7 CV Mistakes Recruiters See Every Day | Talent Guardian

We've seen thousands of CVs.
The good news? You don't need to create the world's most impressive CV.
You just need to avoid making it difficult for someone to understand why you're good.
Here are seven mistakes we regularly see.
1. Not explaining what you've achieved
Responsibilities tell us what your job was. Achievements tell us whether you were good at it.
Where possible, show results: growth, savings, revenue, promotions, projects, efficiency, team development or new customers.
2. Making it too long
Your CV isn't your autobiography. Five or six pages of detail can actually hide your strongest experience. Prioritise what's relevant.
3. Making it too short
The opposite can also be a problem. A one-page CV might look beautifully concise, but if you've got 15 years' FMCG experience and haven't told us what you've achieved, you're underselling yourself.
4. Using endless buzzwords
“Dynamic.” “Results-driven.” “Strategic thinker.” “Passionate leader.” These phrases mean very little without evidence. Show us rather than tell us.
5. Hiding the important information
If you're applying for a National Account Manager role and you've managed Tesco for four years, make that obvious. If you're a Production Manager responsible for 150 people, tell us. Recruiters shouldn't need detective skills.
6. Forgetting dates
Include the month and year for employment dates. It gives employers a clear picture of your career history and prevents unnecessary questions about gaps.
7. Sending it without checking it
Typos happen. But incorrect dates, unfinished sentences, formatting errors and even the wrong company name can create a poor first impression.
Your CV doesn't have to be clever. It needs to be clear, relevant and credible.
And remember - there is a person behind that document.

At Talent Guardian, we don't recruit CVs. We recruit people.

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