Your CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. In a competitive job market where recruiters sometimes scan hundreds of applications a week, even small mistakes can push your CV to the rejection pile. Crafting a strong CV isn’t just about showcasing your skills and experience — it’s about presenting them clearly, professionally, and persuasively. Below are three common CV mistakes that could cost you your dream job, along with tips on how to avoid them.
- Overloading Your CV with Irrelevant Information
It’s tempting to include every single job you’ve ever held, every certificate you’ve earned, or every skill you’ve picked up along the way. But too much irrelevant information can clutter your CV and distract from the qualifications that actually matter for the role you’re applying to.
For example, if you’re applying for a digital marketing position, highlighting your part-time work as a cashier five years ago doesn’t add much value. Recruiters want to quickly see why you’re a strong match for their vacancy, not your entire career history.
Tip: Tailor your CV for each job application. Focus on achievements, experiences, and skills that align with the role. If you want to showcase a broader work history, use LinkedIn for that — keep your CV concise and targeted.
- Neglecting Presentation and Formatting
Recruiters typically spend less than 10 seconds on an initial CV scan. Poor formatting, inconsistent fonts, or walls of text can make your CV hard to read and easy to dismiss. Even if you’re highly qualified, a cluttered or unprofessional-looking CV undermines your credibility.
Common presentation issues include:
- Overly long CVs (more than two pages).
- Dense paragraphs with no bullet points.
- Inconsistent spacing, font styles, or alignment.
- Using outdated designs that don’t reflect modern standards.
Tip: Keep your CV clean, professional, and visually appealing. Use clear section headings, bullet points to highlight achievements, and consistent formatting throughout. White space isn’t wasted space — it helps your key points stand out.
- Failing to Highlight Achievements with Evidence
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is listing job duties rather than accomplishments. Recruiters don’t just want to know what you did; they want to know how well you did it and the impact you had.
For instance, instead of writing:
- “Responsible for managing social media accounts”
Try:
- “Grew company’s social media following by 45% in six months, driving a 20% increase in website traffic.”
Specific, measurable results make you stand out from other applicants with similar roles.
Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your achievements. Whenever possible, include metrics, percentages, or examples that prove your impact.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is your ticket to getting noticed by employers — and avoiding these common mistakes could mean the difference between landing an interview and missing out on your dream role. By tailoring your CV, presenting it professionally, and backing up your achievements with evidence, you show recruiters that you’re not only qualified but also serious about the opportunity.
Remember: your CV is more than a document — it’s your personal brand. Make sure it speaks clearly, confidently, and convincingly on your behalf.