5 Common CV Mistakes That Are Costing You Interviews (And How to Fix Them)
Struggling to land interviews? The problem might be your CV. Many great candidates are rejected not because they lack skills, but because of avoidable CV mistakes. Here are the top 5 errors job seekers in South Africa make and how to fix them fast.
1. Typos & Bad Grammar
Hiring managers will toss your CV if it’s full of spelling or grammar mistakes, even if you’re qualified.
Fix:
Always use spell check and tools like Grammarly. Ask someone else to read it before sending.
2. A Generic CV for Every Job
One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Employers want to see that you understand their role.
Fix:
Customize your CV for each job. Change your personal summary, skills, and work experience to match the job description.
3. No Contact Details or Wrong Info
You’d be surprised how many CVs are missing phone numbers or have the wrong email.
Fix:
Double-check your contact section. Use a professional email address like yourname@gmail.com (not cuteboy123@…).
4. Too Long or Too Short
A CV should be 1 to 2 pages maximum. No hiring manager wants to read a novel or a WhatsApp message.
Fix:
Stick to key details: contact info, short summary, skills, work experience, and education.
5. Irrelevant or Outdated Information
Listing every job you’ve ever had, even unrelated ones, clutters your CV.
Fix:
Keep it relevant. Focus on recent jobs and experiences that relate to the position you’re applying for.
Final Tip:
Your CV is your first impression. Make it count. Clean formatting, clear structure, and honest content go a long way.
