In today’s competitive job market, sending out a one-size-fits-all CV simply doesn’t cut it. As recruiters, we see it all the time: talented candidates being overlooked because their CVs don’t speak directly to the role they’re applying for. If you’re not getting the responses you hoped for, here’s why your generic CV might be holding you back—and how to turn it around.
1. Your Skills Aren’t Aligned to the Job
Listing every skill you’ve ever acquired might seem thorough, but if they’re not relevant to the role, they’re just noise. Tailor your CV for each application. Highlight the skills that match the job description and demonstrate how you’ve used them in real-world scenarios. Quality over quantity is key.
2. Poor CV Structure
A well-structured CV makes it easy for recruiters to find the information they need quickly. Here’s a simple, effective layout:
- Full Name at the top
- Key Contact Details (phone number and email)
- Residential Area (suburb and city only)
- Availability (your notice period or immediate availability)
- Education (with full start and end dates)
- Key Skills (aligned to the job you’re applying for)
- Employment History (most recent first, working backwards)
When listing your employment history, don’t leave out any roles—even short-term ones. Include your full duties and responsibilities for each position to give a clear picture of your experience.
3. Missing Information
Recruiters need the full picture to assess your suitability. Common omissions include:
- Education: Always include start and end dates.
- Employment: State your reasons for leaving each role.
- Gaps: If there are gaps in your employment, explain them briefly.
Leaving out key details can raise red flags and slow down the hiring process.
4. Poor Grammar and Spelling
This might seem minor, but it’s a big deal. A CV riddled with errors suggests a lack of attention to detail. Always proofread your CV—or better yet, ask someone else to review it. Tools like Grammarly can also help catch common mistakes.
5. Formatting
Stop using premade Templates.
- They all look the same, and most of the time, they are not ATS-friendly.
- Do not submit JPGs, JPEGs or locked PDFs; ATS systems cannot read them, and you are just going to frustrate the hiring manager when they cannot copy and paste your details to get hold of you.
- Profile photos – these take up valuable space. Besides, most ATS systems allow for profile photos to be uploaded, AND recruiters/hiring managers are professional stalkers – we will find out what you look like.
- Lastly, use the KISS method – Keep It Simple Stupid. Recruiters/hiring managers are reviewing hundreds of CVs a day. Make sure the layout is simple, the font is big enough and if you have a creative side that you would like to share/show off, use tools like Behance or create your own website.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is your first impression—it’s your personal marketing document. Taking the time to tailor it, structure it well, and ensure it’s error-free can make all the difference.