You click on ‘send’. And you wait with bated breath. Your fingers hover around the CTRL+R buttons. But nothing happens.
No “Thanks for your application”. Not even a “We’ve received your CV”.
Days pass. Weeks even.
Still no response. Your inbox is empty.
Sorry to break it to you but…you just got ghosted by your recruiter!
It turns out 30 to 40% of CVs in Mauritius are given a one-way ticket to the bin.
We surveyed HR heads across the Mauritian labour market, and they all sing the same tune: most CVs get skimmed at best, and the rest? Tossed. Recruiters are flooded with CVs, sometimes hundreds for just one position. They don’t have time for essays disguised as CVs and they’re most definitely not interested in your life story.
In fact, they spend an average of 6 to 10 seconds deciding whether your job application gets accepted or not. Yep, that’s less time than it takes for a show to load on Netflix.
And at CareerHub, we’ve heard the frustrations of job applicants in Mauritius.
It’s not only about CVs being tossed aside. It’s the feeling that your experience isn’t being noticed. That your worth is being questioned in a job market that’s competitive, complicated to manoeuvre and cut-throat!
So let’s do it. Let’s get your CV noticed.
1. Keep it clean and professional
A messy CV is an instant no-go for recruiters. Use a clean, simple layout with clear headings and bullet points. Stick to a straightforward font and avoid using too many colours or flashy graphics. Simplicity and readability are your best friends here.
2. Tailor your CV for each job
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to CVs. Customise yours for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences that match the job description. This shows recruiters that you’ve put effort into your application and are genuinely interested in the position.
3. Highlight key achievements
Don’t just list your job duties; focus on your major accomplishments and quantify them when you can. For example, saying “Increased sales by 20%” is much more eye-catching than just stating you worked in sales. Numbers and specific achievements show your value.
4. Use action verbs
Start your bullet points with strong action verbs like “developed,” “managed,” “led,” and “created.” This makes your experiences sound more dynamic and impactful, highlighting your proactive contributions. It’s more about what you did, and less what you got done!
5. Keep it concise
Recruiters don’t have time to read a novel. Keep your CV to one or two pages. Be concise and get straight to the point, focusing on the most relevant information and cutting out any unnecessary fluff.
6. Proofread is a must!
Typos and grammatical errors can be big-time deal-breakers. They make you look careless and unprofessional. Always proofread your CV multiple times, and if possible, have someone else review it too. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
7. Add a personal touch
A short, engaging personal statement at the beginning of your CV can really grab attention and make you stand out from the lot. Explain who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you’re looking for in a job. This helps recruiters quickly understand your professional identity and goals.
While we’re all about facilitating the recruitment process both ways, for candidates and employers, we also want to make sure every application gets the attention you deserve. That YOU put your best foot forward and maximise your chances to get your CV in front of the right people.
For even more tips and personalised advice on recruitment in Mauritius, join our PISCINE project at MeetYourJob. Let’s turn your CV into a powerful tool that opens doors to your dream job!