Submitting a job application may seem straightforward, but many candidates unknowingly make small errors that significantly reduce their chances of being shortlisted. Recruiters review hundreds of applications, and simple job application mistakes can be the difference between progressing to interview or being overlooked. Below are the most common application mistakes we see — and practical advice on how to avoid them. 1. Using the Same CV for Every Job Application One of the most common CV mistakes is sending the same document for every role. Recruiters and employers want to see relevant experience , not just a list of previous jobs. A generic CV often fails to match the role requirements. How to avoid it: Tailor your CV to each role Prioritise relevant skills and experience Use keywords from the job description Adjust your personal profile for each application Even small changes can improve visibility with employers 2. Unexplained Employment Gaps or Unclear Dates Employment gaps are not automatically negative — but unexplained gaps can raise questions during screening. How to avoid it: Use consistent month-and-year formatting Briefly explain gaps (training, caring responsibilities, job search, travelling) Be honest and clear Transparency helps recruiters and employers understand your career journey. 3. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements Many CVs focus heavily on responsibilities rather than results. Employers want to understand impact, not just tasks. How to avoid it: Include achievements where possible Use measurable outcomes (targets met, efficiencies improved, additional shifts covered) Show how you added value This applies to all roles — including driving, warehouse, and operational positions. 4. Spelling, Grammar, and Formatting Errors Spelling mistakes and poor formatting are among the most common application errors recruiters notice. Even strong candidates can be rejected if their application appears rushed or careless. How to avoid it: Use a clean, professional layout Keep fonts and spacing consistent Run spellcheck and re-read before submitting Clear formatting makes your CV easier to review. 5. Incomplete or Rushed Application Forms Leaving sections blank or providing one-word answers weakens your application. Incomplete applications can suggest a lack of interest or attention to detail. How to avoid it: Complete all mandatory sections Provide clear, concise answers Review before submitting Treat the application form as part of the assessment process. 6. Generic Personal Statements or Supporting Information Using a generic personal statement is a missed opportunity to show suitability for the role. Employers use this section to assess motivation and role fit. How to avoid it: Explain why you are applying for that role Link your experience to the job requirements Keep it focused and relevant You don’t need long explanations — clarity is key. 7. Applying Without Meeting Essential Requirements Applying for roles without the required licences, qualifications, or right-to-work documentation can lead to automatic rejection. This is particularly important for HGV, industrial, and regulated roles. How to avoid it: Read the job description carefully Check essential requirements before applying including minimum experience Ensure licences and certifications are clearly listed on your CV If unsure, ask the employer before submitting. How to Improve Your Job Application Success Rate Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of: Being shortlisted Securing interviews Moving faster through the recruitment process Strong applications are clear, relevant, and complete. Frequently Asked Questions What is the most common job application mistake? The most common mistake is submitting a generic CV that is not tailored to the role. Do spelling mistakes really matter on a CV? Yes. Spelling and grammar errors can give the impression of poor attention to detail. Should I explain employment gaps on my application? Yes. Brief, honest explanations are always better than leaving gaps unexplained. How long should a job application take? A quality application usually takes 20–30 minutes when tailored properly. Final Thoughts Most job application mistakes are easy to avoid with preparation and attention to detail. Taking the time to tailor your CV, complete applications properly, and clearly show your suitability can dramatically improve your chances of success. At Elite, we review applications daily and support candidates across a wide range of roles. If you’re unsure whether your application is working for you, guidance early in the process can make all the difference. A strong application opens doors — make sure yours does.
