3 CV Mistakes That Could Cost You a Job & How To Fix

Jenna had been job searching for months with no luck. She believed that her CV was up to the standard so she was wondering why her applications were not being considered. Feeling frustrated, she requested a recruiter, Amanda to look at her CV.

In just a few seconds of review, Amanda spotted the critical mistake that had likely been causing Jenna’s CV to be overlooked – one small typo in her name at the top of the page. “If recruiters are scanning dozens of CVs in just minutes, a minor error like this could easily catch their eye and cause them to immediately move on to the next applicant,” explained Amanda.

When applying for jobs, it’s important to remember that your resume is one of your most valuable assets—it is, in fact, an essential document that employers look at to determine if you are right for the role. As such, you need to be keenly aware of what pitfalls to avoid, so you can portray yourself in the best light as a potential fit.

Your CV may only be a few pages long, but those pages could make or break your chances of landing an interview. Recruiters have to sift through dozens, sometimes hundreds of CVs for each role, so you only have a few seconds to catch their attention and convince them your experience is a match.

Being in a recruitment agency I have had the privilege of going through CVs and found some 3 common errors that cause your applications to be rejected or overlooked. Read on to learn what these critical mistakes are and how to fix them to improve your chances of landing more interviews.

1. Failing to tailor your CV to the role.

According to a recent survey, 70% of recruiters report moving on to the next CV if an applicant’s experience is not relevant to the job at hand. Thoroughly going through the job descriptions could help you understand what is required for a certain role hence you will be in a position to create an ultimate resume.

Understand the requirements of each role and ensure your CV is aligned with those needs. Save multiple versions of your CV tailored to different industries or roles. Contextualize your achievements by relating them directly back to the requirements in the job description.

2. Including irrelevant information.

Your updated resume is your professional mirror. It should highlight strengths directly related to success in the role. Who are you as a professional and what makes you the right candidate? That is the question your CV needs to respond to.

Beware of cluttering it with irrelevant sidelines that detract from your key value. Remove irrelevant experience, non-professional memberships, hobbies, reasons for leaving past roles, personal details, and photos. Keep it focused only on your relevant qualifications and career progression.

3. Poor visual design.

Presentation is everything. First impressions count, and this is certainly true for candidates who desire to impress the hiring manager and secure job interviews. Research shows recruiters typically scan a CV for only 6 seconds before deciding whether to proceed.

Carefully look over your resume, and ask yourself, “Would you consider your CV if you were the hiring manager? 

Use headings, bullet points, tables, and white space to break up walls of text and guide the reader’s eye to important points. Ensure consistent formatting, font style, and size that is easy on the eyes. A cluttered, hard-to-parse CV risks getting overlooked.

Adjusting these key aspects of your modern CV can significantly improve your chances of getting past that initial recruiter screening and securing an interview where you can shine. Remember – your well-written CV is your first impression, so make sure it delivers relevance, impact, and attention to detail from the outset. If you are doubting the standard of your resume seek our Professional CV Writing Services to get yourself a job-winning CV.