The 10 Most Common CV Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
76% of all CVs are rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Learn the biggest pitfalls and create an error-free resume that convinces.
Table of Contents
76%
CVs discarded for spelling errors
Even a single typo can lead to a rejection.
58%
Overly generic CVs are ignored
Lack of tailoring to the job posting.
43%
CVs are too long or unstructured
Recruiters only have 6–8 seconds.
Avoid these critical mistakes for a compelling resume.
The 10 Most Common CV Mistakes
This analysis is based on over 10,000 reviewed resumes and recruiter feedback. The order shows the frequency and the impact on your application chances.
A single critical mistake can ruin an otherwise perfect CV. The good news: all of these mistakes are 100% avoidable.
#1 Spelling and Grammar Errors (76% – Immediate Rejection)
Why it happens Signals lack of attention to detail and professionalism.
How to fix Multiple rounds of proofreading, spellcheck, external proofreading.
- Example "I have a lot of experiance" → "I have a lot of experience"
#2 Generic, Non-specific CV (58% – Gets Overlooked)
Why it happens No relevance to the advertised position is apparent.
How to fix Tailor the CV for each application.
- Example Use keywords from the job posting, highlight relevant projects.
#3 Too Much Irrelevant Information (43% – Important Things Get Lost)
Why it happens Recruiters can't quickly identify relevant qualifications.
How to fix List only job-relevant experiences and skills.
- Example Omit a summer job from 10 years ago if not relevant.
#4 Missing Quantification (67% – Not credible)
Why it happens Vague statements without measurable achievements.
How to fix Use numbers, percentages, time periods, team sizes.
- Example "Improved sales" → "Increased sales by 35%"
#5 Outdated or Unprofessional Email (34% – Unprofessional Impression)
Why it happens lovebirds1995@hotmail.com doesn't look professional.
How to fix firstname.lastname@gmail.com or a personal domain.
- Example max.mustermann@gmail.com instead of coolguy_max@web.de.
#6 Unexplained Gaps (45% – Suspicion)
Why it happens Recruiters wonder what is being concealed.
How to fix Honest, brief explanations for interruptions.
- Example Mention sabbaticals, further training, or family breaks transparently.
#7 Unprofessional Photo or No Photo (28% – Poor First Impression)
Why it happens Selfies or pixelated images look unprofessional.
How to fix Use a professional headshot or omit it altogether.
- Example Hire a photographer or use a high-quality DIY setup.
#8 CVs Too Long or Too Short (52% – Not Read)
Why it happens 1 page is too short, 4+ pages too long for most positions.
How to fix 2–3 pages for experienced professionals.
- Example Condense relevant information, remove unimportant details.
#9 Missing Keywords for ATS (65% – Not Found)
Why it happens Automated systems don't find the CV in searches.
How to fix Incorporate relevant terms from the job description.
- Example Use exact tool names and technologies.
#10 Outdated or Missing Contact Details (15% – Contact Impossible)
Why it happens Recruiters can't reach you.
How to fix Check current phone number, email, LinkedIn.
- Example Test all contact details before sending.
Formatting & Design Mistakes
Technical issues and chaotic layouts remain top reasons for rejection. With these best practices your CV stays scannable and ATS-friendly.
Typography Chaos
Hard to read, unprofessional
One main font, clear hierarchy, lots of white space.
- More than 2-3 fonts
- Inconsistent sizes
- Poor readability
- Overloaded design
PDF Problems
Technical issues, poor rendering
Professional PDF, under 2MB, test on all devices.
- Sending Word document
- Unprotected PDF
- Huge file sizes
- Corrupted files
Layout Weaknesses
Unstructured, hard to scan
Grid system, consistent margins, logical grouping.
- No clear sections
- Poor alignment
- Uneven spacing
- Too densely packed
Responsive Fails
Mobile recruiters can't read the CV
Mobile-first design, test on various devices.
- Optimized only for desktop
- Unreadable on mobile
- Elements overlap
- PDF reflows awkwardly
Content Weaknesses
Many CVs fail not because of formatting, but because of weak content. These content problems make the difference between rejection and interview.
Weak Action Verbs
Passive vs. active and results-oriented
Weak: was responsible for; helped with; was involved in
- Strong: led
- Strong: developed
- Strong: optimized
- Strong: implemented
- Strong: increased
Job Description Copy-Paste
Interchangeable vs. unique
Weak: 1:1 tasks from the job description; no personal emphasis; standard phrases
- Strong: Highlight your own achievements
- Strong: Specific project examples
- Strong: Quantified results
Skill Inflation
Unrealistic vs. authentic
Weak: expert in everything; unrealistic years of experience; buzzwords without substance
- Strong: honest assessment
- Strong: proven competencies
- Strong: specific examples of application
Missing Story
Confusing vs. coherent
Weak: disconnected positions; no clear progression; arbitrary jumps
- Strong: clear through-line
- Strong: Logical progression
- Strong: Clear goals and motivation
ATS & Technical Fails
75% of all applications are first scanned by ATS systems. These technical issues mean your CV never reaches a human.
ATS-Killer Formatierung
Consequence: CV is not parsed
Problems: tables for layout, text in images, complex headers/footers, unconventional sections
- Technical fix: simple text fields, clear headings, standard sections.
File Naming Chaos
Consequence: unprofessional, hard to find
Problems: CV.pdf, Lebenslauf_final_final_v2.docx, special characters in the filename
- Technical fix: Firstname_Lastname_CV_2025.pdf
Broken Links
Consequence: additional info not available
Problems: dead LinkedIn links, portfolio not reachable, incorrect URLs
- Technical fix: Test all links before sending.
Security Oversights
Consequence: data protection issues
Problems: private info exposed, unprotected PDF, tracking links
- Technical fix: minimal necessary info, anonymised data.
Mistake Prevention Checklist
Use this systematic checklist to ensure your CV is error-free. Go through each point before you submit.
Before Writing
- Analyze the job posting
- Identify keywords
- Define target audience
- Plan structure
While Writing
- One core message per bullet point
- Quantified achievements
- Use action verbs
- Check relevance
After Writing
- Check spelling
- Have someone else read it
- Test the PDF
- Check mobile view
Before Sending
- Contact details up to date
- Links work
- Professional filename
- Attachment size under 2MB
Final Quality Check
Final look before sending:
- Open PDF in different viewers
- View on mobile devices
- Test each link individually
External quality control:
- Have a friend/family member read it
- Get a professional review
- Wait 24h, then check again
Create an error-free CV?
Use our editor with integrated error detection and best-practice templates.