1. Not proofreading documents
Imagine this: you proudly mention you are detail-oriented in your list of attributes, but your list is titled “ateributes.” Proofreading your CV and Cover Letter for spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors before applying for a position is vital. Not doing this can instantly put you in the “no list.”
Solution:
Always remember to do a spelling and grammar check before saving your final CV and Cover Letter and get someone to proofread it to ensure all formatting errors are corrected. This is easily done in MS Word through the Editor function or other tools like Grammarly.
1.1 Not proofreading and personalising AI generated CV and cover letter
Although related to 1. Not proofreading, there are a few additional things to consider when utilising AI tools like ChatGPT to generate your CV and Cover Letter. AI can simplify these tasks and is a good tool to use, especially if writing is not one of your strengths. HOWEVER, it is extremely important that you personalise, edit, and proofread the generated documents. It is blatantly obvious when a candidate has used an AI tool to generate their application email or Cover Letter and not taken the time to proofread it. Examples include, sentences taken directly out of the job advert and “mention your key strengths, e.g., hardworking, team player, etc.” prompts included in the email or Cover Letter.
2. Not including a subject or message with your application email
Applying for a job by only attaching your CV but not including a subject that indicates which position you are applying for and a message introducing yourself gives the impression that you lack professional communication skills and interest in the job you are applying for.
Solution:
Always include the job title and code (if there is one) as subject and a short introductory message in your email when applying for a position.
3. Applying when you are obviously unqualified
Applying for a role that you are obviously unqualified for wastes your and the Recruiter/HR/Hiring Manager’s time. If the strict requirements state that a science degree and experience in the sales of laboratory equipment and consumables are required but you only have a matric certificate and experience in retail sales or car sales, then rather don’t apply. These requirements are listed for a reason as specific knowledge is required to do the job.
Solution:
Rather focus on positions for which you meet more than 70% of the requirements than mass applying for everything with a relatable job title.
4. Applying when you are obviously overqualified
Similar to when you are unqualified, applying for a position when you are obviously overqualified, wastes your and the Hiring Manager’s time. There are some exceptions to this, for example when you are shifting to a new field or industry in which you lack experience. However, in this case a good motivation should be included with your application. In most cases employers will not consider overqualified candidates as they assume these candidates will quickly seek better opportunities and not stay in the position for a reasonable time leaving them to start the recruitment cycle all over again.
Solution:
If you are overqualified but specifically looking for a lower position (career shift, scaling down, etc.) then make sure that your application email or Cover Letter includes a motivation as to why that specific position is perfect for you.
5. Excluding relevant skills / missing keywords (ATS mistakes)
Automatic tracking systems (ATS) are widely used to streamline the recruitment process, bringing with it a lot of advice on how to optimise your CV for these systems. ATS or not, it is particularly important to include your skills relevant to the job, especially scientific/laboratory skills. If you have done any research on how to optimise your CV for ATS you might have come across the advice to use the exact keywords and terms that appear in the job description in your CV. Although this is, generally speaking, good advice, you should also remember that usually there is a real live person making the final decision whether you should be considered for the position or not. And the real live person usually does not believe that you are a detail-oriented, hardworking, team player if this phrase is taken directly from the job description. Rather focus on the laboratory/equipment/scientific skills or knowledge listed in the job description and make sure to include these in your CV if you have these skills and knowledge.
Solution:
Always remember to include your job-related skills and knowledge in your CV.
6. Not reading the fine print / not following instructions
Job descriptions or advertisements usually contain more than just the title of the job, key responsibilities, and requirements. Mostly, recruiters will also include a list of instructions for applicants. These may include additional information or documents to include with the application. If you do not read the entire job description or advertisement you will miss these instructions and inadvertently exclude yourself from the shortlist.
Solution:
Remember to read the entire job description or advert and note any additional application instructions.
7. Outdated online presence
Many recruiters use online platforms like LinkedIn and other job portals to search for suitable candidates for their positions. Keeping your professional online presence updated will ensure that you are contacted by recruiters for relevant positions.
Solution:
Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and update your CV on all job portals.
8. Not properly preparing for an interview
It is important to research the company and prepare for possible interview questions before your interview. This shows that you are interested in working at that particular company and in that specific role and that you are committed to the application process.
Solution:
Check out our Interview Prep 101 blog for some great tips and an interview day checklist! https://scistaff.co.za/interview-preparation-101-a-science-candidates-guide-to-nailing-your-next-interview/
9. Using a generic CV and Cover Letter
The usual response we get when suggesting not to use a generic CV for each application is: “do I really have to write a new CV for every application?” No, this is not what we are suggesting. What we are actually suggesting is to tailor your CV and Cover Letter to each application. This includes making sure that skills relevant to the specific job is noted on your CV and highlighting specific certifications, achievements, and responsibilities that are relevant. Make sure that you address your Cover Letter to the correct Hiring Manager (if you know their name) and that the correct job title is mentioned when indicating which role you are applying for. Your Cover Letter is also a good place to showcase how you meet the specific requirements for the position.
Solution:
Tailor your CV and Cover Letter to each role you are applying for.
10. Giving up too early
Feedback timelines differ between companies. Usually, you can expect feedback on your application within 2 weeks, however, some companies can take 1 or 2 months to provide feedback. This usually depends on their urgency to fill the role, the number of applications they receive, and their general application process (if they wait to receive a certain number of applications before reviewing them or if they review them as they are submitted).
Solution:
Politely follow up after 7–10 days. It shows initiative and interest.
