Wondering why you’re not getting interviews?

From spelling errors and unexplained employment gaps to poor formatting and generic applications, small mistakes can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common CV mistakes employers see and how to avoid them.

Written by: Natalie Elliott

Marketing Manager

What are the most common CV mistakes?

Spelling and grammar errors

Missing employment dates
Long paragraphs
Generic applications
Unexplained employment gaps
Unprofessional language
Poor formatting
Irrelevant hobbies
Lack of detail about previous roles

1: What happens if you don’t include enough detail in your work history?

When writing your CV, avoid simply listing job titles and employer names. Recruiters and hiring managers want to understand what your role involved, the responsibilities you held, and the skills you developed. Providing enough detail helps employers assess whether your experience is relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Be sure to include employment dates as well. Showing when you worked in each role allows employers to understand how recent your experience is and how long you’ve worked within a particular industry or position.

Remember, employers often receive dozens of applications for a single vacancy. A well-structured employment history makes it easier for them to quickly identify whether you have the skills and experience they’re looking for.

2: What hobbies should you put on a CV?

Including hobbies and interests on your CV can help employers gain a better understanding of who you are outside of work. While this section isn’t essential, it can add value when used effectively.

Focus on hobbies and interests that demonstrate positive qualities such as teamwork, leadership, creativity, communication or problem-solving skills. For example, playing team sports, volunteering, organising community events or learning new skills can all paint a positive picture of your character.

Try to avoid listing generic interests that don’t add anything meaningful to your application. Your hobbies should give employers an insight into your personality and showcase qualities that could benefit you in the workplace.

3: Are long paragraphs bad on a CV?

Recruiters often have to review a large number of applications, an average of 30 CV’s per job, and spend about 7.4 seconds scanning each CV before deciding whether to read further. That’s why making your CV easy to navigate is so important.

Large blocks of text can make it difficult for employers to quickly identify the information they’re looking for. Instead, break up your content using clear headings and bullet points to highlight key responsibilities, achievements and skills.

A well-formatted CV allows employers to find relevant information at a glance, helping you make a strong first impression and increasing the likelihood of progressing to the next stage.

4: How professional should your CV sound?

Your CV should always be written in a professional and confident tone. Think of it as your personal marketing document. It should demonstrate your skills and experience while presenting you as someone employers would want to work with.

Avoid using slang, text abbreviations or overly casual language, as these can appear unprofessional and may undermine your credibility. Instead, use clear and concise language that highlights your experience and achievements.

That doesn’t mean your CV has to sound robotic. Employers still want to get a sense of who you are, so aim for a balance between professionalism and authenticity. The best CVs are polished, easy to read and reflect the candidate’s genuine experience and personality.

5: What should you avoid saying your previous jobs?

It’s important to remain professional when discussing previous employers or workplaces. Speaking negatively about a former employer can create the impression that you may bring a negative attitude into future roles or struggle to handle workplace challenges constructively.

Even if you’ve had a difficult experience, focus on what you learned from the situation or how you overcame any challenges. This approach demonstrates resilience, professionalism and a positive mindset.

Employers value candidates who can communicate maturely and maintain professionalism, even when reflecting on less positive experiences.

6: Do spelling mistakes matter on a CV?

Yes. Spelling and grammar mistakes can have a significant impact on how employers view your application. Errors can suggest a lack of attention to detail and may raise concerns about the quality of your work, particularly in roles that involve written communication.

This is especially important for positions such as Administrator, Receptionist, Customer Service Advisor, Marketing Executive, HR Assistant, Sales Administrator, Recruitment Consultant, Office Manager and Warehouse Administrator, where clear and professional written communication forms a key part of the role.

With many employers reviewing large volumes of applications, mistakes can sometimes be enough for a CV to be overlooked. Recruiters may assume that if a candidate hasn’t taken the time to proofread their CV, they may apply the same level of care in the workplace.

Before submitting your application, take the time to thoroughly review your CV. It can also help to ask a friend or family member to check it for errors, or use spelling and grammar tools to catch mistakes you may have missed.

