10 Common CV Mistakes. Are you sending out CV after CV but getting zero calls for an interview? It’s a frustrating place to be, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Often, the problem isn’t your experience; it’s your CV.
At Surejobs.org, we’ve reviewed thousands of CVs, and the same simple mistakes pop up again and again. The good news? They’re all easy to fix!
Recruiters take just seconds to scan your CV. Make those seconds count by avoiding these 10 common CV killers.
Here are 10 Common CV Mistakes That Are Costing You Interviews (And How to Fix Them!)
1. The Lazy, Generic CV
The Mistake: Using the exact same CV for every single job application. Recruiters can spot a generic, copy-pasted CV from a mile away.
The Surejobs Fix: TAILOR IT! Before you hit “send,” spend 10 minutes customizing your CV. Look at the job description and make sure the skills and keywords they use are featured prominently in your CV.
2. The Boring & Vague Professional Summary
The Mistake: Starting with a weak objective like “To secure a challenging position in a growing company.” This says nothing about you!
The Surejobs Fix: GRAB THEIR ATTENTION! Replace it with a punchy 3-4 line Professional Summary. Sell yourself from the very first second!
- Example: “Results-driven Marketing Manager with 5+ years of experience. Specializes in boosting social media engagement and grew organic leads by 40% using targeted campaigns.”
3. The “Wall of Text” Format
The Mistake: A cluttered, hard-to-read CV with tiny fonts, inconsistent formatting, and no white space. Recruiters will simply move on.
The Surejobs Fix: KEEP IT CLEAN! Use a simple, professional layout. Stick to fonts like Arial or Calibri (11-12pt), use bullet points, and make sure there’s plenty of breathing room on the page.
4. Talking About Duties, Not Achievements
The Mistake: Listing your job responsibilities instead of your wins. “Responsible for managing the sales pipeline” is weak.
The Surejobs Fix: SHOW YOUR IMPACT! Use numbers to prove your value. Recruiters love data!
- Instead of: “Responsible for sales.”
- Write: “Grew quarterly sales by 25%, exceeding targets by 15%.”
5. Silly Typos and Grammatical Errors
The Mistake: Spelling mistakes, bad punctuation, and grammar slips. This is an instant turn-off and signals a lack of attention to detail.
The Surejobs Fix: PROOFREAD, THEN PROOFREAD AGAIN! Read your CV aloud to catch errors. Use a free tool like Grammarly. Ask a friend to look it over. Do not skip this step!
6. Filling Space with Irrelevant Info
The Mistake: Including your high school club membership, your “hobby” of watching movies, or that irrelevant part-time job from 15 years ago.
The Surejobs Fix: BE RUTHLESS! Only include information that strengthens your application for this specific role. If it doesn’t add value, cut it.
7. Writing Your Life Story (Too Long!)
The Mistake: A 3 or 4-page CV for a role that doesn’t need it. Unless you’re a senior academic or executive, keep it short.
The Surejobs Fix: STICK TO 1-2 PAGES. For most professionals, two pages is the max. Be concise and focus on your most recent and relevant experience.
8. Ignoring the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
The Mistake: Not using the right keywords. Over 90% of large companies use software (called an ATS) to filter CVs before a human ever sees them.
The Surejobs Fix: PLAY THE KEYWORD GAME. Look at the job description and find the key skills, software, and qualifications mentioned. Make sure those exact words are in your CV!
9. Leaving Mysterious Employment Gaps
The Mistake: Having unexplained gaps in your work history that make recruiters nervous.
The Surejobs Fix: BE UPFRONT AND POSITIVE. Briefly address the gap on your CV. You can frame it as “Skill Development,” “Freelancing,” or “Career Break.” This shows professionalism and stops them from guessing.
10. Forgetting to Show Your Value
The Mistake: Your CV lists where you’ve worked and what you did, but it doesn’t answer the recruiter’s biggest question: “What can you do for OUR company?”
The Surejobs Fix: FOCUS ON THEM, NOT YOU. In every section, emphasize how you solved a problem, saved money, increased efficiency, or grew revenue. Connect your skills directly to the company’s needs.
Ready to Transform Your Job Search?
Fixing these common CV mistakes is the fastest way to get more interviews. At Surejobs.org, we’re here to help you land the job you deserve.
Need more help? Check out our Free CV Template and Job Search Guide to get started today!