How not to get a job
What's the worst thing you can do when you're looking for a job? We surveyed nearly 50 employers at the Caterer.com Live 2002 jobs fair to find out.
Mistakes when applying
The survey found that the most common mistakes people make when applying for jobs relate to the quality of their CVs.
Nearly two-thirds of exhibitors said CVs were often too long and details were left out. Many people get their contact details wrong or leave them out altogether. Dates of jobs, too, are often missed out and periods between jobs are unexplained.
| Mistakes at application stage | Responses |
| Problem with CV | 63% |
| Not saying what job you want | 28% |
| Not mentioning company applied to | 22% |
Online applications
In online applications, more than half of those surveyed said the most common mistake was forgetting to attach a CV.
Employers are also turned off when they see that they are just one of many people on the "To:" list and have received a general letter that doesn't even mention their company.
Almost a fifth complained of people applying from abroad not realising they need to have a work permit and then expecting the employer or recruitment agency to get them one.
| Mistakes with online applications | Responses |
| Not attaching CV | 50% |
| Not mentioning company applied to | 31% |
| Not mentioning work permit | 19% |
Interview blunders
At interview stage the most common mistake is not researching the company, followed by not being able to answer the questions and lying. Dressing too casually was a further frequent complaint from employers.
| Mistakes at interview stage | Responses |
| Not researching company | 37% |
| Not answering questions/lying | 34% |
| Too casually dressed | 30% |
Making a good impression
At the application stage, recruiters are most impressed by good presentation of covering letters and CVs. Taking time to check your spellings and having a clear and easy-to-read layout will win you points.
| Most impressive at application stage | Responses |
| Good presentation | 39% |
| Being clear and concise | 39% |
| Being well prepared | 13% |
While you might have to wear a uniform for the job or be able to dress casually, there's no excuse for turning up to an interview in jeans and trainers. A smartly dressed person always gets the thumbs up and makes the best impression.
Think about the job you are applying for. If it's a chef's job, show that you are tidy and hygiene-conscious by tying up long hair, removing any facial piercings and having short, unpolished nails.
| Most impressive at interview stage | Responses |
| Good presentation | 63% |
| Being enthusiastic | 57% |
| Being well prepared | 53% |
Interview nightmares
We also asked employers for their worst ever-interview experiences. This is what they said:
- - "He came in, sat down and said 'Do you mind if I smoke?'"
- - "He said he'd just finished a night shift and the next minute he was snoring."
- - "I could tell the girl was nervous by her shaking hands, then she just threw up all over me."
- - "He turned up with his baby, saying he couldn't find a childminder."
- - "He'd obviously come straight from the kitchen where he worked. He had food all down his shirt."
