On the hunt for a new job but not getting any interviews? We reveal the top FIVE red flags UK recruiters watch out for
- AI-generated content is the biggest no-no for UK recruiters
- Job hopping is also frowned upon, along with no measurable achievements
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If you’re on the hunt for a new job and have spent several hours painstakingly putting your CV together but aren’t getting any job interviews, chances are you’re unwittingly putting out some major red flags to recruiters.
The good news? Most are very easily rectifiable and once you’ve tidied up your CV, you should have better luck with finding a new job.
Below, we’re detailing the top five red flags:
1. AI-generated CVs
While you might think AI holds the key to finding your next job, proceed with caution if you’re using it to create a CV from scratch.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t lean on generative AI tools to help you in your job search. You can use intuitive chatbots to scan job descriptions for keywords, or the skills that correlate to the requirements listed. You can even use generative AI to critique your existing CV by uploading a job description and your CV and asking it to point out what you’re missing.
For example, you could ask the following prompt: ‘I am applying for this job [upload job details here]. Can you critique my CV and tell me what information I am missing or the details I need to remove or add? [upload CV here].’
Then, once you have a blueprint of information, you can tailor your CV in your own words to ensure it has the best chance of being seen and isn’t immediately dismissed for being AI-generated.
2. Frequent job-hopping
While the idea of ‘a job for life’ is now seen as antiquated by younger generations, recruiters still see frequent job hopping as a CV red flag. A litany of jobs listed in your experience section could indicate that you might also leave if they hire you.
However, that doesn’t mean you should omit anything from your CV or fudge dates. Instead highlight the skills you picked up along the way and the experience you gained in each role.
While you might think AI holds the key to finding your next job, proceed with caution if you’re using it to create a CV from scratch
3. Poor formatting
Whether you’re designing the layout of your CV from scratch or are creating a simple text-based CV in a Word document before exporting it as a PDF, ensure the formatting hasn’t changed, chopped sentences off the page or jumbled things around, as this is a red flag for recruiters.
Instead, think about using a template that does all the formatting work for you. You usually have to pay a nominal monthly fee to use these services, but if you’re serious about getting your CV into the right hands, it could be worth it in the short-term.
4. Not measuring your achievements
While soft skills are increasingly important in the workplace, being able to demonstrate the impact you’ve had with regards to revenue, productivity and results is essential, laid out in percentages, numbers and KPIs (key performance indicators).
That’s why not stipulating measurable results on a CV is a red flag for recruiters.
For example, instead of saying ‘excelled in X, Y or Z’, think about how you can flesh out the results and impact. For example, ‘grew revenue by £X, increased profitability by Y per cent, and incorporated productivity tools that saved Z hours per week’.
Being able to demonstrate the impact you’ve had with regards to revenue, productivity and results is essential
5. Irrelevant content
While working in a bar in Ibiza when you were 18 might have been one of the most enjoyable jobs you’ve ever had, chances are a recruiter doesn’t need to know about it unless you’re going for a hospitality role.
Instead pick the jobs that are most relevant (and most recent) to the job you’re applying for and hone in on what you learned and achieved.
Ready to put your improved CV to the test? Apply for your next job today via the Mail Job Board
