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 - January 2025

by Simon Clark • 17 January 2025

As we step into 2025, it's crucial for professionals and businesses to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Our first LinkedIn poll of the year asked industry leaders and professionals to identify what they believe will be the biggest challenge facing their industry this year. The responses shed light on the diverse obstacles different sectors anticipate as we navigate through 2025. The poll results revealed a clear concern, with 'Skilled Labour Shortage' leading as the predominant challenge, cited by 40% of respondents. This highlights an acute issue across industries: the struggle to find adequately skilled professionals. This shortage can hinder growth and innovation, emphasising the need for enhanced recruitment strategies and perhaps a greater focus on training and education within companies. Both 'Regulatory Changes' and 'Technological Advancements' were each seen as the biggest challenge by 20% of participants. These results indicate a landscape of rapid change, where staying compliant with new regulations and keeping pace with technological evolution are critical for maintaining competitive edges. Similarly, 'Economic Fluctuations' were also viewed by 20% as a significant challenge, reflecting concerns over market stability and the broader economic environment that can impact business operations and profitability. These insights are crucial as they highlight the multifaceted challenges industries face in 2025. For businesses, understanding these potential hurdles is the first step toward mitigating their impacts. It suggests a need for a proactive approach in workforce development, regulatory compliance, technology adoption, and economic resilience. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about the results from this month’s poll or maybe looking to recruit and expand your team in 2025, click here to get in touch.

Employers - What are the Top Red Flags on a CV?

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 2 January 2025

When reviewing CV’s, employers often encounter common red flags that can indicate potential issues with a candidate. Whilst no single red flag should automatically disqualify a job seeker, it’s important to pay attention to red flag patterns that could be a concern for you moving forwards. Here is a look at some of the most common red flags employers should watch out for when reviewing a CV. Unexplained Gaps in Employment Gaps in a candidate’s employment history can be a natural part of a career journey but if those gaps can’t be explained, that could cause a recruiter to look at the application more closely. Most gaps can be explained if the candidate has taken a career break to move into further education, travel or raise a family but it’s wise to ask for context from the potential employee for significant periods of inactivity. Frequent Job Changes Moving from job to job quickly can sometimes reflect ambition and a desire for new opportunities but too many job changes in a short space of time could also portray that the candidate shows instability or lack of commitment to their career and could be someone who isn’t going to stick around to grow within the company. Typos and Errors A CV is a candidate’s opportunity to create an excellent first impression and a CV full of spelling and grammatical errors can create doubt about their attention to detail. If a candidate can’t take the time to proofread their CV, it could be a sign that they might not put in much effort to their job responsibilities. Overuse of Buzzwords The overuse of buzzwords and generic terms such as ‘team player’ ‘dynamic’ or ‘passionate’ have become red flags. Whilst these words can be used genuinely, they often lack real substance unless the candidate has explained how they have demonstrated these qualities. If it looks like the candidate is just trying to fill space on their CV, they probably aren’t a good fit for your company. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements A CV that lists responsibilities without demonstrating how a candidate contributed to their previous employers success won’t add much value. Employers want to see results, so the candidates that highlight specific achievements or improvements that demonstrated their impact in previous roles is a winner. A Generic CV If a CV comes across as a generic one that could have been sent to a lot of employers without addressing the specific requirements of the role, this could show a lack of interest or effort on the candidate’s part. Tailoring a CV to highlight the most relevant skills and experience to the job posting shows that the candidate is serious, interested and committed. As an employer, reviewing CV’s carefully can save you time in the hiring process. Whilst one or two minor red flags might not be a reason to discount a candidate, larger patterns of inconsistencies or lack of professionalism shouldn’t be ignored. Keeping our tips in mind, you can make informed decisions and ultimately find the best person for the role. Are you struggling with finding the right candidates for your vacancies? Reach out to us today to learn how we can help streamline your hiring process and connect you with top talent.