In this post, we will be talking about 12 Common CV mistakes that may cost one his chances of getting hired. Your CV is more than just a document it’s your first pitch to a potential employer. But unfortunately, many job seekers sabotage their own chances with avoidable errors. From outdated information to unnecessary details, these mistakes can instantly turn recruiters off.
Table of Contents
12 common CV mistakes you should avoid immediately.
1. Including Your Age or Date of Birth
This is one of the 12 Common CV Mistakes to watch out for. Unless it’s specifically required, leave out your age or date of birth. This can lead to age bias and reduce your chances of getting shortlisted. Your age matters less compared to your qualifications and experiences unless you are applying for jobs that requires age specifications like the military roles which rarely requires CV in most cases.
2. Listing Marital Status and Family Information
Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or in a situationship, it’s irrelevant to your CV. Your family size, number of children, or partner’s name has no place here. Recruiters care about your professional value not your home affairs.
Expunge relationship status from your CV!
3. Mentioning Salary Expectations
Avoid writing salary expectations unless the job advert requests it. Putting a figure on your CV can price you out or undercut your worth.
Discuss compensation during the interview or negotiation stage not on your CV.
4. Explaining Why You Left Previous Jobs
Save this for the interview. Your CV should highlight your strengths and achievements, not sound like you are explaining or defending yourself. The CV should rather highlight your impact in previous roles instead of why you left them.
If the employer so care, he should ask for this during the interview.
5. Submitting a CV with Typos and Grammar Mistakes
Even a single typo can create a bad impression. Poor grammar shows a lack of attention to detail and can instantly turn off a recruiter. Proofread thoroughly and use grammar tools like Grammarly. Ask a friend to review it too.
I have been carrying a CV with a minor spelling oversight not until an employer spotted it during an interview, I felt so much disappointed.
6. Adding Irrelevant Work Experience
Your job as a student MC, fashion vendor, or campus DJ might be impressive, but if it’s unrelated to the role you’re applying for, don’t include that.
Tailor your CV to match the job you are applying for. Only include what supports your application.
7. Writing in a Generic or Unfocused Format
Recruiters can tell when you’re using the same CV for every job. Generic templates don’t work anymore. Customize your CV to each job role. Use the job description as your guide, and include keywords that fit the industry. Don’t use the same CV you submitted for a marketing manager position when applying for bank security jobs.
Getting the job is worth more than about 20 minutes spent customizing your CV to suit your current application.
8. Including Hobbies and Interests That Don’t Add Value
Unless they’re directly related to the role or demonstrate leadership, creativity, or problem-solving, skip the hobbies.
Example: “Enjoys watching football and listening to Afrobeats” won’t help you land a banking job.
I had reading and writing as one of the hobbies listed in my CV but the selection board laughed me to stupor when I attended a military recruitment exercise.
“You are here for to fight, not to read..” one of the officers said.
9. Sharing Too Much Personal Information
This is one of the critical among the 12 common CV mistakes you should avoid! Details like your religion, political views, gender, state of origin, or blood group are not necessary unless the job specifically requires that you list them. These details may trigger unconscious bias and are often irrelevant.
10. Using a Full Residential Address
You don’t need to write: No. 15 Okoro Street, Behind Market Square, Off Old Express, Onitsha. Just include your city and state.
Don’t allow the recruiters judge you based on distance, don’t give them a reason to screen you out.
Among the 12 common CV mistakes also includes:
11. Making the CV Too Long or Too Short
A CV that’s too long becomes boring; one that’s too short looks underwhelming. Don’t list every job you’ve ever done, and don’t leave out important achievements either.
Ideal CV length should be about 1–2 pages. It is a standard for most roles. Focuses on quality, not quantity.
12. Using Unprofessional Fonts or Layouts
Your CV isn’t a music flyer or birthday invite. Fonts like Comic Sans or decorative designs make your resume look unserious.
Format your CV very well and Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman; good spacing and font sizes!
We may not write that master piece CV for you, but following this tips may be very crucial to addressing CV wahala.
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