In today’s digital world, artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have made it easier than ever to write a professional CV. Whether you’re using AI software to write your CV or crafting it yourself, it’s important to remember that cv mistakes still happen and even the most polished document can fall short.
To help you stand out in the job market, here are the top 5 common CV mistakes to avoid when writing your CV, along with tips to ensure your job application hits the mark:
1. Including your Date of Birth (D.O.B)
One of the most common CV writing mistakes is including unnecessary personal details like your date of birth. While this might be required in some countries, it’s not needed when applying for jobs in Ireland or most of Europe.
Tip: Only include your D.O.B. if you are under 18. Omitting it helps prevent age bias and keeps your CV compliant with modern CV writing standards.
2. Overloading Your CV with Excessive Information
Your CV is a professional marketing tool, not an autobiography. Including every detail of your career history can overwhelm hiring managers and bury your most relevant experience.
Instead, try this:
- Create a section titled ‘Notable Career Highlights’ to showcase key accomplishments.
- For roles further back in your career, use a ‘Career Summary’ or ‘Career Note’ to keep things concise.
- Use your LinkedIn profile to expand on your full work history.
This keeps your CV format clean, easy to scan and tailored to the job you’re applying for.
3. Overusing Graphics in Your CV Design
While a visually appealing CV can help catch the eye, going overboard with design elements is one of the most overlooked CV errors. A CV filled with too many graphics or colours can distract from your actual qualifications.
Best practice:
- Keep graphics simple and consistent.
- Use clean formatting and modern CV templates that prioritise readability over flashiness.
- Remember: Content is King. Your experience and skills should always take centre stage.
4. Submitting a CV That’s Too Long (or Too Short)
How long should a CV be? This is one of the most frequently asked questions in CV writing advice. The standard length of a professional CV is two pages. In some cases, three+ pages may be acceptable, but remember to include value-adding information to keep the employer’s attention.
What to keep in mind:
- New graduates or early-career professionals should aim for a 1-2 page CV.
- Don’t stretch your content just to fill space, every line should add value.
- Always submit your CV and cover letter as separate documents, not combined.
5. Grammar, Spelling and Language Inconsistencies
One of the most damaging CV writing mistakes is poor grammar or inconsistent language. This not only undermines your professionalism but also makes a bad first impression.
Top tips:
- Proofread carefully or use AI tools, like Grammarly, to check for errors.
- Match your language to your target job location. For example, use UK English if applying in Europe rather than US English.
- Watch out for spelling differences in words like “organisation” (UK) vs. “organization” (US).
A clean, error-free CV demonstrates attention to detail and strong communication skills, two traits employers value highly.
Final Thoughts: Write a CV That Works For You
No matter how your CV is written – by hand, using an AI CV builder or a CV writing service – what matters most is how well it represents your experience, achievements and potential. By avoiding these common CV mistakes, you’ll create a professional CV that not only passes the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters but also captures the attention of hiring managers.