Imagine this: you’ve found the perfect job posting. It feels like the opportunity was written just for you. You sit down at your desk, open your laptop, and send out your CV with excitement. Days pass. Then weeks. But the phone never rings, and your inbox stays quiet.
This story isn’t unique—it’s the reality for thousands of job seekers every day. In fact, studies show that 75% of CVs are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human recruiter ever sees them (Jobscan Research). Those that do make it through are skimmed in just 7 seconds on average (TopResume Study).
Here’s the truth: your CV is not just a document. It’s your personal brand on paper—the key that can either unlock career opportunities or quietly close doors before you even step in. Yet, most candidates sabotage themselves with mistakes that could easily be avoided.
Let’s break down the 10 most common CV mistakes, explore why they cost you the job, and show you how to avoid them with practical, real-world fixes.
1. Overloading with Irrelevant Information
Recruiters are busy. They don’t need to know that you won a poetry contest in high school or that you enjoy fishing on weekends. While these might make for interesting conversations later, they don’t help you land the interview.
Real Example: A candidate applying for a data analyst role listed “Excellent Football Captain in 2010” on his CV. The recruiter immediately saw this as a red flag—why focus on irrelevant achievements instead of showcasing analytical skills, Excel expertise, or project outcomes?
- Only include hobbies if they add value to the role.
- Focus on recent and relevant experience (past 10–15 years max).
- Use your CV space strategically—think quality over quantity.
2. Sending a One-Size-Fits-All CV
One of the deadliest mistakes in job hunting is sending the same generic CV to dozens of employers. Recruiters can instantly tell when a CV hasn’t been tailored to the job description.
Case Study: A candidate applied for two jobs—one in marketing, another in project management—using the same CV. Both applications were rejected. After tailoring her CV with industry-specific keywords, she was shortlisted for both roles.
Fix it this way:
- Read the job description carefully (LinkedIn Jobs is a good source).
- Mirror relevant skills and keywords in your CV.
- Create multiple CV versions for different industries or roles.
3. Typos and Poor Grammar
A CV claiming “Strong attention to detial” sends the exact opposite message. Employers often see typos as a sign of carelessness.
- Proofread carefully (aloud if possible).
- Use grammar tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor.
- Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review.
4. Weak Formatting That Hurts Readability
First impressions matter, and messy formatting signals disorganization. Recruiters may skip a CV that looks cluttered or hard to scan.
- Stick to clean fonts (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman).
- Use headings and bullet points for clarity.
- Keep consistent alignment.
- Ensure it’s ATS-friendly (avoid tables, text boxes, or excessive graphics) (Glassdoor Guide).
5. Forgetting to Highlight Achievements
Recruiters don’t just care about tasks—you need to prove results. Writing “Responsible for managing a team” isn’t enough. What was the outcome?
Powerful approach:
- “Led a team of 6 and improved sales by 30%.”
- “Streamlined reporting system, reducing errors by 25%.”
- Use action verbs: Achieved, Improved, Increased, Reduced (Zety Resume Verbs).
6. Dishonesty and Exaggeration
Lying on your CV is tempting—but dangerous. Employers increasingly verify details via reference checks or background screening (The Balance Careers).
Better choice:
7. Ignoring Employment Gaps
Unexplained gaps raise eyebrows. Employers may wonder: Were you unemployed due to performance issues? Were you inactive?
- Be upfront. A short note in your cover letter works (The Muse Guide).
- Highlight productive uses of time (freelancing, caregiving, further studies).
- Frame gaps as opportunities for growth.
8. Not Matching the Job Posting
If the role requires “experience with CRM tools” but your CV never mentions them, you’ll be skipped.
- Scan the job ad for keywords.
- Use the same terms where applicable.
- Ensure your CV aligns with the required skills (NovoResume Keyword Guide).
9. CVs That Are Too Long (or Too Short)
Your CV shouldn’t be a life story. Nor should it be so short that it lacks substance.
Ideal length:
- Entry-level: 1 page.
- Mid-career: 1–2 pages.
- Senior professionals: up to 3 pages max (Career Contessa Advice).
10. Forgetting to Update Regularly
Outdated CVs signal carelessness. Missing your most recent projects or certifications makes you appear stagnant.
- Update every 6 months.
- Add new achievements immediately.
- Remove old roles that no longer add value (Resume Genius Tips).
Real-Life Story: How Sarah Turned Rejection into Success
Sarah, a graduate from Nairobi, applied for over 50 jobs and got zero calls. Frustrated, she reached out to a mentor. Together, they discovered her CV was generic, cluttered, and vague.
After rewriting her CV with strong bullet points, tailored keywords, and clear formatting, Sarah got three interview calls within one week. Two weeks later, she landed her dream job in digital marketing.
FAQs About CV Writing
- Should I include a photo? Avoid unless specifically requested (CareerOneStop).
- How do I beat ATS systems? Use job description keywords, standard section headings, and avoid graphics (Jobscan ATS Test).
- Can fresh graduates write strong CVs? Yes—highlight internships, volunteer work, and transferable skills (Prospects UK CV Examples).
- Should I include references? Only if requested. Otherwise, “References available upon request.”
- How often should I update my CV? Every 6 months or whenever you gain a new skill.
- Do hobbies belong on a CV? Only if relevant to the job.
- What’s the safest file format? PDF is best unless the employer specifies Word (Monster Career Advice).
Your CV: The Passport to Opportunity
Your CV is not just a formality—it’s your passport to opportunities. By avoiding these common mistakes, presenting achievements with clarity, and tailoring every application, you give yourself the best possible chance to stand out in today’s crowded job market.
Recruiters don’t hire CVs—they hire people. But without a powerful CV, you’ll never get the chance to show who you are in person.
Ready to put these lessons into practice? 🚀
👉 Start applying for your next big opportunity on WashingTana WorkHub today. Upload your improved CV, explore hundreds of listings, and take the first step toward your dream career.
