The Biggest Mistakes People Make on Their CV (and How to Avoid Them)

Your CV is your first impression. It’s your chance to show employers not just what you’ve done, but why you’re the right fit for their business. Yet too often, great candidates miss out on opportunities because of simple CV mistakes that can easily be avoided.

At Cubed Talent, we review hundreds of CVs every week. Here are the biggest mistakes we see, and how you can make sure yours stands out for the right reasons.

1. Making It Too Long (or Too Short)

A CV that runs over four or five pages, or one that’s just half a page with little detail, can hurt your chances. Employers want a clear, concise picture of your experience. Aim for two pages, focus on your most recent and relevant roles, and use bullet points to highlight achievements.

2. Listing Duties, Not Achievements

Employers don’t just want to know what you were supposed to do — they want to know how you added value. For example, instead of “Responsible for welding components,” write “Produced high-quality welded assemblies with zero defects, consistently meeting tight deadlines.”

3. Typos and Poor Formatting

Spelling errors, inconsistent fonts, and hard-to-read layouts suggest a lack of attention to detail. Proofread carefully, ask someone else to check it too, and keep the design clean and professional.

4. Leaving Out Key Information

Missing qualifications, certifications, or even contact details can get your CV overlooked. Always include:

• Contact details

• Relevant qualifications (e.g. welding codes, CNC programming)

• Key technical skills

5. Using a Generic CV for Every Application

Sending the same CV to every job makes you look unfocused. Tailor your CV to each role, highlighting the skills and experience that match the job description.

6. Leaving Gaps Unexplained

Unexplained breaks in employment history raise questions. Be honest — a simple one-line explanation (travel, study, family responsibilities) is far better than leaving a blank.

7. Forgetting the Human Touch

Employers want to hire people, not just lists of skills. A short personal statement at the top of your CV can help. Keep it professional, but show enthusiasm and personality.

8. Not Keeping Your CV Up to Date

One of the biggest missed opportunities is failing to update your CV regularly. Waiting until you’re actively job hunting often means rushing and forgetting important details.

Keep your CV current by adding new skills, training, or achievements as you go. That way, you’re always ready if the right opportunity comes along.

Can ChatGPT Help?

AI tools like ChatGPT can be useful for generating ideas, rephrasing experience, or spotting formatting issues. But remember — a CV should sound like you, not a robot.

That’s where human guidance makes all the difference. At Cubed Talent, we combine the latest tools with real expertise, ensuring your CV is polished, professional, and personal.

How Cubed Talent Helps Candidates Shine

We don’t just send your CV to employers. We make sure you’re prepared to succeed by offering:

• CV formatting and guidance

• Interview preparation and confidence coaching

• Tailored advice to help you present your best self

Your CV is your ticket to the next stage of your career, don’t let simple mistakes hold you back. With the right approach (and the right support), you can make sure employers see you at your best.

👉 Looking for your next opportunity in engineering, technical, or manufacturing? Get in touch with Cubed Talent — we’ll help you stand out for all the right reasons.