There isn’t a single “correct” way to write a CV, and different industries tend to favour different approaches. In general, people choose between a chronological CV, which lists your experience in time order (most recent first), and a functional CV, which focuses more on skills and achievements rather than a strict timeline.
A chronological CV is often preferred because it’s easy for recruiters to follow your career progression at a glance. It clearly shows how your responsibilities have developed over time. A functional CV, on the other hand, can be useful if you’re changing careers, have gaps in employment, or want to emphasise specific skills rather than job titles. It allows you to group achievements under themes such as leadership, project management, or technical expertise.
Despite these differences in structure, the purpose of any CV remains the same: to present your experience, skills, and achievements in a clear, relevant, and professional way that convinces a recruiter to invite you for an interview. Because recruiters often spend only seconds scanning each CV, clarity and relevance are more important than creativity or complexity.
However, regardless of format, there are several common mistakes that can significantly reduce your chances of success. Avoiding these pitfalls can make your CV far more effective.
1. Including unnecessary personal details
Many people still include outdated personal information such as date of birth, marital status, nationality, or religion. In modern recruitment, this information is irrelevant and can even introduce unconscious bias. A CV should focus on your professional profile, so only your name and essential contact details (such as phone number and email address) are required.
2. Adding irrelevant achievements or hobbies
It can be tempting to include everything you’ve done, especially achievements you’re proud of. However, unless something directly supports the job you’re applying for, it usually adds little value. For example, niche school clubs or unrelated hobbies may distract from more relevant experience. Employers are primarily interested in evidence that you can perform the role, not your entire personal history.
3. Using a photograph
Unless you are applying for a role where appearance is relevant (such as acting, modelling, or certain media roles), a photo is generally unnecessary. In most professional contexts, it does not influence hiring decisions and can even introduce bias. Your skills and experience should speak for themselves.
4. Overly fancy paper or presentation
While it might feel like a good idea to “stand out,” using coloured paper, heavy graphics, or decorative formats is usually counterproductive. Recruiters value clarity and readability far more than gimmicks. A simple, clean layout is almost always more effective than anything overly stylised.
5. Excessive or distracting formatting
Formatting should support readability, not compete with it. Overuse of bold text, underlining, multiple fonts, or colours can make a CV look cluttered and difficult to scan. A well-structured CV uses consistent headings, clear spacing, and restrained formatting to guide the reader smoothly through the content.
6. Stating salary expectations
Including salary expectations on your CV can be risky. If the figure is too high, you may be excluded early; if it’s too low, you risk undervaluing yourself. Salary discussions are best saved for later stages of the recruitment process, when there is mutual interest and more context about the role.
7. Using a generic CV for every application
One of the most common mistakes is sending the same CV to every employer. This “one-size-fits-all” approach rarely works well because different roles prioritise different skills. Tailoring your CV to each application—by highlighting the most relevant experience and using similar language to the job description—can significantly improve your chances.
8. Being dishonest or exaggerating
Even small exaggerations can backfire. Employers increasingly verify qualifications, job history, and achievements, and inconsistencies are often discovered. Beyond the practical risk, dishonesty can damage your professional reputation. It is far more effective to present your genuine experience in the strongest possible way rather than attempting to inflate it.
9. Overusing jargon or technical language
While it’s important to demonstrate expertise, overloading your CV with industry jargon can make it difficult to understand. Remember that your CV may first be read by HR professionals or recruiters who are not specialists in your field. Clear, simple language ensures your achievements are understood by everyone who reads it.
10. Explaining reasons for leaving jobs
Including reasons for leaving previous roles is generally unnecessary. It takes up valuable space and can raise questions that are better addressed in conversation. Interviews provide a more appropriate setting to explain career changes, gaps, or transitions in context.
Final thought
A strong CV is not about being flashy or overly detailed—it’s about precision. The best CVs are focused, tailored, easy to read, and honest. When done well, they allow your most relevant experience and strengths to stand out immediately, increasing your chances of reaching the interview stage.
