The Top 10 CV Mistakes
1. Generic Objective Statements
Wrong: "Seeking a challenging position..."
Right: "Data analyst with 5 years of experience in financial modeling seeking to drive insights at [Company]."
2. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements
Wrong: "Responsible for managing a team"
Right: "Led a team of 8 engineers, delivering 3 projects 15% under budget"
3. Including a Photo (in most markets)
In the US, UK, and many European countries, photos invite unconscious bias. Only include one if the job market expects it.
4. Using an Unprofessional Email
Wrong: cooldude99@hotmail.com
Right: firstname.lastname@gmail.com
5. No Quantifiable Results
Always include numbers: revenue generated, team size, percentage improvements, budget managed.
6. Too Long or Too Short
- Entry-level: 1 page
- Mid-career: 1-2 pages
- Senior/Academic: 2-3 pages
7. Poor Formatting
Inconsistent fonts, crowded text, no white space. Use professional templates.
8. Spelling and Grammar Errors
One typo can end your application. Always proofread.
9. Missing Keywords
ATS systems reject CVs without matching keywords. Tailor each CV.
10. Outdated Information
Remove jobs older than 15 years unless directly relevant.