To want to amend CVs?

[softlysoftly]

I think I probably am!

Put an ad out for several staff and have lots of applications so timewise its not even possible to reply to all but some of them my fingers just itch to send back a "sorry not this time but can I give you some advice for the future?"

Would it be really wrong?

Like the lad who has sent chapter and verse on how he worked in x place but had personal problems so left, then x place but had family problems so left, then x place but didn't like the staff so left, now he's been in x place (a well known fine brand) for 3 months but think their ways aren't really challenging him enough but he's super duper sure we will be the right place for him.

Or the lady who wrote that "I know what you are thinking, its too good to be true, I'm the perfect person for the job but you can't afford me?! But I'm not even in it for the money, well I am, who isn't? But its not about that its about the matching of two perfects"

Or the bloke who just emailed "Yeah this sounds like a good job give me a number to call?" no CV, no history, nada.

Some of them clearly really want a job but are absolutely clueless, I could help

Couldn't you do it under the guise of feedback? That's a reasonably standard thing to do?

This makes me feel so much better about my cv.yes send feedback to them I know I would appreciate it.

I think it would be really kind. I remember applying for a job when I was very wet behind the ears and getting some very good (necessary!) feedback from them, which was so obviously a toned-down version of 'no way in hell will you get a job if you keep doing this'. You don't always know unless someone tells you.

YANBU I'd do it as feedback, it'll help them in the future

YANBU. Definitely send them feedback. They'll appreciate it, and by the sounds of things it will make you feel better too!

If you have the time, then yes. I am currently job-searching and appreciate any feedback I get, whether it's on how my CV looks, the content of my CV or (if I get there!) how I performed at interview.

I have done and been very honest too.

It doesn't always end well... I told one woman that her listening skills were identified as a weak point at 3 points of her interview. I got as far as the word listening and she lept right in and told me all sorts of wonderful, non helpful stuff. I had to put the phone down!!

Certainly give feedback. I really think this is a skill that schools should be teaching, especially given how competitive the job market is. Also they need to teach interview skills. We've had people turn up who blatantly know nothing about our company despite lots of information being available on our website, and I'm tempted to ask them why they're wasting our time if they're that uninterested in what the company does.

Mind you, we had an application recently where, under a question about salary expectations, the applicant put "Astronomic". We were tempted to shortlist her just for a laugh.

Perhaps suggest that they review their CV rather than telling them how to - reviewing CVs can become time consuming very quickly and I'm sure if your manager finds out, they'll not be happy about paying you to review failed applicants' CVs!

timewise its not even possible to reply to all

And my feedback is that your company is very rude not to reply to people. It is the biggest grumble that people looking for jobs have.

Thanks guys, i will politely put a few points across on those that I think could make a difference.

Luckily sezam its our own business but fair point as I could spend countless hours distracting myself with that while avoiding the crap I don't want to do VAT i'm looking at you

starfish sometimes it just isn't possible. 700 applicants for one job, no-one has time to email them all.

You could compile a generic list of the issues/advice and email it to all unsuccessful applicants with a "sorry you weren't suitable but here's some general feedback from the applications for this position".

You won't risk upsetting individuals by putting them on the spot (like "listening" woman mentioned by a PP). If people really do want to improve their applications they'll read the feedback and address the issues. If they don't, they won't.

YANBU. Many employers would like to give feedback but just don't have the time. If you've had a manageable number of applications and you have the time to offer constructive feedback, then absolutely go for it. If I amended every crap CV I ever saw, I'd never do anything else.

However, is it really too much to ask that jobseekers do a quick Google search and do some research before they set about writing the damn things? I have seen SO many bad examples of CV writing, yet I get 4,140,000 results if I type "CV writing tips" into Google.

starfish when you put an ad out on eg gumtree you get quite literally 1000's of applicants its actually quite sad. and a lot apply for every job going without covering letters or amending of CVS or even attaching CVs just "yeah I'd like the job"

So for example you put a job out for an office manager, you get 5 sensible CVs and 650 from people who have done a few summer month stints in various bars across europe. If they don't take the time a company can't.

Those that are sensible applicants but don't quite make it get a response.

Slim totally agree, and whats with the new addiction to putting photos on CVs?

Started with those "Europass" CVs so every european candidate had one and now its leaking to the British born youth. Had a CV we were going to consider until we got to the bottom and there was a picture of him sitting in a group of mates in front of a table of ashtrays and lager bottles.

Going through similar - can't believe the number of people who have applied and don't have skills on the essential computer package mentioned in the ad!

I did reply to one saying basically 'no thanks - but you might like to check your spelling and grammar before you distribute your CV again!'.

I know from an old colleague that in Germany you have to have a photo in your CV and has to be a certain type of photo that you go to a studio to take...

www.thelocal.de/20130131/47649

really think this is a skill that schools should be teaching,

FFS they are taught about CV's and often have to have a completed one by the time they leave school BUT schools can't really help with the "Employment experience" category as they are 16 yo at this point and can't quite manage to pad out the experience of "I had a paper round and baby sat for Aunt Mabel." or the personal qualities this demonstrates.

And, of course, teachers are experts in CV writing, citizenship, health , hygiene, social skills, sex ed .... oh yes and the subject they are actually employed to teach.

OP Some positive feedback on those who have tried would be lovely.

I've just had 80 applicants for a part time telephone helpline job in a specialist field...had applications from toilet cleaners, pizza delivery people, shop assistants, hair dressers....very few with actual relevant skills. Quite scary the amount of people who can't spell even with a spell checker on all pcs.....I admit I didn't give feedback but I did reply to all of them

YANBU but you cannot compensate for them being brought up with the attitude that theyre very special and hence the world owes them a living.

If the worst ones aren't currently working I would be tempted to think they're applying for jobs to get the job centre off their backs and so won't be interested in feedback... but then I do find it hard to accept that people can present themselves so badly.

What advice would you give Miss Perfect? If it was me I'd be afraid to engage, tbh.