CV Mistakes That Are Costing You Interviews (And How to Fix Them)

The CV Mistakes Nobody Tells You About

Most career advice focuses on what to include in your CV. But what you remove and fix matters just as much.

Mistake 1: Writing Job Duties Instead of Achievements

The problem: Listing what your job involved rather than what you accomplished.

❌ "Responsible for managing client accounts and ensuring satisfaction."

The fix: Reframe every bullet as an achievement with evidence.

✅ "Managed a portfolio of 40 enterprise accounts worth £2.4M ARR, achieving 97% retention over two years."

Ask yourself: What would have been different if I had not done this job? That is your achievement.

Mistake 2: A Generic Objective Statement

Opening with "Seeking a challenging role where I can grow my skills" says nothing about your value. Replace it with a professional summary that speaks directly to what the employer needs.

Mistake 3: Using Passive Language

❌ "Was involved in launching a new product line."

✅ "Launched a new product line that generated £800K in its first quarter."

Strong action verbs: Led, Built, Grew, Saved, Reduced, Launched, Delivered, Secured, Automated.

Mistake 4: No Metrics Anywhere

A CV with no numbers is a CV full of claims with no proof. Include team size, budget, percentage improvements, or volume of work — even in non-sales roles.

Mistake 5: Outdated Experience

Roles from 15+ years ago rarely add value. Keep recent roles detailed, older roles brief or removed entirely.

Mistake 6: Spelling and Grammar Errors

A single typo can disqualify you. Run a spell check, read your CV backwards, and ask a colleague to proofread it.

Mistake 7: Not Tailoring to the Job

The single biggest mistake. Generic CVs get generic results. Every strong application requires a tailored CV that mirrors the language and requirements of the specific role.

Fix all of the above and your interview rate will improve. Use TailorCV to tailor and ATS-optimise your CV automatically for every role you apply to.