Karis was exhausted. He’d spent months applying for jobs, tweaking his CV over and over, and still… nothing. “I have applied to so many jobs, but nothing is working,” he admitted during a CV review session.
When our expert CV writers opened his documents, the issue became instantly clear. A five-page CV packed with every job, project, and skill he’d ever had. Karis believed, like many job seekers, that more content meant more opportunities.
It didn’t impress recruiters. It overwhelmed them.
After revising his CV to three focused pages with targeted experience and aligned strengths, the results were quick. Interview calls started coming in.
If you’re like Karis—qualified but stuck—it’s time to look at your CV. Here are some common CV mistakes that might be holding you back, and exactly how to fix them.
1. Generic Career Profile
Karis’s CV began with:
“Seeking a role to utilise my skills and grow professionally.”
A generic line that tells recruiters nothing unique about him or his goals.
✅ Fix it:
Create a tailored career profile—3–4 lines summarizing your expertise, key accomplishments, and how they match the job you’re applying for. Example:
“Results-driven Data Analyst with 4+ years in healthcare and finance. Proven track record of transforming raw data into strategic insights using Python and Power BI.”
2. Irrelevant Personal Details
We see it all the time:
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Marital status
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Religion
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ID numbers
Hiring managers are not interested in your personal life—they care about your professional value.
✅ Fix it:
Only include essential contact details:
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Full name
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Phone number
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Email
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LinkedIn profile link
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Location (if relevant to the job)
3. Outdated or Obsolete Skills
One line on Karis’s CV stood out:
“Proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro – 2010”
This signals stagnation.
✅ Fix it:
List only current, in-demand skills—like data analysis tools, modern frameworks, or updated certifications. Stay relevant by upskilling consistently. Use platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Google Certifications.
4. Irrelevant Work Experience
That part-time job from 10 years ago in a completely unrelated field? It doesn’t help.
✅ Fix it:
Only include experience that aligns with your current career path. For older roles, condense them into 1–2 lines if they’re not critical. Focus on results, not just responsibilities.
5. No Metrics or Achievements
Karis listed duties like:
“Handled customer calls and maintained database”
But where are the results?
✅ Fix it:
Use metrics to show impact. Example:
“Resolved 95% of customer issues on first call, increasing customer satisfaction by 15%.”
Recruiters want to see value—not just activity.
🚀 Additional Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Interviews
6. Poor Formatting and Structure
A cluttered layout with inconsistent fonts, bullet points, and alignment makes your CV hard to read—and easier to ignore.
✅ Fix it:
Use a clean, professional format. Stick to a single font type, use white space wisely, and keep your structure consistent. Tools like Canva, Zety, or Microsoft Word templates can help.
7. No Keywords From Job Descriptions
If your CV doesn’t echo the language in job ads, it may not even get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
✅ Fix it:
Scan the job ad for keywords (e.g., “project management,” “client onboarding”) and naturally include them in your CV. This boosts your chances of passing the ATS filter.
8. Typos and Grammar Errors
Nothing screams unprofessional like spelling mistakes and inconsistent grammar.
✅ Fix it:
Always proofread. Use tools like Grammarly, or ask a friend or mentor to give it a second look. Mistakes suggest carelessness—and employers don’t want that.
9. Using One CV for Every Job
Sending the same CV to different employers? That’s like using one outfit for every event.
✅ Fix it:
Tailor your CV for each role. Adjust your summary, highlight the most relevant experience, and prioritize the skills that match the job.
10. Lack of Online Presence
No LinkedIn profile? Or worse, one that doesn’t match your CV?
✅ Fix it:
Create or update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your CV. Add a professional photo, a clear headline, and examples of your work. Recruiters often look you up before calling.
💼 The Bottom Line
Karis’s story is not unique. Many qualified professionals are held back not by their abilities, but by poor presentation.
Once he removed irrelevant details, focused his content, and aligned his CV with industry standards—his luck changed.
Now it’s your turn.
👉 Open your CV.
👉 Be brutally honest.
👉 Cut what doesn’t serve your goals.
👉 Highlight what makes you a valuable asset.
And if you need expert help, reach out. A well-written CV could be the difference between rejection and your next job offer.
Need a CV review? Contact our team of experts and get personalized feedback that gets you noticed.
