5 Key Mistakes to Avoid When Crafting Your CV: Expert Tips to Stand Out

Tired of sending out tons of job applications and hearing nothing back? Your CV might be the problem. Writing a CV can feel like a massive chore, especially when you're trying to make it look impressive enough to catch an employer's eye. Trust me, I've been there—staring at a blank Word document, wondering how to make my part-time job sound like it prepared me to change the world. The truth is, a few small tweaks can make a huge difference in whether your CV stands out or ends up in the "no" pile. Here are five super common mistakes I’ve seen (and made myself) and some easy ways to avoid them.

1. Trying to Include Everything You’ve Ever Done Okay, we’ve all been guilty of this one. You think, “If I put every single job I’ve had on my CV, it’ll show how hard I’ve worked!” But actually, stuffing your CV with unrelated jobs just makes it look cluttered. Employers don’t need to know about that summer you spent flipping burgers if it has nothing to do with the job you want.

Quick Fix: Focus on the jobs and experiences that actually matter for the role you’re applying for. Tailor your CV for each application, so it looks like you’re the perfect fit for the position.

2. Using a Super Basic Template It’s so tempting to just use the first CV template you find online, but honestly, it can make your application look like everyone else’s. Your CV is kind of like your first impression, so you want it to look polished and unique.

Quick Fix: Find a clean, modern template that reflects your style but still looks professional. Make sure it’s easy to read—no tiny fonts or crazy colors. Just something that’s you, but grown-up enough for a recruiter.

3. Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements One of the biggest mistakes people make is just listing out what they did at each job without actually saying what they achieved. Employers want to see what you accomplished, not just what you were supposed to do. Numbers make a huge difference here.

Quick Fix: Instead of saying something like, “Worked as a retail associate,” try, “Increased sales by 20% by developing new customer service strategies.” Adding numbers shows that you actually made an impact, not just that you showed up.

4. Forgetting About Those Job-Scanning Robots (ATS) You know those stories about companies using software to scan CVs before a real person ever sees them? It’s true! A lot of companies use something called an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to scan for keywords. If your CV doesn’t have the right words, it might never make it to an actual recruiter.

Quick Fix: Look at the job description and sprinkle some of those key skills and terms into your CV—just don’t go overboard. You still want it to sound like a human wrote it.

5. Skipping the Cover Letter I get it—writing a cover letter can feel like extra work, especially when you’ve already spent ages on your CV. But a good cover letter can actually help you stand out, especially if the recruiter is reading through a bunch of similar CVs. It’s your chance to tell them why you’re really interested in the job.

Quick Fix: Write a short, personal cover letter for each job application. Explain why you want the job, why you’re excited about the company, and what you can bring to the team. It doesn’t have to be a novel—just a little something to show that you care.

Conclusion: So there you have it—five mistakes that are super easy to make when writing a CV, but just as easy to fix! With a few tweaks, your CV can go from “meh” to “wow.” And if you need a little extra help, that’s what we’re here for at Senith. We can help you craft a CV that’s not only professional but shows off who you are. Let’s get you one step closer to your dream job!

Ready to level up your CV? Check out our CV writing services or book a career consultation with us today. Let’s make your application stand out from the rest!