Common CV mistakes and how to fix them
Updated 2 November 2026
Most CVs are rejected for small, fixable reasons. Here are the mistakes recruiters see most often, and how to correct each one.
The mistakes
- Sending the same CV to every job. Fix: change the profile and the order of your points for each advert.
- A long block of text. Fix: use short lines with a verb at the start.
- Spelling and grammar errors. Fix: read it aloud, then have someone else read it.
- Listing duties but no results. Fix: add what the work achieved, with numbers only when they are true.
- An unprofessional email address. Fix: use your name.
- Missing dates or unexplained gaps. Fix: give months and years, and add one honest line about any gap.
- Too many pages. Fix: keep to two pages and cut the oldest, least relevant jobs.
- Claims you cannot support. Fix: remove anything you could not explain in an interview.
- A design that hides the text. Fix: choose a clean layout and real, selectable text.
A quick check before you send
- Is the job title in the advert in your profile?
- Are your newest and most relevant jobs first?
- Can you explain every line?
- Is your phone number correct?
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Build my CVCommon questions
Is it a mistake to leave out old jobs?
No. Leave out short or very old jobs that do not help this application, but keep the main story clear.
Should I explain why I left each job?
Not on the CV. Be ready to answer in the interview.
Can I use the same cover letter for every job?
No. Change the job title, the employer and the examples each time.