, as employers will almost certainlybe checking out your social media activity.
By all means, you’re allowed to have fun – manyemployers encourage a good work-life balance, but somewon’t be impressed by anything too outrageous. Yourimage is your brand so keep it protected. Make sure yourLinkedin profile is up to date, get some colleague andclient recommendations and market yourself socially;follow relevant industry pages and keep yourself in theloop with current news in your sector.
Which one of the following social sites do youuse most to check up on new employees?
None
The Interview
Google+
RR
What Not To Wear
OK, so you may not have Kate Middleton’s fashion budget, but what you wear on your first day at work is as important as what you wear to the interview.
We found that most companies felt disgruntled whenemployees dressed too casually on their first day at work.The second largest complaint was against candidateswearing loud or comic ties. Unless you’re working in ahigh fashion environment, dress conservatively – no miniskirts, t-shirts with lewd slogans, or anything impractical. Remember how people dressed when you attended the interview and try to fit in… of course, if it’s dress down Friday or an informal dress code, follow that. Just don’t wear the jumper that your granny knitted you for Christmas or you might not make it past week 1!
Which of the following outfit choices would you find unacceptable for a first day at work?
Dressing too casually
A loud / comic tie
Very high heeled shoes
Dressing too smartly
You’reHired
RR
Annoying First Day Behaviour
Day 1 in your new job: only 59 more before you pass yourprobation period. It’s essential that you are careful tostrike the happy balance between forging a strong workingrelationship with your new colleagues and becoming overly familiar.
The biggest complaint from employers was new employees getting above themselves and telling others what to do. Confidence is great, but being bossy or cocky is a great way to irritate your colleagues.
Candidates who aren’t quick on the uptake and don’tunderstand the work are also irritating: make sure you doyour homework and concentrate on taking the time tosettle in. Remember, you’re there to work, but try hard toget on with your fellow workers. This could be the start ofsomething beautiful.
Which of the following is the most annoying type of behaviour from a new employee on their first day?
Complaining that they can’t do the work / don’t understand
Being quiet, keeping their head down
Telling people what to do
Being very talkative & disturbing others
You’reHired
Not really working & taking time to settle in
RR
Lunching
Good news! Your new employer actually wants you to take an hour out of the office. How awesome is that?
If you’re lucky – you could be working for one of those companies that enjoys socialising and calls for a group lunch to welcome you to the team. If you’re invited, take up the offer, or invite your co-workers out for lunch with you if that’s your style. But before leaving the office, make sure you know what the general expectation is – don’t take a two hour lunch-break if the norm is an hour.
The least attractive response from our survey was choosing not to take a lunch break. If you’re just trying to be conscientious, you could eat lunch at your desk, but don’t make a mess – and avoid anything too smelly!
And whilst many employers don’t object to you taking a pub lunch, make sure it’s not a liquid lunch - you don’t want to come back for an afternoon meeting smelling of the brewery!
On their first day which is the most acceptable lunch option?
Inviting other workers from the office out for lunch
Not taking a lunch break
Taking an hour out of the office
Eating lunch at their desk
You’reHired
Going to the pub for a drink
RR
Make a True Business Contribution
Most employers expect their new employees to start tomake a difference within the first month of employment.Of course it might take you a week or two to find your feet, but most people will appreciate those who hit the ground running and can bring something special to the company.
Candidates who work hard, do their homework and arefully prepared are more likely to be able to put theirown stamp on the role and take it to the next level in theshortest time.
How long do you expect it to take a new employee to settle in and start to make a real contribution to the business?
1 Day
1 Week
1 Month
You’reHired
3 Months
3 Days
RR
The Right Time To Leave on Your First Day
Some offices run to strict working days with formal hours - you might be a proper nine-to-fiver, but generally speaking, you should feel free to leave at the end of the working day, and ideally, you shouldn’t be the first to leave, that is, unless you’ve been given the heads-up and told that you can make a move. But use your time wisely – go home and get an early night to make just as strong an impression on Day 2.
When is the right time for a new employee to leave on their first day?
As soon as the working day finishes
They should wait to be told they can leave
You’reHired
They should wait until a few other people have left (they should not be the first to leave)
After their boss
Avoid the Annoying Habits
New employees aren’t safe even once they’ve made itout of the starting blocks. We asked about the 5 mostannoying habits of a new employee and the results wereclear.
Employers hate tardiness, and being late is the biggestturn off when it comes to impressing your boss. So be upand out bright and breezy every day.
And if you’ve made it out of bed on time, make sureyou’ve got out on the right side too - being polite isessential if you want to get on in the work place and the2nd most annoying habit of a new employee was voted asrudeness or being condescending to support staff.
Once at work, a candidate needs to keep their eye on theball – people who are distracted by web-surfing, personalphone calls and /or social media chatting are least likely toplease their employers.
Our survey suggests that it’s barely possible to be tooeager to please or to ask too many questions… so do allthe hard work now and very few bosses will complain ifyou head to the pub after work!
You’reHired
RR
Avoid the Annoying Habits (cont.)
The most annoying habits of a new employee ontheir first few days at the new job
You’reHired
Being late for work
Talking about their old job eg “At my last office we used to do it like this...”
Being too shy and quiet
Asking too many questions
Not asking enough questions
Being inappropriately dressed
Making (or trying to make) friends with new colleagues on Facebook
Not accepting help
Accepting help too easily, so procrastinating starting work
Making too many cups of tea
Not offering to make anyone else in the office a cup of tea
Eating a smelly lunch at their desk
Being rude/condescending to junior & support staff
Using social media sites
Refusing to help with tasks that aren’t directly related to their job
Snacking at their desk
Listening to their personal MP3/iPod at their desk
Obviously surfing the web for non-work-related matters
Being too eager to please
Getting involved with gossip
Sending a joke to the whole office by email
Leaving work early
Having a drink at lunchtime
Going to the pub after work
Trying to organise a social event with colleagues
Making personal phone calls
RR
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
RR
Our Surveyed Audience
Location
Scotland
North East
Midlands
North West
South East
London
South West
Northern IrelandWales
Industry
Finance/Banking
IT
Marketing/PR/Advertising
Retail
Digital
Business Services
Engineering
RR
About RecruitmentRevolution.com
In 2005 we created the UK’s first Online RecruitmentAgency - the closest thing to the high street agency online,just without the silly high fees and pushy sales spin. Forthe first time, companies have a real alternative to time consuming and potentially costly direct resourcing and 20% agency fees, with the opportunity to pay the lowest hire fee in the market.
Our unique pricing model, personal service and in-housetechnology have gained us an enviable reputation in ourmarketplace. We have organically developed a portfolio of over 1700 clients including some of the country’s finest fast growing start-ups, high street brands and global players.
RecruitmentRevolution.com
Orchard Building, Royal Holloway University of London,
Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX
Clients Call: 0845 521 7003Candidates Call: 0845 223 9480
Fax: 0845 223 9490
Registered in England | Company no. 05627376
RR
