When applying for jobs in the UK, your CV is often the first impression you make on recruiters. A well-crafted CV can open doors, but even small mistakes can cost you an interview. At Resource Provider Ltd, we work closely with employers and jobseekers across the UK, and we know exactly what recruiters spot right away. Here are the ten most common CV mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Spelling and Grammar Errors
Nothing turns off a recruiter faster than sloppy spelling or poor grammar. It signals carelessness and lack of attention to detail.
How to fix it: Always proofread your CV, use spell-check, and ask someone else to review it.
2. Poor Formatting and Layout
A CV that is cluttered, inconsistent, or difficult to scan is often dismissed quickly. Recruiters want clear structure.
How to fix it: Use consistent fonts, headings, and bullet points. Keep your CV neat, professional, and easy to read.
3. Too Much Information
Recruiters spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV initially. A five-page document full of irrelevant details won’t hold attention.
How to fix it: Stick to two pages and highlight relevant experience tailored to the role.
4. Missing Contact Information
Surprisingly, some candidates forget to include phone numbers or professional email addresses. Without this, recruiters cannot reach you.
How to fix it: Always double-check your contact section and keep it professional.
5. Generic CV with No Tailoring
Sending the same CV to every job is one of the biggest mistakes. Recruiters notice when it isn’t tailored.
How to fix it: Adapt your CV for each role, aligning your skills with the job description.
6. Overuse of Buzzwords
Recruiters see “hard-working,” “team player,” and “results-driven” far too often. These phrases lose impact when not backed by evidence.
How to fix it: Focus on achievements and measurable results instead of clichés.
7. Employment Gaps Without Explanation
Unexplained breaks in work history raise red flags. Recruiters prefer honesty and clarity.
How to fix it: Briefly explain career gaps (e.g., study, travel, caregiving) and highlight transferable skills.
8. Irrelevant Work Experience
Listing every job you’ve ever had can distract from your suitability for the role.
How to fix it: Prioritise relevant experience and highlight transferable skills that match the position.
9. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements
Recruiters want evidence of your impact, not just responsibilities. A CV without results feels weak.
How to fix it: Add figures, percentages, or examples that demonstrate real outcomes.