In today's job market, just being talented isn't enough to get an interview. Many people with the same talents, qualifications, and experience apply for the same jobs. Small but essential mistakes on a CV could be the reason you don't get a call back.
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Researchers have shown that recruiters only spend 6 to 8 seconds looking at a resume before deciding whether to keep reading or move on. At the same time, ATS filtering stops more than 70–75% of resumes from ever reaching a genuine recruiter. This means that even slight mistakes on your CV can make it considerably less likely that you will receive an interview.
This Blog talks about the most common mistakes that people make on their resumes that can affect their chances of landing a job. Most importantly, it explains why these errors are detrimental and how to fix them so your resume helps you.
This book goes beyond the basics of making a resume and talks about the psychological and technological factors that affect hiring decisions. There are hidden ways to get rid of candidates at every stage of the hiring process, from how recruiters swiftly examine resumes when they don't have much time to how algorithms estimate keyword relevance. If you are aware of these hidden filters, you can strategically position your resume instead of relying solely on luck.
If you are a young graduate looking for your first job, a professional changing careers, or an experienced candidate who is having trouble getting callbacks, fixing these CV flaws will dramatically improve your chances of getting hired.
1. Sending the same resume to every job you want
Using the same CV for every job is one of the worst things you can do. This method saves time, but it doesn't work as well.
Recruiters are not looking for someone who is "general." They want someone who is a good fit for the job, the industry, and their needs. It's simple to say no to a generic CV because it doesn't prove that you fit.
Why this mistake keeps you away from getting a job: ATS software scans resumes for keywords and phrases that are relevant to the position. Your CV could be immediately thrown away if it doesn't precisely match the job description. Even if a recruiter gets it, a generic CV implies that you put in little work and lack focus.
How to repair it:
- Consider tailoring your professional summary for each job.
- Based on what you've learned, put the bullet points in order of priority.
- Use the same abilities and keywords that are in the job description.
2. A summary of your CV that isn't strong or targeted
The summary of your resume is usually the first thing a recruiter reads. But many applicants just write things like "hardworking professional" or "results-driven individual" in this box.
This type of content is one of the worst things you can do to your resume because it sets the tone.
Why does it kill chances?
A weak summary doesn't answer three crucial questions that hiring managers have
How to improve it:
Write a concise summary that is specific to the job and includes:
3. Writing down duties instead of achievements
Many resumes resemble job descriptions directly lifted from employment offer letters. Responsibilities are crucial, but they don't make you stand out from other candidates.
This is a prevalent mistake on resumes that makes it seem like good prospects don't exist.
Why it harms your chances:
- What kind of person is this candidate?
- What value does the candidate offer?
- Why should I keep going?
How to improve it:
Write a concise summary that is specific to the job and includes:
- Your core skills or job title
- If you have any years of experience, include it in your summary.
- Main strengths or achievements
- A career path that works for the job
3. Writing down duties instead of achievements
Many resumes resemble job descriptions directly lifted from employment offer letters. Responsibilities are crucial, but they don't make you stand out from other candidates.
This is a prevalent mistake on resumes that makes it seem like good prospects don't exist.
Why it harms your chances:
Recruiters want to know how well you handled your job, not just what you were told to do. Resumes that only list your tasks don't show how you grew, changed, or made a difference.
How to fix it:
Switch from duties to results by
4. Not making the most of ATS
Not knowing how applicant tracking systems work is one of the major blunders people make while writing their resumes. Many candidates only care about how it looks, not how easy it is for machines to read.
ATS software scans resumes for skills, keywords, and experience that are important for the job. Your CV might never be noticed unless it is optimized.
Why it hurts your chances:
How to fix it:
Switch from duties to results by
- Using verbs that show activity
- Adding numbers, percentages, or other results that can be measured
- Pointing out ways to make things better, work more efficiently, or make more money
4. Not making the most of ATS
Not knowing how applicant tracking systems work is one of the major blunders people make while writing their resumes. Many candidates only care about how it looks, not how easy it is for machines to read.
ATS software scans resumes for skills, keywords, and experience that are important for the job. Your CV might never be noticed unless it is optimized.
Why it hurts your chances:
Even if your résumé is fantastic, you could still be turned down if the job description does not include the relevant keywords.
5. Poor formatting and too many visual distractions
Creative layouts could seem wonderful, but they could make things challenging to understand. One of the most common mistakes that new professionals and creative people make on their resumes is making them too complicated.
Why it hurts your chances:
- The job description doesn't match the keywords.
- Tables and graphics can hide essential information.
- There are no standard headings for sections.
- Use names that are easy to understand, such as "Skills" and "Work Experience."
- Don't use text boxes, charts, or photos.
- Throughout the CV, use job-related words in a way that sounds natural.
- When you optimize for ATS, you don't just add keywords; you also make sure your strategy fits.
Creative layouts could seem wonderful, but they could make things challenging to understand. One of the most common mistakes that new professionals and creative people make on their resumes is making them too complicated.
Why it hurts your chances:
Recruiters read resumes quickly. When there are long paragraphs, uneven typefaces, and chaotic layouts, they slow down and make it tougher to grasp.
