Common CV Mistakes

Writing a CV sounds easy. Include your experience, skills and education, and then you think you are ready. Then why are you getting no response from the recruiter? You must be wondering. It is because you make ‘common CV mistakes. ‘

See nothing more frustrating than sending dozens of applications and getting zero response. Writing a CV is not that easy, especially when you are writing to tailor your CV to a job description.

It turns out that some common CV mistakes can be the difference between getting an interview or getting ghosted.

And you know what? Most job seekers don’t realise they’re making these errors. You might not even see the CV errors that cost you a job. The truth is, even if you have the perfect qualifications, a poorly written CV could still land you in the rejection pile.

The good news is that you can learn about resume mistakes to avoid and how to improve your resume.

In this article, you’ll discover some of these mistakes, why they can cost you jobs, and how to fix them quickly so recruiters take notice of your CV.

Let’s get started

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Why CV Mistakes Can Cost You a Job

Having the right skills and experience isn’t always enough to land you an interview because, despite great experience, a poorly written CV can still cost you the job.

It can send the wrong message before a recruiter even gives you a chance. This is why you need to learn how recruiters filter out bad CVs and CV errors to avoid and why first impression matters.

How recruiters filter out bad CVs

The thing is, recruiters are incredibly busy and don’t have the luxury of reading every CV in detail. Imagine handling over 200 CVs for a single position; that’s a lot to get through.

Studies have shown that recruiters spend just 6 seconds scanning each CV before deciding whether it’s worth further attention.

In those 6 seconds, they’re looking for key information like relevant skills, experience, and a clear structure. So, if your CV is cluttered, generic, or full of errors, it won’t stand a chance during that quick scan.

Unfortunately, this means it’s an automatic zero interview. Ensuring your CV is polished and easy to read is crucial for getting past this initial filter.

First Impressions: Why Small Errors Matter

Imagine you are applying for a high-paying job or thinking of transitioning into a new industry, one that could be a significant step in your career.

But your CV contains typos, inconsistent formatting, and irrelevant details. In this situation, only one message will pass across to the recruiter: it screams a lack of attention to detail.

For a recruiter, that’s a major red flag!!!!!.

It signals that you may not be meticulous or organized enough for the role, and if you can’t even get your CV right, how can they trust you with critical tasks on the job?

Small mistakes like these can cost you the opportunity. That’s why ensuring your CV is polished and you avoid these common job application mistakes is vital to making a good impression.

Top CV Mistakes to Avoid

A CV isn’t just a document; it’s your first impression, brand, and ticket to landing an interview. But what if it’s doing the opposite?

Some mistakes are subtle, like failing to use the right keywords for ATS. Others are obvious, like stuffing a CV with irrelevant details that make recruiters tune out.

If you are wondering how to write a perfect CV, the key is to avoid these common mistakes. However, it is essential to recognise the CV errors to prevent them before hitting send.

Spelling, Grammar, and Formatting Errors

Many job seekers make CV typos and formatting mistakes, and they wonder if a CV format matters that much. The truth is, they do.

According to research, 77% of hiring managers will disqualify candidates because of typos or bad grammar. This means that even small mistakes can cost valuable job opportunities. Recruiters expect a clean, polished, professional document reflecting attention to detail.

Any errors, whether in spelling, punctuation, or sentence structure, make a CV look rushed or, even worse, careless. Sloppy writing can create the impression that the applicant lacks professionalism or doesn’t take the job search seriously.

To avoid this, always proofread carefully, use grammar-checking tools, and consider having someone else review the document before submitting it.

See the graphic representation of this stat below;

Source: Zippia

A CV with these mistakes doesn’t look unprofessional; it sends a message that you didn’t take the time to review your work thoroughly.

It shows how much you care about your CV, and recruiters may think that you won’t handle the job with the same level of care if you ignore your application details.

It shows how much you care about your CV, and they would think you’d handle the job the same way.

Using a Generic CV for All Applications

See, one-size-fits-all kinds of CVs don’t work. So if you’ve been sending the same CV to every job, that’s not a good idea. Every company looks for specific skills, qualifications, and experiences that align with their hiring role.

Recruiters can easily spot when a CV has been copied and pasted for multiple applications because it won’t match the job posting’s requirements.

This signals that proper research wasn’t done, and the CV wasn’t tailored to the role, which can significantly hurt the chances of getting hired. A well-customized CV always stands out and makes a stronger impression.

Lack of Keywords for ATS Optimisation

Most CVs never make it to human eyes. They get filtered out by the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a recruiter even gets to see them.

The ATS scans CVs for keywords before passing them to recruiters. If your CV doesn’t match the exact wording of the job post, It might never be seen. Most of the time, this common CV mistake is not paying attention.

Your application could be rejected even if you’re qualified before reaching a hiring manager.

For example, if a job description includes “Project Management,” don’t just write “Managed project.” Matching keywords precisely increases the chances of passing the ATS and getting noticed.

Unclear Job Titles and Responsibilities

If your CV says “Marketing Specialist”, but the recruiter is looking for a “Digital Marketing Manager”, they might skip over you even if you have the right experience.

Recruiters need clarity and precision when reviewing CVs, and vague job titles or descriptions can be a significant disadvantage.

