Top 10 Common CV/Reseume Mistakes to Avoid

Kaviska DilshanKaviska Dilshan
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Top 10 Common CV/Reseume Mistakes to Avoid

Your CV or resume is your first impression—it can either open doors or end up in the rejection pile. Recruiters often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a resume, so even small mistakes can cost you an opportunity.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 common CV/resume mistakes, explain why they matter, and show you how to fix them. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, avoiding these pitfalls will increase your chances of landing interviews.

At CVReviewExpert.com, we help candidates polish their CVs to be ATS-friendly, impactful, and recruiter-ready.

1. Typos, Spelling & Grammar Errors

Even a single typo can damage your credibility. According to CareerBuilder, 58% of resumes with spelling mistakes are immediately rejected.

✅ How to fix it:

  • Proofread multiple times.
  • Use grammar tools like Grammarly.
  • Ask a friend or mentor to review.

Example: Instead of “manged a team of 5,” write “managed a team of 5 to increase sales by 20%.”

2. Focusing on Duties Instead of Achievements

Listing responsibilities alone makes your CV bland. Employers want impact, not just job descriptions.

❌ Duty-based: “Responsible for managing social media accounts.”
✅ Achievement-based: “Increased social media engagement by 40% in 6 months through targeted campaigns.”

✅ Tips:

  • Use action verbs like “achieved,” “developed,” or “led.”
  • Highlight measurable results: percentages, revenue growth, or cost savings.

3. Using the Same Resume for All Jobs

Recruiters can spot generic resumes immediately. A CV that doesn’t reflect the specific job description may be rejected.

✅ How to fix it:

  • Tailor your resume for each role.
  • Mirror keywords from the job posting.
  • Write a custom career summary aligned with the position.

4. Poor Formatting & Overly Fancy Layouts

Creative designs might look nice but ATS software can’t read complex layouts with columns, graphics, or tables.

❌ Mistakes: Images, infographics, multiple fonts.
✅ Solution: Use a clean, professional format:

  • Single column
  • Standard fonts like Arial or Calibri
  • Clear headings

5. Ignoring ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Over 75% of resumes are filtered by ATS before a human sees them. If your CV isn’t ATS-compatible, it may never reach a recruiter.

✅ Fix it:

  • Avoid placing text in headers, footers, or images.
  • Use standard headings: Experience, Education, Skills.
  • Include relevant keywords naturally.

6. Missing Professional Summary or Objective

A resume without a summary leaves recruiters guessing. Your summary is your 30-second pitch.

✅ Example:
“Digital marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience driving online growth. Skilled in SEO, PPC, and content marketing, with a proven track record of increasing organic traffic by 120%.”

7. Overused Clichés and Vague Statements

Recruiters see hundreds of resumes claiming:

  • “Hard-working professional”
  • “Team player”
  • “Results-oriented”

These phrases are meaningless without proof.

✅ Fix it:

  • Replace clichés with evidence.
  • Instead of “strong communicator,” write: “Delivered 20+ client presentations that secured $500K in sales.”

8. Incorrect or Missing Contact Information

Many candidates make the simple mistake of including outdated or unprofessional contact details.

✅ Best practices:

  • Use a professional email (firstname.lastname@email.com)
  • Double-check your phone number
  • Add a LinkedIn profile link for credibility

9. Wrong Resume Length

  • Too short: May seem underqualified.
  • Too long: Recruiters lose interest.

✅ Rule of thumb:

  • Entry-level: 1 page
  • Mid-level to senior: 2 pages max
  • Keep older jobs brief; focus on the most recent 10 years

10. Keyword Stuffing Without Context

Overloading your CV with keywords may fool ATS temporarily but looks unnatural to human recruiters.

❌ Example: “Project management, team management, time management…”
✅ Better: “Managed 10+ projects simultaneously, leading a cross-functional team of 12 to deliver on-time results.”

Final Tips for a Winning Resume

  • Proofread: Typos kill opportunities.
  • Be specific: Achievements > responsibilities.
  • Tailor: Customize your CV for every job.
  • Keep it clean: ATS-friendly formatting matters.
  • Show results: Numbers speak louder than words.

By avoiding these common mistakes, your CV will be stronger, recruiter-approved, and ATS-ready.

For an extra edge, try our free CV review tool at CVReviewExpert.com to optimize your resume and increase your chances of landing interviews.

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