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Recruitment Insights

Expert Tips for Candidates & Employers

Most Common Resume Blunders

Spelling, punctuation and grammatical mistakes tell employers that you don’t pay attention to details. Simply running a spell checker over your resume isn’t enough. In an international survey, 76% of executives said one or two typos are enough to nix an applicant’s chances.

Using buzzwords like “results-oriented” or “team player” can kill your chances. These adjectives have lost their impact. Focus on quantifying your contributions instead.

Mistaking responsibilities for accomplishments greatly reduces your resume’s impact. Don’t just tell employers what you did; show them the value you brought to the company.

Packed paragraphs are a pain to read. Use 3 to 5 clear bullet points per job to make your resume easy to scan.

Mistakes Companies Make on Job Specs

Typing and formatting errors give a poor first impression. Sloppy formatting suggests a lack of professionalism.

Vague and long job descriptions attract the wrong candidates. Be specific. State your non-negotiable requirements clearly first, then the “nice-to-haves.” If you need a Masters in Chemistry, ask for it directly.

Incorrect or misleading job descriptions lead to high turnover. Describe the job fully, including the less glamorous duties. It’s much cheaper than training a new employee every few months because the role wasn’t what they expected.

Common Mistakes in Jobseeker CVs

Your CV is your primary sales tool. Make sure it’s perfect.

  • Typing & Formatting Errors: These are preventable. Proofread, ask someone else to read it, and always send your CV in PDF format to preserve formatting.
  • CV Length: Summarise your experience. In South Africa, a 3-4 page CV is acceptable, but use powerful, concise bullet points.
  • Confidential Information: Never divulge confidential financial data or sensitive project details about your current or previous employers.
  • Reasons for Leaving: Always include this, but frame it professionally. Instead of “atrocious working conditions,” try “seeking a more collaborative team environment.”
  • Incorrect Information: Do not lie about dates, duties, or qualifications. Employers value honesty above all, and they will verify the information.
5 Bad Email Habits to Avoid
  1. Sending emails at all hours: This sets an expectation that you (and your team) are available 24/7, leading to burnout. Set clear email hours.
  2. Using email for complex topics: Complicated issues lead to confusing email chains. Use the phone or in-person meetings for sensitive or complex subjects.
  3. Keeping email alerts on: Constant notifications kill productivity. Turn them off and check your email at set times during the day.
  4. Using vague subject lines: “Question” or “Meeting” are useless. Be specific (e.g., “Question Regarding Payroll Administrator Application”).
  5. Writing overly long emails: Long emails get ignored, especially on mobile. Keep it to five sentences or less and use attachments for more detail.
How to Answer Important Interview Questions

Performance-based interview questions are now standard. Be prepared.

  • Strengths: Don’t just list them. Demonstrate each strength with a specific, real-world example from your career.
  • Weaknesses: Never say you don’t have any. Acknowledge a real weakness and explain the concrete steps you are taking to improve upon it.
  • Be Honest: Do not fake or exaggerate your achievements. Integrity is paramount.
  • Ask Questions: Ask about the critical challenges of the role. This shows you are thinking like a problem-solver, not just a candidate.