8 CV Mistakes That Get You Rejected in Seconds—And How to Fix Them Fast

A CV is often your first-and sometimes only-chance to make an impression on a potential employer. Yet, many candidates are overlooked within seconds due to avoidable errors that signal a lack of professionalism, attention to detail, or genuine interest in the role. Here’s a detailed look at the most common CV mistakes that can cost you an interview, and expert strategies to ensure your application stands out for the right reasons.

1. Spelling and Grammar Errors

Why It Gets You Overlooked:
Spelling mistakes and poor grammar are consistently cited as the number one reason CVs are rejected. Recruiters see these errors as a sign of carelessness and poor communication skills—qualities no employer wants in their team. In fact, up to 87% of senior executives consider spelling and grammar the worst CV mistake an applicant can make.

How to Fix It:

• Proofread your CV multiple times.
• Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
• Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway.
• Ask a friend or colleague to review it with fresh eyes.

2. Poor Formatting and Layout

Why It Gets You Overlooked:
A cluttered or inconsistent format makes it difficult for recruiters to find key information quickly. Most hiring managers spend less than 10 seconds scanning each CV—if they can’t find what they need instantly, they move on.

How to Fix It:

• Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings.
• Prioritise readability and simplicity—don’t cram everything into dense paragraphs.
• Use bullet points for achievements and stick to 1–2 professional fonts.
• Ensure your most relevant details appear at the top of page one.

3. Not Tailoring Your CV to the Role

Why It Gets You Overlooked:
Sending a generic CV signals that you haven’t invested time to understand the employer’s needs. Recruiters can easily spot a copy-paste application. 63% of hiring managers prefer candidates who tailor their CVs to the job they’re applying for.

How to Fix It:

• Tailor each CV to the specific role and company.
• Use keywords and phrases from the job description.
• Highlight achievements that directly relate to the requirements of the role.

4. Irrelevant or Excessive Information

Why It Gets You Overlooked:
Including outdated roles, unrelated hobbies, or excessive personal details makes your CV look unfocused and overwhelming. Conversely, being too vague or omitting key information can make you seem underqualified.

How to Fix It:

• Keep your CV to one or two pages, focused on relevant and recent experience.
• Only include hobbies if they demonstrate transferable skills or align with company culture.
• Avoid generic statements like “team player”—be specific.

Example:
Not good - “Responsible for administrative duties.”
Good - “Managed office scheduling across three departments, reducing conflicts by 28%.”

5. Incorrect or Unprofessional Contact Information

Why It Gets You Overlooked:
Incorrect contact details can make you unreachable, while unprofessional email addresses (e.g., partygirl92@hotmail.com) harm your credibility instantly.

How to Fix It:

• Use a professional email address, ideally based on your name.
• Double-check your phone number and email before every submission.
• Update your contact information across all job platforms regularly.

6. Unclear Job Titles and Responsibilities

Why It Gets You Overlooked:
Vague or misleading job titles make it difficult for recruiters to assess your experience. If your responsibilities and achievements aren't clearly outlined, your suitability for the role may be missed.

How to Fix It:

• Use standard job titles that match industry norms, or clarify your title in context.
• Focus on results and responsibilities, not just tasks.
• Where possible, quantify achievements (e.g., “increased sales by 18%”).

7. Employment Gaps and Missing Details

Why It Gets You Overlooked:
Unexplained gaps or incomplete information raise concerns about reliability or transparency.

How to Fix It:

• Address gaps directly and positively (e.g., “career break for further study,” “volunteering during relocation”).
• Add context to short-term or freelance roles.
• Focus on skills developed during the gap, where applicable.

8. Exaggeration or Dishonesty

Why It Gets You Overlooked:
Recruiters can spot inconsistencies—and lying on a CV is considered fraud. It can lead to instant rejection or long-term reputational damage.

How to Fix It:

• Always be honest about your qualifications and achievements.
• Use real, measurable examples to support your claims.
• If you led a project, say so—but avoid inflating your role beyond what’s accurate.

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Conclusion: Make Your CV Work for You

Avoiding these common CV mistakes is critical to securing an interview—and showing employers that you are organised, credible, and serious about the role.

A clear, tailored, and error-free CV not only presents your qualifications effectively—it also reflects your professionalism, communication skills, and attention to detail.