If your past roles align with the job you’re applying for, ensure your job titles and descriptions reflect that clearly and relevantly.

Otherwise, recruiters may not take the time to figure out if your experience fits. Being specific and tailoring your CV to match the job posting increases your chances of getting noticed.

Including Too Much or Too Little Information

Some CVs look like novels. Others barely fill a page. It has to be balanced. Your CV should contain enough information for the recruiter to assess your experience and qualifications without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s important to highlight relevant achievements, skills, and experience without overloading them with excessive details that don’t contribute to the job you’re applying for.

On the flip side, under-explaining your qualifications or leaving out key information can make you feel underqualified or uninterested in the role. Employers want to see a complete and clear picture of what makes a candidate a good fit.

Strive for clarity by providing detailed, concise explanations highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Keep the information pertinent to the position, making it easy for hiring managers to recognize the value brought to the table.

How to Fix Common CV Mistakes

Most CV errors are easy to fix with the right approach. By ensuring a clear structure, tailoring content to each job, and using precise language, a CV can go from overlooked to outstanding.

A well-structured CV tailored to the job increases relevance, while an ATS-friendly format ensures it reaches recruiters.

Professional formatting and strong, specific language can also enhance readability and impact. This guide will walk through how to fix common CV mistakes, from customizing a CV for each role to optimizing it for ATS and presenting it in a polished, professional manner.

Tailoring Your CV for Each Job

Let’s be honest. You wouldn’t wear the same outfit to a wedding and a gym session, so why send the same CV for different jobs? This is one of the common CV errors to avoid. Personalising your CV for each job role can increase your chances of getting hired. You can tailor your CV for each job by:

Read the job descriptions carefully.
Adjust your skills section to match the role.
Swap out generic phrases for keywords from the job post.

Making Your CV ATS-Friendly

Don’t forget that if your CV isn’t ATS friendly, it will never see the light of the day for a recruiter, so you might need to avoid making ATS resume mistakes. Here is how to fix this common CV mistake:

Use a standard format (Word or PDF, not fancy designs).
Avoid tables, graphics, and excessive formatting.
Stick to simple fonts (Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri).
Use job-specific keywords naturally.

Formatting Tips for a Professional Look

A cluttered CV makes it harder to read. And if recruiters can’t skim it in seconds, they move on. Here are some professional CV optimisation writing tips that can take your CV from ordinary to extraordinary.

Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
Keep margins 1 inch on all sides.
Use consistent font sizes (11-12 pt for text, 14-16 pt for headings)

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Expert Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out

You must know that the job market is highly competitive, and making your CV stand out is essential to catching the attention of hiring managers.

With expert tips, you can transform a standard CV into one that highlights your strengths, aligns with job descriptions, and leaves a lasting impression.

Power Words That Strengthen Your CV

Instead of saying “Responsible for social media”, say “Grew Instagram following by 200% in 6 months”.

See the difference? You can show your impact more clearly by using specific, results-driven statements.

Incorporating strong action verbs like achieved, led, developed, optimised, and spearheaded adds weight to your accomplishments, making your CV more compelling.

These power words not only demonstrate what you’ve done but also how you contributed to the success of a project or company.

How to Showcase Achievements Instead of Duties

Hiring managers aren’t just interested in the tasks completed; they want to understand the impact of that work. Instead of simply listing duties, highlight the results achieved. Showcasing achievements means focusing on the measurable outcomes and contributions made in a role.

Employers value candidates who can demonstrate how their efforts led to success. To do this effectively and achieve desirable outcomes, this are some things to do:

Using numbers and metrics to quantify your success (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%”).
Highlighting the results and improvements you brought to the company, not just listing the tasks you completed.

This will help your CV stand out and demonstrate your value.

The Right Way to Include Soft and Hard Skills

Research shows that not using a list of professional skills can hurt a resume as much as one year of unemployment.

Skills matter, but only when they’re relevant. Employers want to see skills that directly apply to the job at hand. Hard skills (e.g., SEO, coding, project management) should be listed in a dedicated section of your CV to stand out clearly.

On the other hand, soft skills (e.g., teamwork, leadership) should be demonstrated through your experience descriptions, showing how you’ve applied them in real-world scenarios. This balance highlights your full potential.

You can get professional CV writing services at RKY careers. Our team of CV, linkedin and cover letter optimisation professionals ensures you get powerful, tailored and irresistible application documents.

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FAQs

What Are The Worst Mistakes To Avoid On A Cv?
Typos, poor formatting, and missing keywords can make a CV look unprofessional. A generic CV not tailored to the job can also reduce your chances of standing out.
How do I know if my CV is ATS-friendly?
An ATS-friendly CV is simple, uses job-specific keywords, and avoids graphics or tables. It should be well-structured with clear headings so the system and hiring managers can easily read it.
What Should I Remove From My CV to Make It Stronger?
Remove unnecessary details, irrelevant jobs, and weak phrases like “Responsible for…” Replace them with evident achievements that show the value you bring.
Why Is Tailoring My Cv Important For Each Job Application?

Every job has different requirements so that a one-size-fits-all CV won’t work. Highlighting relevant skills and experiences for each role makes your application stronger.

Common CV Mistakes