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10 reasons why your CV will be rejected

Besides poor formatting and inaccurate information, there are a whole lot of things recruiters consider before turning down your application. Find out where you're going wrong...

What is a CV?

It's a snap shot of your skills, background and experience related to a specific field or multiple fields all written down for interested parties to read and relate to while identifying a candidate to fill a position within the organisation.

It is the first representation of a candidature to the organisation which is why it is important that your resume has to impress the employer in the first instant.

While candidates take great efforts to prepare their resume, there are some simple reasons why the job application which includes your resume could be possibly turned down.

1. Poor presentation

You may think your CV contains all important information about you.

However, if it is not presented in an aesthetically appealing format, the first impression may be a let down.

Use bullet points, highlighted text and readable font while drafting your CV.

The author is head of Human Resource Management of Mumbai for Technip India Limited.

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2. False/inaccurate information

Candidates in their eagerness to make a good impression sometimes state incorrect qualifications, courses undertaken, past employment tenures, reasons for separation and awards received.

By now, you should be aware that most companies conduct employee verifications both online and offline.

Falsifying information or misrepresenting facts could end up with you being blacklisted from making any further applications in the company you so wanted to be a part of.

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3. Autobiographies

Your CV is a snapshot of who you are.

While it should briefly demonstrate your skills and expertise, employers definitely do not want it to read like an autobiography.

Long winded CVs that run into pages are a put off and reflect the inability to be concise and meaningful.  

Keep it simple and short.

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4. Complicated Formatting

Use consistent formatting and chronology of work stints.

Having too many design elements -- multiple fonts, coloured text, borders and tables -- diverts attention from actual content that may clinch you the job.

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5. Language structure

Communication skills -- both writing and speaking -- are the most preferred employability skills among employers across domains.

Sending CVs with grammatical and spelling errors may indicate your inability to express clearly.

Written communication skills are an integral part of your profile if you are looking for a job in the legal, marketing, mass communication or human resources departments.

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6. Multiple job changes

Yes, it is a dynamic market out there and positions which need your experience and expertise may be plenty.

However the trend of frequent job-hopping may indicate lack of stability and also reflect restlessness.

In some cases, employers may term it as your inability to evaluate an opportunity well and  unclear career direction.

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7. Re-applying for same position within your organisation

Most companies that use their internal career portal to recruit can easily identify if you are re-applying for a position that you had already been interviewed but not considered to be recruited.

Unless you have gained the additional required experience and exposure that was missing during your first interview with same organisation, it is not advisable for you to reapply for the same position.

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8. Tall claims

While most candidates frequently mention how they were part of a successful project or discuss the milestones they achieved, not all of them are able to describe how they contributed to the successes mentioned in their CV.

This could be a major reason for your CV to be rejected. 

Try to emphasise 'What I did' and back it up with relevant examples to claim credit.

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9. Non-Poaching Agreement

Certain organisations endorse their employees to sign a non-poaching agreement.

This agreement restricts you from being employed by a rival organisation for a fixed or specific period of time after you've quit the previous organisation.

Try and explore whether your current employer has a No-Poach agreement with the company you want to apply for a job.

If, yes there may be legal constraints preventing your application from being considered.

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10. Reference checks

Social networking platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook etc are the new reference check tools.

Companies and recruiters are known to take a quick check of your profiles to explore if there is a mismatch between what you've mentioned in your resume and the information that is open for public viewing on these sites.

Be sure to furnish information that is both accurate and credible across your CV and social profiles.

The above tips, we believe, will help you prepare a CV that will hit the bull's eye and land you the job of your dreams.