10 CV Mistakes That Make Recruiters Stop Reading

A recruiter reviewing CVs for a busy role may spend as little as ten seconds on initial screening. These ten mistakes are the ones that cause recruiters to move on before they have read a word of substance.

1. A Generic Personal Statement

"Results-driven professional with excellent communication skills seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organisation." This tells the recruiter nothing. It signals that you copy-pasted a template and did not tailor your application to their role.

Fix: Write two to four sentences specific to this role, this employer, and this stage of your career.

2. Functional Format With No Dates

Some candidates use a functional CV format (skills-based, no chronological history) to hide employment gaps or short tenures. Recruiters know this and it immediately raises red flags. Most recruiters want to see a clear chronological work history.

Fix: Use a chronological or combined format. Address gaps directly rather than trying to hide them.

3. Responsibilities Only, No Achievements

"Responsible for managing the marketing team." So? Responsible does not mean effective. Recruiters want evidence of impact, not a job description.

Fix: For every role, add at least two to three bullet points that describe what you achieved, not just what your job was.

4. No Quantification

"Increased sales," "improved efficiency," "managed a large team." How much? By how much? Large is how many? Vague claims carry no weight with experienced recruiters.

Fix: Add numbers wherever possible. Percentages, monetary values, headcount, timelines.

5. Spelling and Grammar Errors

A single spelling mistake signals carelessness. Two or more and many recruiters have already moved on. For any role requiring written communication — which is most roles — this is a serious issue.

Fix: Proofread three times. Use spell-check AND read it aloud. Ask someone else to review it.

6. Email Address That Is Not Professional

First impressions from your contact details: partytime1990@hotmail.com is not the email address of a credible candidate.

Fix: Use a professional email — firstnamelastname@gmail.com or a domain you own.

7. Unexplained Acronyms and Jargon

Industry-specific abbreviations without explanation confuse recruiters who are not specialists in your sector. Even within a sector, internal acronyms from your previous employer mean nothing to others.

Fix: Write out acronyms in full on first use, or ensure they are universally recognised within the sector.

8. More Than Three Pages

Unless you are at senior executive level with genuinely extensive relevant experience, a CV beyond two pages signals poor editorial judgment. Recruiters will rarely read past page two.

Fix: Edit to two pages maximum. Every line should earn its place.

9. A Photo (for UK Applications)

Including a photo on a UK CV is non-standard and can make employers uncomfortable about potential unconscious bias accusations. It also takes up space that could be used for content.

Fix: Remove the photo.

10. No Contact Details or Outdated Information

Your phone number from five years ago, an old email, or no email at all — this happens more than you would think.

Fix: Check your contact details are current, correct, and in the main body of your CV.

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