10 Common Health Application Mistakes That Stop You From Getting Shortlisted
You've applied for multiple Health roles. You're qualified. You have experience. But you're not getting shortlisted.
The problem isn't you — it's how you're presenting yourself. Health recruitment is highly structured, and even small mistakes can cost you an interview. Here are the 10 most common errors I see (and how to fix them).
1. Not Tailoring Your Application to the Job Description
The Mistake: Sending the same generic CV and supporting statement to every role.
Why It Fails: Health recruiters score applications against the person specification. If your application doesn't explicitly match the criteria, you won't score high enough.
The Fix: Read the job description and person specification carefully. Use the same keywords and phrases. Address each essential criterion directly.
2. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements
The Mistake: "Responsible for patient care" or "Managed a team."
Why It Fails: Recruiters want to see impact, not just what you were supposed to do.
The Fix: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Quantify your achievements: "Reduced medication errors by 30%" or "Led a team of 8, improving staff retention by 25%."
3. Ignoring Health Values
The Mistake: Focusing only on technical skills and ignoring compassion, teamwork, respect, and improvement.
Why It Fails: Health values are scored explicitly in shortlisting and interviews.
The Fix: Weave Health values into your examples. Show how you've demonstrated compassion, worked collaboratively, or driven improvement.
4. Poor Formatting and Presentation
The Mistake: Dense paragraphs, tiny fonts, no white space, inconsistent formatting.
Why It Fails: Recruiters spend 30-60 seconds per application. If it's hard to read, they'll move on.
The Fix: Use clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space. Keep fonts readable (11-12pt). Make it scannable.
5. Spelling and Grammar Errors
The Mistake: Typos, inconsistent tenses, poor punctuation.
Why It Fails: Errors signal lack of attention to detail — a critical skill in the Health.
The Fix: Proofread multiple times. Use Grammarly. Get someone else to review it. Never rush.
6. Not Providing Evidence
The Mistake: Making claims without backing them up. "I'm a great communicator" or "I work well under pressure."
Why It Fails: Health recruitment is evidence-based. Claims without examples don't score points.
The Fix: Every skill or quality you mention should be backed by a specific example with measurable outcomes.
7. Overcomplicating Your Language
The Mistake: Using jargon, overly formal language, or trying to sound "professional" by being wordy.
Why It Fails: Clarity beats complexity. Recruiters want to understand your impact quickly.
The Fix: Write naturally. Use short sentences. Be direct. If you can say something in 10 words instead of 20, do it.
8. Not Addressing Essential Criteria
The Mistake: Skipping over essential criteria or assuming they're obvious from your CV.
Why It Fails: If you don't explicitly address essential criteria, you'll score zero for that section — even if you have the experience.
The Fix: Go through the person specification line by line. Address each essential criterion with a clear example.
9. Submitting Late or Incomplete Applications
The Mistake: Rushing to submit at the last minute or leaving sections blank.
Why It Fails: Incomplete applications are often rejected automatically. Late submissions may not be considered.
The Fix: Start early. Give yourself time to review and refine. Double-check that all sections are complete before submitting.
10. Not Following Instructions
The Mistake: Ignoring word limits, file format requirements, or specific questions.
Why It Fails: Following instructions is a basic competency. If you can't do that, recruiters assume you won't follow protocols in the role.
The Fix: Read the application instructions carefully. Stick to word limits. Submit in the requested format. Answer every question asked.
Final Thoughts
Most Health application mistakes are avoidable. By tailoring your application, providing evidence, and presenting yourself clearly, you'll dramatically increase your chances of getting shortlisted.
If you're still struggling, it might be time for a professional review. Sometimes a fresh perspective can identify issues you've been missing.
Ready to Boost Your Health Career?
If you need help with your CV, supporting statement, interview prep, or securing sponsorship — Health Career Boost is here to make the process clearer and easier.
Book your session today