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Submitting a CV riddled with common errors is one of the fastest ways for your application to be rejected. A poorly crafted CV can suggest a lack of attention to detail and professionalism, causing recruiters to move on to the next candidate in seconds. Based on our assessment experience, avoiding these seven critical mistakes can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.
A bad CV fails to accurately present your experience and highlight the skills relevant to the target role. When a hiring manager encounters a document that is hard to read, unprofessional, or irrelevant, it distracts from your qualifications and often leads to immediate disqualification. The goal is to create a document that is easy to scan and persuasive within the short time a recruiter typically allocates for the initial review.
Low readability occurs when a CV is difficult to read quickly. This often results from long, jargon-filled sentences and dense paragraphs. Recruiters need to find key information at a glance. To improve readability, use short, punchy sentences and bullet points. For example, instead of writing "Was responsible for the management and strategic oversight of a multi-faceted digital marketing campaign," opt for "Managed multi-faceted digital marketing campaigns."
An effective CV is well-organised and aesthetically pleasing. A common error is choosing overly creative fonts, colors, or layouts that distract from the content. Stick to a clean, minimalist template with ample white space. This ensures the recruiter's focus remains on your skills and achievements, not on deciphering the design. A simple, professional format is universally safe, especially when you are unsure if a human or an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)—software used by companies to filter applications—will screen your CV first.
Your contact email should be professional. An address like "partyanimal123@email.com" can undermine your credibility, particularly for senior roles or corporate positions. Create a simple email address using your name and surname, such as john.smith@email.com. This small detail reinforces a professional image.
Tailoring your CV for each application is non-negotiable. Sending a generic CV to multiple jobs signals a lack of genuine interest. To make your CV relevant, pull keywords from the job description—the formal list of duties and requirements provided by the employer—and incorporate them naturally into your skills and experience sections. This demonstrates effort and aligns your application with the specific role.
| Bad CV Practice | Improved, Professional Alternative |
|---|---|
| Long, unbroken paragraphs of text | Concise bullet points highlighting achievements |
| Irrelevant skills (e.g., "basic computer skills") | Job-specific skills (e.g., "Content management using Adobe Experience Manager") |
| One generic CV for all applications | A customized CV for each job, using keywords from the description |
Even minor spelling and grammar errors can create a perception of carelessness. Always use a spell checker and proofread your document meticulously. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well; a fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have overlooked.
A standard CV should be one to two pages long. Recruiters often have limited time, so conciseness is key. If you have decades of experience, focus on the most recent and relevant 10-15 years. This ensures the most critical information is front and center.
To transform a bad CV into an interview-winning tool, focus on these actionable steps:
