Accountemps Survey Finds Job Seekers Make Most Mistakes on Resume and During Interview
TORONTO, Oct. 13 /CNW/ - Candidates who don't 'stay on top of their game' throughout the job application process risk failing to make a good impression on hiring managers, a recent Accountemps survey suggests. Nearly one-third (32 per cent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) polled said prospective employees are more likely to slip up during the interview, while another 32 per cent felt job applicants make the most mistakes when writing their resumes.
The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world's first and largest staffing services firm specializing in accounting and finance. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on interviews with responses from more than 270 CFOs from a stratified random sample of Canadian companies with 20 or more employees.
CFOs were asked, "In which of the following job application areas do you feel candidates make the most mistakes?" Their responses:
| Interview................................... | 32% |
| Resume..................................... | 32% |
| Reference checks....................... | 10% |
| Cover letter................................. | 7% |
| Screening call............................. | 7% |
| Interview follow-up....................... | 6% |
| Don't know.................................. | 5% |
| 99%* |
*Responses do not total 100% due to rounding.
"Candidates who make a concerted effort to learn as much as they can about the organisation prior to the interview come across as sincerely interested in the job," said Kathryn Bolt, Canadian division president of Accountemps. "Researching a prospective employer, its industry and its competitors enables job seekers to highlight specific ways they can contribute to the company's success in discussions with hiring managers."
Bolt also noted that employers seek resumes that are polished and error-free. "In today's employment environment, it is essential that candidates proofread and present a compelling case in the resume, otherwise they risk losing the opportunity to excel in a face-to-face meeting."
About Accountemps
Accountemps has more than 350 offices worldwide and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com. Follow Accountemps for workplace news at twitter.com/accountemps.
For further information:
Contact: Nadia Santoli
(416) 350-2330
nadia.santo[email protected]
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