7: What font should you use on a CV?

The design of your CV should support readability, not distract from it. While decorative or unusual fonts may seem creative, they can make your CV more difficult to read and may not create the professional impression you’re aiming for.

Stick to clean, professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica or Times New Roman. These fonts are widely recognised, easy to read and commonly used in professional documents.

When highlighting sections, use formatting such as bold text, headings or subtle underlining rather than switching to decorative fonts. A clean, consistent layout will help employers focus on your skills and experience.

8: Should you tailor your CV for every job application?

Yes. Tailoring your CV for each application can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Every role has different requirements, and employers want to see evidence that you possess the specific skills, experience and qualities they are looking for. By adjusting your CV to reflect the job description, you can demonstrate that you’re a strong match for the position.

This doesn’t mean rewriting your entire CV every time you apply. Instead, focus on highlighting the most relevant experience, skills and achievements for the role. A tailored CV shows genuine interest in the opportunity and can help you stand out from other applicants.

9: Do employment gaps look bad on a CV?

Employment gaps aren’t necessarily a problem, but leaving them unexplained can raise questions for employers.

When recruiters notice gaps in employment history, they may wonder what you were doing during that period and whether there were factors affecting your ability to work. Without any context, they may make assumptions that could work against your application.

If you’ve taken time away from work for reasons such as caring responsibilities, education, travel, health, redundancy or personal circumstances, it’s usually best to acknowledge this briefly on your CV. You don’t need to provide extensive detail. A simple explanation can help demonstrate transparency and prevent unnecessary concerns.

Many people experience career breaks for legitimate reasons, so honesty and clarity are often all that’s needed.

Should you use AI to write your CV?

It’s been found that more than half of job seekers are now using AI to write their CV’s.

AI can be a useful tool when creating or updating your CV. It can help improve wording, identify spelling and grammar mistakes, suggest ways to highlight your skills, and tailor your experience to a specific job description.

However, AI should support your CV writing, not do all the work for you. Employers want to understand your genuine skills, experience and achievements, so a CV that has been entirely generated by AI can sound generic, overly polished or lack your personality.

If you use AI, always:

Check all information is accurate and reflects your actual experience.
Make sure employment dates, qualifications and achievements are correct
Edit the content to sound like you and match your communication style
Tailor your CV to the specific role you are applying for
Proofread the final version before submitting it

Remember, AI can help you create a stronger CV, but it can’t replace your personal experience, achievements and career story.

FAQ’s

What is the biggest mistake people make on a CV?

One of the most common mistakes is submitting a generic CV that hasn’t been tailored to the role. Employers want to see relevant experience and skills that match their vacancy.

How long should a CV be?

CVs should typically be one to two pages long, depending on your experience.

Is it okay to have employment gaps on a CV?

Yes. Employment gaps are common and aren’t necessarily a problem. If possible, briefly explain the reason for the gap to provide context and avoid unnecessary questions.

Should I tailor my CV for every job application?

Yes. Tailoring your CV to each role helps highlight the most relevant skills and experience, making it easier for employers to see why you’re a suitable candidate.

Should I include hobbies and interests on my CV?

You can, but only if they add value. Hobbies that demonstrate teamwork, leadership, creativity or commitment are generally more beneficial than generic interests.

Can I use AI to write my CV?

AI can be a useful tool for improving wording, checking grammar and helping structure your CV. However, you should always review the content, ensure it accurately reflects your experience, and personalise it so it sounds like you.

Can employers tell if a CV was written by AI?

Employers may notice if a CV sounds overly generic, contains vague achievements or doesn’t reflect a candidate’s experience. AI should be used to support your CV, not replace your own input.

What should I do if I'm not getting interviews?

Review your CV to ensure it’s tailored to the role, free from spelling mistakes, includes relevant skills and experience, and clearly demonstrates your achievements. Small improvements can make a significant difference.

What skills should I include on my CV?

Include skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. Examples include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, customer service, IT skills and industry-specific competencies.