How to improve it:
How to improve it:
- Make sure the layout is neat and contains only one column.
- Don't change the font sizes or spacing.
- Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
6. Adding information that isn't needed or is out of date
Another mistake people make when drafting a resume is including too much irrelevant material, such as past employment, unrelated skills, or too much personal information.
Why it hurts your chances:
Unnecessary information makes it less likely that recruiters will see your strongest qualities and makes your resume longer than it needs to be.
How to improve it:
Even small blunders could affect your credibility. One of the easiest mistakes to make on a CV is a typo.
Why it hurts your chances:
How to improve it:
- Look at the last 10 to 15 years of work experience.
- Remove irrelevant roles unless they add value.
- Don't include skills that are no longer relevant to the job.
- Your CV should tell a clear story about your work history.
Even small blunders could affect your credibility. One of the easiest mistakes to make on a CV is a typo.
Why it hurts your chances:
Recruiters think that mistakes suggest that you don't pay attention to detail, which is especially important in positions that demand communication or accuracy.
How to fix it:
8. Not showing how your job has changed
It's a negative sign if a resume lists positions but doesn't show how the person has evolved.
Why it affects your chances:
How to fix it:
- Read it again and again.
- Use tools to check your grammar.
- Ask a friend or family member to glance over your CV.
- A professional CV demonstrates your professionalism.
It's a negative sign if a resume lists positions but doesn't show how the person has evolved.
Why it affects your chances:
Recruiters want to see that you are learning, taking on more responsibility, and progressing along in your career. If your professional timeline is flat, it could suggest that things aren't moving forward.
How to improve it:
9. Using too many terms without explaining why
Words like "strategic," "dynamic," "innovative," and "synergy-driven" are common in resumes. These words could seem beneficial, but they usually don't imply anything.
Why it harms your chances:
How to improve it:
- You should focus on promotions or greater responsibilities.
- Show how skills have gotten better over time.
- Concentrate on acquiring knowledge and cultivating adaptability.
Words like "strategic," "dynamic," "innovative," and "synergy-driven" are common in resumes. These words could seem beneficial, but they usually don't imply anything.
Why it harms your chances:
Recruiters are taught to look for proof instead of buzzwords. When resumes utilize many vague words without giving examples, they look untrustworthy.
How to improve it:
10. Avoid having a section with no talents or a poorly written one.
Many folks either write too much or too little in the "talents" section. These two mistakes on your CV make it tougher for people to read it.
Why it hurts your chances:
How to improve it:
- Instead of buzzwords, use context and results.
- Show how you were clever or imaginative.
- Use real actions or figures to back up what you say.
- Instead of saying it, excellent resumes show value.
Many folks either write too much or too little in the "talents" section. These two mistakes on your CV make it tougher for people to read it.
Why it hurts your chances:
ATS algorithms normally check the skills section first. If your resume doesn't have the proper skills or if they're hard to find, your score goes down right away.
How to improve it:
11. Dates that do not match and unexplained gaps in work history can lead to a loss of trust.
Unexplained gaps or inconsistent timelines can cause people to lose trust.
Why it hurts your chances:
How to improve it:
- Include both technical skills and skills that are specific to the job.
- Make sure your skills match what the position calls for.
- Exclude outdated or obsolete tools.
- A well-organized skills section is easier for both ATS and recruiters to read.
Unexplained gaps or inconsistent timelines can cause people to lose trust.
Why it hurts your chances:
Unmentioned gaps may lead recruiters to question your stability or performance.
How to improve it:
Most job applicants are unsuccessful not because of a lack of qualifications, but due to preventable errors. These unnoticed flaws, such as generic summaries, poor keyword optimization, formatting issues, and failing to highlight your achievements, quietly eliminate opportunities.
The good news is that you can fix all of the mistakes we've talked about. If you know how recruiters and ATS systems look at resumes, you can turn your resume into a smart marketing tool instead of just a piece of paper.
To learn more about improving your resume and what employers want, read this detailed guide on common resume mistakes and how to fix them: here . An excellent CV doesn't shout; it communicates clearly and confidently.
How to improve it:
- Be clear and consistent with the way you write dates.
- When you go to school, work for yourself, or develop new skills, there can be gaps. Please explain these gaps in a few words.
- Think about what you learned back then.
- Being honest and upfront builds trust and gets rid of preconceived ideas.
Most job applicants are unsuccessful not because of a lack of qualifications, but due to preventable errors. These unnoticed flaws, such as generic summaries, poor keyword optimization, formatting issues, and failing to highlight your achievements, quietly eliminate opportunities.
The good news is that you can fix all of the mistakes we've talked about. If you know how recruiters and ATS systems look at resumes, you can turn your resume into a smart marketing tool instead of just a piece of paper.
To learn more about improving your resume and what employers want, read this detailed guide on common resume mistakes and how to fix them: here . An excellent CV doesn't shout; it communicates clearly and confidently.
An excellent resume doesn’t shout- it communicates clearly, confidently, and strategically.
With RiseON Suite, you can create an ATS-compliant resume, transform it into a powerful interactive profile, and prepare for interviews - all in one place.
✨ Take control of your career narrative. Start with RiseON today.