Your CV has only 6 seconds to make an impression on whether or not you get a role. It’s simply your ticket to landing interviews and eventually securing a job. Hence, when it’s not up to standard, it may end up in the rejection pile.
So, how do you know if your CV is holding you back? Here are seven clear signs that your CV is costing you job opportunities and how you can fix it.
1. You’re Not Getting Interview Calls
If you’ve sent out dozens of job applications but aren’t receiving interview invitations, your CV might be the issue. Employers won’t reach out if it doesn’t effectively highlight your skills, experience, and value.
Here are a few reasons why you might not be getting responses:
– It lacks relevant keywords that match the job description.
– It’s not formatted in a way that makes it easy to skim.
– It doesn’t clearly show your achievements and impact.
2. Your CV Has Typos or Poor Formatting
Recruiters and hiring managers expect professionalism in your application. Spelling mistakes, inconsistent fonts, incorrect alignment, and messy formatting make a poor first impression. Even if you’re highly qualified, a sloppy CV can make recruiters question your attention to detail.
3. It Isn’t ATS-Friendly
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and rank CVs before a recruiter even sees them. If yours isn’t ATS-compatible, it may get rejected automatically.
Common ATS-related mistakes include:
– Using fancy fonts or graphics that ATS can’t read
– Submitting your CV in the wrong file format (PDF is safest)
– Not using job-relevant keywords
4. Your Work Experience Lacks Impact
A CV that simply lists job duties without highlighting achievements won’t impress recruiters. Employers want to see how you added value in your previous roles. Some common mistakes are not prioritising achievements and a lack of numbers and metrics to showcase your impact.
5. Your CV is Too Generic
If you’re using the same CV for every job application, you’re making a big mistake. Recruiters can tell when a CV is generic, and it reduces your chances of standing out.
A one-size-fits-all method fails to match the specific job description, highlight your most relevant experience, and show employers that you’re genuinely interested in their company.
6. It Is Either Too Long or Too Short
An overly long CV (more than two pages) can overwhelm recruiters, while a very short one (less than one page) may not provide enough detail. Finding the right balance is key.
What you can do better:
For entry-level and mid-level professionals, 1 page is ideal. For experienced professionals, 2 pages are acceptable. Use bullet points to make information digestible and eliminate irrelevant details.
7. Your Contact Details Are Outdated
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many job seekers have old phone numbers or incorrect email addresses on their CVs. If a recruiter is unable to reach you, you might miss out on opportunities even if you are qualified. Double-check your contact information before submitting your CV and use a professional email address.
How to Fix These Mistakes:
If any of these signs resonate with you, we have the perfect solution! A well-crafted CV can significantly enhance your job search and improve your chances of landing interviews. That’s why we’re offering a FREE monthly CV Clinic, where our expert recruiters will review your CV, identify key areas for improvement, and provide actionable feedback to help you stand out. Hosted virtually on Google Meet, this session is designed to equip you with the insights needed to refine your CV and increase your job prospects. Don’t let a weak CV hold you back. Reserve your spot today!
