No matter how dynamic modern trends may be, your CV is still the first impression — your professional business card that introduces you to a potential employer or headhunter. Even though we often rely on LinkedIn or personal recommendations today, your CV remains the key document that determines whether you’ll be invited for an interview.

And here’s a fact: recruiters spend only a few seconds reviewing it — on average, just four. That makes it even more important to avoid mistakes that could cost you an opportunity.

1. One CV for Every Role

A universal CV might save time, but it rarely works. Many candidates create a single version of their CV and assume employers will “read between the lines.” The candidate wonders, “Why didn’t they choose me? I have everything they asked for!” — while the company thinks, “They don’t have what we need.”

Employers want to see that you understand the position and that your experience directly contributes to the role’s needs. So, don’t just list everything you’ve done. Highlight only what’s relevant to the specific position. Every job deserves its own tailored version of your CV — and that extra effort may be what gets you to the interview stage.

Secret tip: Treat the job ad as a guide. Don’t copy it word for word, but make sure your CV reflects what the company is truly looking for. For example, if the ad mentions “creating marketing strategies,” make sure your experience clearly demonstrates that ability.

2. Taking Too Long to Get to the Point

They say first impressions happen in seconds — and that’s twice as true for your CV. If a recruiter has to scroll through pages before finding your key results, it’s already too late. Put the most important information up front: a short personal summary, key achievements, and measurable results. Within moments, the recruiter should understand why you’re worth interviewing.

Secret tip: Think of your “About Me” section as the trailer to your professional story. Just like a movie trailer, it should capture attention and make the recruiter want to read more.

3. Self-Praise Instead of Facts

Everyone wants to come across as “motivated” and “passionate,” but those words are overused and no longer convincing. What really stands out are facts and measurable results.
Instead of saying, “I am an ambitious salesperson,” write, “By expanding my skills in X and Y, I increased sales by 35% within one year.” Numbers are always more persuasive than adjectives.

Also, avoid writing in the third person — it feels detached and impersonal.

Secret tip: Concrete results attract attention like light attracts moths. Highlight what you achieved and what impact it had on the company.

Instead of: “Managing a team of 8 people”
Try: “Managed a team of 8 people, increasing productivity by 15% through the introduction of a new planning tool.”

4. Turning Your Resume into a Novel

Your resume isn’t an autobiography. It should be concise, well-structured, and no longer than two pages. This applies even to senior professionals. Focus on the last 10–15 years of your career, and summarize older experience briefly.

If your CV is too lengthy, the key information gets lost. Clear structure and concise bullet points are far more effective than long paragraphs.

5. Exaggerating or Fabricating Facts

It might be tempting to embellish your achievements — but exaggerations or false information will always backfire. Whether it’s a fake degree, overstated results, or a made-up job title, the truth eventually comes out.

If there’s something sensitive in your employment history, phrase it neutrally and be prepared to explain it during the interview. Credibility is essential for both recruiters and future employers.

6. Listing References Too Early

References are valuable, but you don’t need to include full contact details in your CV. It takes up space better used for your experience and achievements. Simply write “References available upon request” or include a link to your LinkedIn profile where recommendations can be viewed. Recruiters usually check references only at the final stage of the hiring process.

Modern Requirements for CVs

Today’s job market comes with new demands. Many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — software that scans CVs for specific keywords. That’s why it’s vital to structure your CV in a way that’s easily readable for these systems. Think of it as a robot scanning your document to decide whether you’re a good match.

Keywords play a crucial role here. Your CV should naturally include terms from the job description — such as specific skills, technologies, certifications, or tools. If a posting repeatedly mentions “project management,” make sure it appears in your CV — not only in your skills list, but also in the context of your achievements.

Avoid keyword stuffing — the unnatural repetition of terms without context. Recruiters can spot it immediately, and it makes your CV look artificial. Instead, integrate keywords smoothly and authentically to reflect your real experience.

Secret tip: There are tools that can analyze job postings and suggest relevant keywords for your CV. Simply paste the job ad into the tool, and it will help you refine your document to pass ATS screening more effectively.