Your CV is the first impression you make on a potential employer. In the UK job market, recruiters review hundreds of applications every week, often discarding those with glaring mistakes within seconds. A strong CV can open doors but even one avoidable error can close them just as quickly.
At Resource Provider Ltd, we help job seekers across the UK stand out with professional, polished applications. Here are 10 of the most common CV mistakes UK recruiters notice immediately and how to avoid them.
1. Typos and Grammatical Errors
Spelling mistakes and bad grammar instantly signal a lack of attention to detail. In most industries, strong written communication is essential so errors in your CV can suggest you’re not up to standard.
How to avoid it:
Always proofread your CV several times. Use a tool like Grammarly and, if possible, get someone else to review it before submitting.
2. Lack of Personalisation for the Role
A generic CV that hasn’t been tailored to the specific role will rarely make it past the first screening. Recruiters want to see that you’ve read the job description and understand what’s needed.
How to avoid it:
Tailor your CV for each application. Use keywords from the job advert and focus on the most relevant skills and experience.
3. Poor Formatting and Structure
An untidy, cluttered CV with inconsistent fonts or poorly defined sections can make it difficult to read and recruiters simply don’t have time to figure it out.
How to avoid it:
Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and logical structure. Make sure fonts, spacing and alignment are consistent throughout.
4. Too Long or Too Short
A CV that’s five pages long can overwhelm, while a one-page CV may seem too thin unless you’re a recent graduate. Recruiters expect concise but complete information.
How to avoid it:
Keep your CV around two pages, focusing on the most recent and relevant experience. Remove outdated or irrelevant roles that don’t add value.
5. No Personal Statement
Many job seekers skip the personal statement at the top of the CV, but this short paragraph is crucial for giving recruiters context about your background and goals.
How to avoid it:
Include a clear, concise personal profile that sums up your professional identity, top skills, and what you’re looking for next.
6. Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements
A common mistake is listing what you did in a job without showing how well you did it. Recruiters are looking for impact, not just duties.
How to avoid it:
Use bullet points to highlight achievements, and quantify them where possible. For example, “Increased sales by 30% in 6 months.”
7. Unexplained Employment Gaps
If there’s a noticeable gap in your work history and no explanation, recruiters may assume the worst or move on to the next candidate.
How to avoid it:
Briefly explain gaps in your CV, whether due to study, personal reasons, or job seeking. Keep it positive and professional.
8. Irrelevant or Outdated Information
Including experience that has no relevance to the role or outdated qualifications can dilute your CV’s effectiveness.
How to avoid it:
Focus on what’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Tailor your experience to the needs of the role and remove anything that no longer serves your goals.
9. Unprofessional Contact Details
Using an informal or inappropriate email address immediately undermines your professionalism.
How to avoid it:
Use a simple, professional email address ideally based on your name and make sure your voicemail greeting is also appropriate if recruiters call you.
10. Missing Keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many UK employers use ATS software to screen CVs. If your CV doesn’t include the right terms, it might never reach a human reader.
How to avoid it:
Scan the job description for key phrases and terminology, and naturally incorporate them into your CV especially in your skills and experience sections.
Conclusion
Your CV is your marketing tool and in a competitive UK job market, it must be sharp, tailored, and error-free. Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly increase your chances of progressing to the interview stage.
At Resource Provider Ltd, we support professionals across the UK with expert CV advice and tailored job search strategies. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, our team is here to help.