The Top 5 CV Mistakes That Cost You the Interview
From simple typos to strategic blunders, these common CV mistakes could be sabotaging your job search. Learn what they are and how to avoid them.
July 19, 2024
Are You Making These Common Errors?
You've found the perfect job, and you're a great fit. You send in your CV, but you never hear back. What went wrong? Often, the culprit is a small, avoidable mistake on your resume. Here are the top 5 CV mistakes that can get your application tossed in the 'no' pile.
1. Typos and Grammatical Errors
This is the most common and most damaging mistake. Typos and grammatical errors signal a lack of attention to detail. In a competitive job market, it's an easy reason for a recruiter to dismiss your application.
- How to fix it: Proofread. Then proofread again. Read it out loud. Use a grammar checker like Grammarly. Then, have a friend or family member read it over for a final check.
2. A One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Sending the same generic CV to every job application is a huge red flag. Recruiters want to see that you've put thought into why you are a good fit for their specific role and company.
- How to fix it: Customize your CV for every application. Tweak your Professional Summary and highlight the experience and skills most relevant to the job description. It only takes a few minutes and makes a world of difference.
3. Focusing on Responsibilities, Not Achievements
Don't just list your job duties. Anyone can do that. Instead, showcase your accomplishments and the value you brought to your previous employers.
- How to fix it: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Frame your experience with action verbs and quantify your results whenever possible. For example, instead of "Responsible for managing social media," write "Increased social media engagement by 40% in six months by developing and executing a new content strategy."
4. Poor Formatting and Readability
A cluttered, disorganized, or hard-to-read CV is an instant turn-off. Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so you need to make it easy for them.
- How to fix it: Use a clean, professional template with plenty of white space. Choose a standard font and keep it consistent. Use bullet points to break up text and make it scannable. Our ATS-friendly templates are a great place to start!
5. Including Irrelevant Information
Your CV should be a targeted marketing document, not your life story. Including irrelevant hobbies, outdated experience, or personal information like your marital status can distract from your qualifications.
- How to fix it: Keep it relevant. Your CV should ideally be one page (or two, if you have extensive experience). Remove any information that doesn't directly support your candidacy for the role.