A strong recruitment partner is more than just a supplier; they’re a strategic extension of your business. Whether you rely on temporary drivers to support holiday cover and peak periods or permanent hires to strengthen your long-term operation, the quality of your partnership directly impacts productivity, compliance, and performance. Here’s how to unlock the full value of your recruitment partner across both temporary and permanent recruitment. 1. Share Clear, Timely Information — for Temp & Perm Roles Whether you're booking a temp driver for tonight or hiring a permanent Transport Planner, clarity is everything. Provide: Detailed role briefs (duties, required skills, start times, shift patterns) Experience expectations (vehicle types, licencing, software knowledge) Forecasts or planned growth for upcoming staffing needs Any site-specific or cultural requirements Clear information leads to better matches and fewer issues — in both temp and perm recruitment. 2. Communicate Early — It Improves Both Temp Fill Rates & Perm Talent Pipelines Fast-changing operations can create sudden staffing needs, but early communication helps your partner: Secure the right temp workers quickly Build perm candidate pipelines before you urgently need them Prepare for seasonal peaks and dips Reduce disruptions caused by last-minute changes A proactive relationship helps both sides stay ahead. 3. Treat Recruitment as a Partnership — Not a Transaction Great results come when you work with your agency and build a partnership A strong relationship means: Open conversations about challenges Joint planning sessions Trust in the agency’s expertise Faster, more accurate placements Partnerships build consistency — whether filling 4 permanent roles or 40 temp shifts . 4. Give Constructive Feedback on Both Temp & Perm Workers Feedback improves future placements and strengthens the talent pool. Share feedback on: Driver or candidate performance Skills gaps or training needs How well the candidate fit your site or culture What would improve the next placement Positive feedback helps agencies prioritise high performers and “Negative” feedback helps prevent repeat issues. 5. Use Inductions to Set Temp & Perm Staff Up for Success A solid induction leads to safer, smoother operations — no matter the hire type. A good induction covers: Safety rules Site layout Reporting procedures Systems or route training Expectations for performance Temporary or permanent, people work better when they know what is expected from them. 6. Understand What Good Recruitment Should Look Like A quality recruitment partner will have open communication and demonstrate: Transparent processes Thorough vetting and right-to-work checks Licence/CPC validation and compliance knowledge Clear communication and fast response times Structured candidate screening and matching These standards protect your business and your workforce. 7. Plan Ahead — for expected peaks in volume & growth Proactive planning gives your partner time to secure the best talent, which will deliver better outcomes: Temporary recruitment: Peak seasons Bank holidays Weekend spikes Sickness cover Permanent recruitment: New contracts Fleet expansion Leadership or operational development Succession planning And while forward planning is essential , we’re still here to solve the staffing emergencies — last-minute cover and short-notice shifts — whenever you need us. 8. Build Long-Term Consistency Long-term partnerships allow your agency to fully understand your operation. Benefits include: Better driver–site matching Higher fulfilment rates for temp roles More accurate perm candidate shortlists Increased retention Faster onboarding Consistency leads to better workforce performance overall. 9. Maintain Two-Way Communication Successful recruitment relies on open communication about what’s working — and what’s not. Good communication includes: Real-time updates Honest feedback Quick escalation for issues Collaborative problem solving This approach strengthens both temp and perm delivery. 10. Choose a Partner Who Understands Transport & Logistics This industry is complex — demanding compliance, speed, and accuracy. The right partner will understand: EU Driver Hours & WTD Tacho rules and assessments Licence categories Safety expectations The realities of RDCs, depots, warehouse teams and HGV operations This expertise improves both temp recruitment and permanent hiring. Final Thoughts: Partnerships Deliver the Best Results To get the most out of your recruitment partner, whether for temp or perm roles — build a relationship based on: Clear communication Shared expectations Consistent feedback Long-term planning Mutual trust Recruitment done well is more than filling a vacancy. It’s building a reliable, safe, and high-performing workforce that supports your operation every day. Let’s build a recruitment partnership that delivers better outcomes. Contact us to get started.
