If you utilize artificial intelligence to create your CV — or get too creative with the design — you may be jeopardizing your chances of getting a job.
According to recent data from Resume Genius, the #1 red flag hiring managers look for in job applications is an AI-generated resume. The study surveyed 625 hiring managers across the United States. Other resume mistakes include poor layout and typos.
According to a recruiting specialist, here are the three most common CV red flags that could cost you a job offer, along with how to prevent them:
AI-Generated Resumes.
More than half (53%) of hiring managers are concerned about resumes that feature AI-generated content, with 20% considering it a "critical issue" that could prohibit them from hiring someone.
"It's extremely important that your resume is a truthful, authentic reflection of the skills and experience you bring to the table," says Robert Half district director Michelle Reisdorf. "If you use AI to write a resume for you in minutes, it tells me you didn't put a lot of time and thought into applying to my job."
Reisdorf, who has been in recruiting and hiring for over 30 years, still urges job seekers to use AI to analyze and revise their resumes, although she recommends writing the first draft.
"AI is great for proofreading and enhancing what you've already written, but it's not a one-stop shop to generate the perfect resume," she said. "Recruiters will be able to tell if you're not including specific details from your past jobs or writing in a personal, human voice."
Frequent Job Jumping
Similarly, Resume Genius discovered that 50% of hiring managers are unwilling to move ahead with a candidate if their resume shows a trend of frequent job-hopping.
This red signal is difficult to avoid: if you've changed jobs frequently, you can't lie about your career history. Furthermore, hiring supervisors have varying definitions of what constitutes excessive job-hopping.
Some may consider shifting employment every 1-2 years, while others would argue that it is a shorter span.
According to Reisdorf, "most recruiters aren't looking for that on the first pass," so you don't need to explain every time you changed responsibilities. "Your past experiences and work ethic are usually saved for the interview; they want to know if you have the skills and experience to do the job well."
Reisdorf advises, however, giving a brief explanation (one or two sentences) of your employment changes elsewhere on your application if your resume contains multiple short stints.
"After you upload your resume, the majority of online applications will have text fields for additional comments or reasons for leaving.'" "That's a good place to acknowledge any job switching without making it a big deal."
If not, reserve the interview for explaining your professional decisions.
Inadequate layout
Poor formatting is another red flag that hiring managers look for on resumes, whether it's a disorderly layout, the use of an odd typeface, or just failing to spell-check.
According to Reisdorf, clear, straightforward resumes are the most effective since they are easy to read and understand. That entails utilizing a simple black font, limiting it to one page, and having well defined and structured sections.
Simply put, you want the recruiter's attention to be drawn to your accomplishments rather than a bold typeface or a busy style.
Reisdorf also emphasizes the importance of proofreading your CV for spelling and grammar errors before submitting it, since it demonstrates to your future employer that you are detail-oriented and responsible.
"Ultimately, you want the hiring manager to focus on you, as the candidate, versus the mistakes on your resume," Reisdorf said. "Your resume should make them excited to interview and, hopefully, hire you."