Avoid the biggest CV mistakes in with these four steps

Crafting the perfect CV is often the first – and most crucial – step in landing your next role. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression, but even small mistakes can undermine your application. 

With AI tools readily available to help you, there’s little excuse for basic errors. A perfect CV should reflect your professionalism, attention to detail and readiness for the role you’re applying for. However, many jobseekers still fall into common traps that can cost them an interview.

From formatting flaws to inconsistent tone, these issues are easily avoidable with the right approach. In this blog, we’ll explore four major CV mistakes and how to steer clear of them so your application stands out for all the right reasons. 

Four major CV mistakes to avoid at all costs 

There are many types of common mistakes that you can make on your CV. People often make the biggest CV mistakes because they prioritise communicating their experience and suitability for the role. When writing your CV, make sure you look out for:  

1. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors 

Errors in spelling and grammar are inexcusable. With the help of spell-checking software and AI tools, these are both easy to avoid. Before submitting your CV and cover letter, you must always: 

• Use spell-checking software - make sure it’s set to the correct language!​ 

• Read a printed copy – it’s easier to pick up on mistakes.​ 

• Read your CV aloud – again, this will highlight any glaring errors.​ 

• Read your CV backwards – it might sound odd, but this is a proven way to pick up errors. 

• Ask a friend or relative to proofread the documents for you​ 

• Use Copilot, ChatGPT, Grammarly or Kickresume to help you spot any grammatical errors. 

2. A lack of consistency  

Ensure all elements of your application are consistent. Consistency helps to demonstrate that you have taken care with your CV. Here’s how to show your attention to detail: 

• Ensure you’re consistent in your use of abbreviations and capitalisations​ 

• Use the same simple font and font size throughout your application – the same goes for bold and italicised copy​ 

• Make sure all writing stays in the first person.​ 

• Similarly, ensure you maintain a professional tone throughout.​ 

• Check the dates between your roles in the ‘Employment history’ section match up. 

3. Formatting issues 

In the age of Applicant Tracking System (ATS) tools that scan CVs automatically, formatting is more important than ever. If your application is hard to follow or deviates too far from a clear layout, you’ll be ranked unfavourably in comparison to other candidates. Here’s how to avoid this: 

• Keep it simple – avoid the temptation to get carried away using backgrounds, borders or clipart.​ 

• Zoom out of the document to get a clearer view of formatting.​ 

• Print the documents out to quickly flag formatting errors.​ 

• If your CV is more than one page, ensure your page transitions are smooth. For instance, don’t start a sentence at the bottom of the page that finishes at the top of the next.​ 

• Send your CV as at PDF, which should ensure the formatting stays as intended.​ 

• Check your CV reads well on across different devices.​ 

• When uploading your CV to your LinkedIn profile, ensure all formatting is correct.​ 

4. Overstatement and arrogance 

It may get past an ATS tool, but any exaggeration or over-the-top self-promotion will be obvious to recruiters and hiring managers – and it won’t impress them. Here’s how to make a strong impression while retaining your authenticity: 

• Don’t refer to yourself in the third person, as it can come across as overly formal or even pretentious. 

• Focus on what makes you unique, instead of using buzzwords that other candidates are likely to have included (unless you can back it up). 

• Support your claims with real achievements, using facts and figures. Go back to our blog on quantifiable results to find out more. 

• Get rid of unnecessary jargon – clarity and precision are more impressive than trying to sound sophisticated through complex language. 

• Be honest with your claims and avoid the temptation to inflate job titles or stretch employment dates. 

Avoid common CV mistakes and create an outstanding application  

Avoiding these common CV mistakes can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. By taking the time to proofread, format correctly and present yourself authentically, you’ll show recruiters that you’re serious about the role. A perfect CV isn’t just about what you say – it’s about how you say it. 

Before you apply for a role, it’s important to ensure your online presence is aligned with your ambitions. Today’s jobseekers have several ways to enhance their applications through their digital profile. Find out more in our next blog, or check out our full step-by-step series for writing the perfect CV.