Complete Guide to HGV Daily Walk-Around Checks — And Why Doing Them Properly Matters Every HGV driver has a legal responsibility to conduct daily walk-around checks before taking a vehicle on the road. It’s not simply a box-ticking exercise, it’s a critical part of keeping you, your load, and other road users safe. Whether you're an experienced driver or new to the industry, completing these checks thoroughly and reporting defects correctly helps prevent breakdowns, protects you as a professional HGV Driver, and ensures your vehicle remains compliant with DVSA standards. This guide walks you through what to check , how to do it properly , and why it matters more than you might think. Why Daily Walk-Around Checks Are So Important 1. It’s a legal requirement The DVSA requires a full, documented check of the vehicle before every shift. Skipping checks, or not completing them to the right standard, can result in penalties and points on your licence. 2. Protects You and Your Job By spotting and reporting defects early, you help keep the vehicle safe and compliant. This protects your job, your licence, and ensures you’re not held responsible for issues that could have been avoided. 3. Prevents breakdowns and dangerous failures on the road A missed defect could lead to a tyre blowout, brake failure, or load shift while you’re driving, all of which can cause serious accidents. 4. Supports safety and compliance culture Proper checks help build a responsible, safety-first environment across the transport team. Consistency is key. 5. Ensures you’re covered in an inspection Roadside checks can happen anytime. A correctly completed daily defect sheet protects you if a fault appears during your journey. How to Complete an HGV Daily Walk-Around Check A proper check should take at least 10–15 minutes . Rushing increases the risk of missing something important. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide aligned with DVSA expectations. 1. Start with the Exterior Tyres & Wheels Check tread depth Look for cuts, bulges, exposed cords Ensure wheel nuts are secure Listen for air leaks Lights & Indicators Headlights, fog lights, brake lights, indicators and hazard warning lights must all work Lenses should be clean and not cracked Mirrors & Glass Ensure mirrors are correctly positioned Check for cracks or missing glass Windscreen must be free from major damage Bodywork & Trailer Condition Look for loose panels, sharp edges or damage Ensure side-guards and rear under run protection are intact Check curtains, doors, locks, straps and buckles 2. Mechanical & Safety Systems Brakes No audible air leaks Air tanks must build pressure correctly ABS warning light must go out Steering No excessive play Steering column secure No unusual noises when turning Suspension & Chassis Look for broken springs, airbags, or cracked mounts Ensure chassis and frame are undamaged 3. Load Security Whether you're carrying pallets, cages or bulk loads, always check: Load is stable and secured Curtains alone are not load security Ratchets, straps and bars are in good condition Tail lifts operate safely Load shifts can be fatal — this part of the check is non-negotiable. 4. In-Cab Checks - Dashboard & Warning Lights Ensure no warning lights remain illuminated Tachograph is functioning Seat belts & Controls Seat belts must click and retract properly Wipers, washers, horn and heater/defrost should all work Documentation Ensure the daily defect sheet is completed Check all required paperwork is present 5. Trailer Connection Checks (if applicable) Fifth wheel or tow eye properly engaged Electrical suzies and airlines connected correctly No air leaks Landing legs fully raised Take extra time with coupling/uncoupling — small errors can have huge consequences. How to Report a Defect Correctly Identifying a defect is only half the job. Reporting it properly ensures your vehicle is repaired quickly and legally safe to use. ✔Report it immediately to your transport/shift manager ✔ Record it clearly on your defect sheet or app ✔ Never take a vehicle on the road with a serious defect ✔ Do not rely on someone else to report it If a defect is dangerous, the vehicle must not be driven until it’s repaired. This keeps you protected and ensures the operator remains compliant. Common Mistakes Drivers Make During Walk-Around Checks Doing the check too quickly Skipping steps because “it was fine yesterday” Not recording minor defects Failing to check both sides of the vehicle Not checking trailers properly Not reporting issues unless they feel “serious” Small problems can turn into major failures. Catch them early. Final Thoughts: A Good Daily Check Protects Everyone A thorough daily walk-around check isn’t just paperwork, it’s protection. It protects: You Your Vehicle Your Employer Other road users Your company’s reputation Taking a few minutes each morning to check your vehicle properly is one of the simplest but most important responsibilities you have as a professional HGV driver. For more information you can watch a video here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carry-out-daily-heavy-goods-vehicle-hgv-walkaround-checks#watch-a-video-showing-what-checks-to-do
