Your CV is often the first thing a recruiter sees, and first impressions matter. Yet many job seekers make the same avoidable mistakes that send their applications straight to the rejection pile.
Here are the 10 most common CV mistakes we see — and how to fix them.
1. Typos and grammatical errors. This is the number one reason CVs get rejected. Always proofread, and ask someone else to check it too.
2. Using a generic CV for every application. Tailor your CV to each role. Highlight the skills and experience that match the job description.
3. Including irrelevant work experience. Focus on roles and achievements that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
4. Making it too long. Two pages is the sweet spot for most professionals. Graduates can stick to one page.
5. Poor formatting. Use clear headings, consistent fonts, and plenty of white space. Avoid tables and columns that confuse applicant tracking systems.
6. Missing key information. Always include your contact details, a professional summary, work history with dates, and relevant qualifications.
7. Not quantifying achievements. Instead of "managed a team", write "managed a team of 12, increasing productivity by 25%".
8. Including a photo. In the UK, photos on CVs are generally not expected and can introduce unconscious bias.
9. Using an unprofessional email address. Create a simple email with your name if you do not already have one.
10. Forgetting to update it. Review and refresh your CV regularly, even when you are not actively job hunting.
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