Common CV Mistakes To Avoid
Why It Matters
A great CV gets you through the door but too many strong candidates miss out because of small, easily avoidable mistakes.
In marketing, digital and creative roles, first impressions count. Recruiters and hiring managers scan CVs in seconds, looking for clarity, credibility and relevance. Here’s how to make sure yours ticks every box.
Mistakes to Watch Out For
🚫 Too generic
Sending the same CV for every role is a missed opportunity. Tailor it to reflect the specific skills, tools and language of the job description so it feels written for them.
🚫 Task lists instead of results
Hiring managers don’t just want to see what you did, they want to see what you delivered. Replace task lists with achievements: “Increased website conversion by 22% through UX redesign” says far more than “Managed website updates.”
🚫 Not addressing career gaps
You don’t need to overexplain or apologise for breaks in your career but you should acknowledge them briefly. A short, confident line like “Career break for personal development” or “Freelance and project work during transition period” signals transparency and control. Gaps only raise red flags when they’re left unexplained; handled simply, they show self-awareness and professionalism.
🚫 Not Including month you started and finished every role
Always include both the
month and year for when you started and finished each role. Leaving them out can cause confusion, a job listed as “2022–2023” could mean anything from two months to two years. Employers and recruiters want clarity and consistency; showing exact months demonstrates transparency and gives a more accurate picture of your experience.
🚫 Forgetting your personal paragraph
Include a short (3–4 line) personal summary at the top of your CV, your elevator pitch. Highlight what you do, what you’re great at, and what you’re looking for next. It sets the tone and brings your story together.
🚫 Missing keywords and core skills
Recruiters (and applicant tracking systems) scan CVs quickly for relevant skills. Make sure your core skills, the channels, tools and specialisms you’re strongest in are visible at the top of your CV. Consider using a short “Core Skills” or “Expertise” section, or weave them naturally into your personal summary. These keywords don’t just catch a recruiter’s eye; they also help your CV rank higher when recruiters are searching databases for candidates with your expertise.
🚫 Listing GCSEs in full
There’s no need to list every GCSE subject and grade, it’s rarely relevant. A simple line like “9 GCSEs including English and Maths” is enough. If you didn’t get great results, don’t draw attention to them. Focus instead on your professional experience, achievements and upskilling since then. Education should support your story, not distract from it.
🚫 Too much detail
More than two pages isn't a negative if the content is strong, but don’t fill space for the sake of it. Focus on relevance, not volume.
🚫 Poor formatting
Inconsistent fonts, cramped layouts or over-designed CVs are distracting. Use a clean, easy-to-read structure; clear headings, bullet points and plenty of white space.
🚫 Missing key tools and platforms
Don’t forget your digital stack: GA4, HubSpot, Salesforce, Meta Ads Manager, Canva, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, list what’s relevant.
🚫 Typos, spelling and formatting slip-ups
It sounds simple, but these small details can seriously undermine credibility. Always proofread and be consistent. That means:
- Use UK English (organise, specialise, analyse and not organize, specialize, analyze).
- Check spacing, fonts and alignment.
- Be consistent with punctuation, either end all bullet points with full stops or don’t. Mixing styles looks careless.
For marketing, comms and creative roles, where brand accuracy matters, this level of polish can make or break a first impression.
🚫 Including your date of birth
You don’t need to include your date of birth, and you shouldn’t. Under the Equality Act, employers and recruiters must avoid age discrimination. Modern CVs are about skills, experience and value, not personal details. Leaving it out helps ensure a fairer, unbiased recruitment process.
Employer Perspective
Hiring managers typically spend 6–8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to read further. The best ones stand out because they’re relevant, readable and results-focused, not flashy.
Final Thought
Your CV doesn’t have to be clever, it just has to be clear. Keep it honest, keyword-optimised and focused on the value you bring.
If you’d like an honest, constructive review of your CV, we’ll tell you what’s working, what’s not, and how to make it stand out for all the right reasons.
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