What is White Fonting on Your CV and How Can it Harm Your Job Prospects?

White fonting is a practice used on a CV where a job applicant includes extra phrases or keywords in white text which is invisible to a human reading the CV but readable by Applicant Tracking System software, otherwise known as an ATS. These keywords usually relate to job titles, certain skills or experience which the candidate doesn’t possess but match with what the company software is primed to look for. This might seem like a clever tactic but white fonting can actually harm your job prospects and could even damage your professional reputation.

Here are some reasons why it’s wise to avoid white fonting on your CV and our top tips on how to land your ideal job without using it.

It’s Considered Dishonest

White fonting is professionally viewed as deceptive to a prospective employer and whilst it might help you bypass the initial stages of a job application, hiring managers will spot inconsistencies between your CV and the information you provide in your interview and reference checks. Employers could also question your honesty and integrity which will quickly remove you from the running.

Technology is Getting Smarter

Technology is always evolving and what you might get away with today could be different tomorrow. Many systems are now being programmed to spot white fonting and other tactics, causing you to be flagged before you even get to talk to a human being at interview stage.

Irrelevant Matches

White fonting often involves elaborating on skills and experiences you don’t have so whilst this might get you through the initial screening, you could end up being considered for roles that don’t match your real-life skills and experience. This potentially wastes your own time as well as the recruiter’s and could make getting through an interview difficult for you.

Reputation Damage

Even if white fonting gets you through the first stages of the application process and the ATS software, it could still come back to bite you at a later stage. Employers could begin to question your skills or qualifications when it becomes apparent that you can’t carry out the claims made on your CV. Recruiters in your area could also work closely with each other so your reputation could precede you.

With all this in mind, we have put together some much better ways to get noticed on your job applications.

Use Relevant Keywords

Tailor your CV to match the job description, but only use terms that genuinely reflect your experience. The ATS software will still recognise these keywords if they are presented naturally within the content and will significantly improve your chances of getting an interview with the employer.

Showcase Transferable Skills

We always encourage that you highlight any transferable skills you have, even if you don’t meet all the listed skill criteria in the job advertisement. Use your genuine achievements to demonstrate how you can bring high value and integrity to the company.

Customise Your CV to Each Application

Always tailor your CV to each individual job application and though this might take more time initially, it’s a tried and tested method and will show that you have thoughtfully considered how you will be an asset to the company and how you see yourself fitting into the role.

Whilst white fonting might seem like a harmless shortcut to your ideal job, it’s a risky move. Authenticity and trust are key in the job market so always stay true to yourself. If you need some support in finding and applying for a job, our expert team can help you to stand out and support you every step of the way. Contact us here.

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LinkedIn Poll Results - February 2025

by Simon Clark • 17 February 2025

In our latest LinkedIn poll, we explored what professionals believe is the key to building a resilient career in today's ever-changing job market. The results highlight significant trends and preferences that are shaping the ways individuals approach their professional growth and stability. Dominating the responses, 'Flexibility/Adaptability' was identified by an impressive 67% of participants as the most crucial factor. This overwhelming consensus underscores the importance of being able to pivot and adjust to new challenges, environments, and technologies. In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt is invaluable and often seen as more critical than any specific skill. 'Continuous Learning' also received notable attention, garnering 25% of the vote. This reflects a recognition that ongoing education and skill development are essential for keeping pace with industry innovations and remaining competitive in the job market. Interestingly, 'Specialisation in Niche Areas' was seen as key by 8% of respondents, suggesting that while having a specialised skill set is beneficial, it may not be perceived as the most important factor compared to adaptability and continuous learning. 'Networking' received 0% of the vote, a surprising result that might indicate a shift in perception about the value of professional networks, or perhaps it reflects a belief that other skills outweigh networking in terms of importance for career resilience. Stay tuned on our LinkedIn channel on 1st March 2025 for our next poll.

Understanding What Employers Look for in Job Applications

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 7 February 2025

When you are applying for a job, standing out against the competition is crucial. Employers will receive numerous applications for each role they advertise, so as well as understanding the role and the company, understanding what employers are looking for will significantly improve your chances of being called for an interview. Let’s take a look at some of the key things hiring managers are looking for when reviewing applications. A Well-Structured CV Your CV is the first impression an employer has of you, so it needs to be clear, concise, and tailored to the role you are interested in. Employers are looking for a professional layout that is easy to read, relevant work experience, key skills that tie in with the job description, your education and qualifications, and no spelling or grammatical errors. A CV that is too long, disorganised, or too generic may be overlooked. Always tailor your CV to each role by highlighting the relevant skills or experience you possess. A Well-Written Cover Letter Not all employers will require a cover letter alongside your CV, but when they do, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality, skillset, and enthusiasm for the role. A strong cover letter should address the hiring manager if possible, explain why you’re interested in the company and the role, highlight your relevant skills experience and demonstrate how you can add value to the business. Avoid simply turning your CV into a few paragraphs and use the opportunity to show how passionate you are about the job and what you can bring to the company. Attention to Detail Employers will favour applicants who have carefully read the job description and tailored their application to fit the role. Always follow instructions and stick to the requested format. Another important point to note is that your application is your first impression to potential employers and any spelling or grammar mistakes will make you appear careless or unprofessional. A well written and error-free application enhances readability and clarity, helping you to stand out for the right reasons. Before submitting your application, always proofread, use spellcheck or ask someone to review it for you. Relevant Skills and Experience Hiring managers are looking for candidates who meet or closely match the requirements of the role, and whilst relevant work experience is important, transferable skills such as working well within a team, problem-solving, and good communication are highly valued. Use examples to highlight how you have demonstrated these skills in previous roles so the keywords you use aren’t hollow, empty, or just filling space on your application. Professionalism and Enthusiasm Employers will always prefer candidates who present themselves professionally and show a genuine interest in working for the company. Always be aware of your language throughout the entire process; from the first email, through your application and right up to interview, as professionalism plays a key role in securing the job. Implementing the points above will increase your chances of capturing an employer’s attention and, most importantly, securing that interview. If you are looking for support in finding your next job, our team has over 35 years’ experience in matching job seekers to their perfect role and employers with their perfect candidate. Get in touch today to see how we can help and support you.