How to Create a CV That Speaks to Global Employers | CV Universal
October 14, 2025
Top 15 Mistakes Job Seekers Make on Their CV — And How to Fix Them
Your CV is your first impression — and often the only chance you get to stand out. Yet most candidates unintentionally make mistakes that cost them interviews. At CV Universal, we review hundreds of CVs every month, and the same issues appear again and again.
Below are the 15 most common CV mistakes job seekers make and how you can fix them instantly to improve your chances of getting hired.
1. Using a Generic, One-Size-Fits-All CV
Mistake: Sending the same CV to every employer.
Fix: Tailor your CV for each job using keywords from the job description.
2. Weak or Vague Headlines
Mistake: Using titles like “Job Seeker” or “Hardworking Professional.”
Fix: Use a specific, impactful headline, e.g. “Data Analyst | SQL • Python • Power BI.”
3. No Summary/Profile Section
Mistake: Starting directly with experience.
Fix: Add a 3–4 line professional summary highlighting your value and key skills.
4. Responsibilities Instead of Achievements
Mistake: Listing tasks only (“Responsible for…”).
Fix: Use achievement-based bullets: Action + Task + Result
Example: Increased sales by 28% by creating targeted campaigns.
5. No Quantification
Mistake: Using vague words like “improved,” “helped,” “supported.”
Fix: Add numbers: revenue %, number of clients, time saved, cost reduced.
6. Poor Formatting
Mistake: Crowded text, inconsistent fonts, messy layout.
Fix: Use clean spacing, headers, and a professional template (ATS-friendly).
7. Using Images, Logos, Flags, or Icons
Mistake: These elements break ATS systems.
Fix: Stick to plain text and simple structure.
8. Too Long or Too Short
Mistake: A 5-page CV or a one-paragraph CV.
Fix:
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Entry level: 1 page
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Mid-level: 1–2 pages
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Senior: 2 pages
9. Including Irrelevant Experience
Mistake: Listing every job since college.
Fix: Include only relevant roles that support your current career goal.
10. Using Unprofessional Email Addresses
Mistake: Emails like cuteboy92@gmail.com.
Fix: Use: firstname.lastname@gmail.com
11. Gaps without Explanation
Mistake: Leaving long employment gaps with no context.
Fix: Add a short explanation (freelancing, study, relocation, family responsibility).
12. Using “CV Objectives” Instead of Value Statements
Mistake: “I want a job where I can grow…”
Fix: Focus on what YOU offer the employer—not what you want.
13. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
Mistake: Typos instantly reduce credibility.
Fix: Use Grammarly or have your CV reviewed professionally.
14. Listing Too Many Skills
Mistake: Adding 25+ skills makes you look unfocused.
Fix: Include 8–12 core skills relevant to the job.
15. Not Matching the Job Description Keywords
Mistake: Missing critical keywords causes ATS rejection.
Fix: Search for key phrases in the job listing and include them naturally.
Final Thoughts
Fixing these mistakes can significantly boost your interview chances. If you’re unsure whether your CV is ATS-ready or professionally written, CV Universal offers expert CV writing, review, and LinkedIn optimization to help you stand out.
