CV Mistakes That Are Costing You Job Interviews

If you’ve been applying for jobs and hearing nothing back, it’s easy to assume the market is tough or that you just need more experience. But often, the real issue is much closer to home. Small CV mistakes can quietly stop your application from ever reaching the interview stage.

The frustrating part is that many of these mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common CV mistakes, explain why they matter, and show you how to fix them so your CV has a better chance of getting noticed.

The most common CV mistakes employers see

Recruiters read hundreds of CVs, and they tend to spot the same problems again and again. One of the most common mistakes in CV writing is being too vague. Statements such as “I was responsible for various tasks” or “I worked as part of a team” don’t tell employers much about what you actually did.

Another common issue is including too much irrelevant information. Listing every job you’ve ever had, regardless of whether it relates to the role, can dilute your strongest experience. This is one of the top CV mistakes people make, especially when they are applying for multiple roles.

Spelling and grammar errors are also very high on the list. Even a small mistake on a CV can give the impression that you lack attention to detail. These common CV mistakes are often enough to put recruiters off before they finish reading.

Formatting errors that get your CV rejected

Formatting might seem like a minor detail, but it plays a huge role in whether your CV gets read properly. Poor layout is one of the top CV mistakes employers notice straight away.

Common formatting issues include:

• Lots of text with no spaces

• Inconsistent fonts or font sizes

• Overly creative layouts that are too hard to read

• Submitting the wrong file format

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (APS), which means overly designed CVs may not scan correctly. This is one of the most overlooked CV mistakes that can lead to your application being rejected automatically.

Keeping your CV clean, simple, and well-structured helps ensure it’s readable for both recruiters and systems.

CV writing mistakes that undersell your experience

Another common mistake on CVs is underselling your own experience. Many candidates focus too much on duties instead of achievements. Saying what you were responsible for is not the same as showing what you achieved.

A strong CV should highlight outcomes, improvements, or results wherever possible. Without this, your experience can blend in with everyone else’s. This is one of the most damaging CV mistakes to avoid, especially in competitive job roles.

Some people also fall into the trap of copying generic phrases or templates without adapting them. Employers need to be able to tell you apart from the crowd. This can make your CV feel impersonal and, in some cases, lead to common mistakes in CV writing where wording doesn’t quite make sense.

How to fix these CV mistakes quickly

The good news is that most mistakes in CVs can be fixed with a few focused changes. Start by reviewing your CV with fresh eyes or asking someone else to read it. Simple checks can catch spelling errors and unclear wording.

Next, tailor your CV to each role. You don’t need to rewrite it from scratch, but small adjustments make a big difference. Remove anything that doesn’t support the job you’re applying for and strengthen your key sections with clear examples.

Finally, use tools that help structure and format your CV correctly. Platforms like Scriberly help jobseekers avoid common mistakes in CV writing by guiding layout, wording, and clarity, making it easier to present your experience in the best possible way.

Try Scriberly out today

If you aren’t getting interviews, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not good enough. Often, it comes down to avoidable CV mistakes that are holding you back. By spotting and fixing these issues, you give yourself a much better chance of being noticed.

A strong CV should be clear, focused, and easy to read. Once those basics are right, your experience can finally speak for itself.

Don’t let these common CV mistakes hold you back from another interview. Try Scriberly today to guide your CV layout, sharpen your wording, and create a clear, professional CV that gets noticed.