12 Common CV Mistakes (and How to Fix Each One)
A great CV is often just an average CV with the mistakes removed. These are the twelve errors we see most often, and the quick fix for each.
1–4: Content mistakes
Vague summary — replace "hard-working professional" with what you actually do and the value you bring. Listing duties instead of achievements — turn "responsible for X" into a result with a number. No keywords from the job — mirror the posting's language. Too long — keep it to 1–2 pages of relevant, recent experience.
5–8: Formatting mistakes
Fancy templates that break in an ATS — use a clean, single-column layout. Inconsistent dates and fonts — pick one format and stick to it. Tiny margins and walls of text — give it breathing room. Photos and graphics where they're not expected — when in doubt, leave them out.
9–12: Detail mistakes
Typos and grammar errors — proofread, then have someone else read it. Outdated or missing contact info — double-check your email and links. A generic CV for every job — tailor it each time. No measurable impact — add numbers wherever you honestly can.
Fix them in minutes
write.cv flags many of these automatically through its ATS score and section structure. Load your CV, check the score, and fix the highlighted issues before you apply.