5 key mistakes common in CVs irrespective of nationality. Use these lessons to fix your CV.

I recently reviewed CVs across Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Pakistan. If you submitted your CV for review, please check your email on Friday or Saturday for responses.

One important fact about CV reviews is that recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether to read further. Take a moment to glance at a CV for just seven seconds to understand how little time that is. This means your CV must be clear, concise, and easy to navigate to make an impact.

Common Mistakes I Noticed to Avoid in Your CV are:

1. Poor Formatting

Your CV should be visually appealing and easy to read. Common formatting mistakes include:

• Using improper font styles and sizes
• Poor justification, capitalization, and paragraphing
• Sharing CVs in Word format instead of PDF

Tip: Learn how to properly use formatting tools in MS Word to ensure readability. Always send your CV in PDF format to maintain its structure.

2. Listing Tasks Without Context

Many applicants simply list their job tasks without adding any depth. A CV is not just about duties—it should highlight achievements, results, and recognitions that show your impact.

Instead of listing generic tasks, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to showcase your contributions effectively.

3. Including Personal Data

Avoid including personal details such as:

• Date of birth
• Number of children
• Nationality

These details are often irrelevant and may expose you to unconscious bias. Unless specifically requested, omit personal data from your CV.

4. Overloading Your CV with Irrelevant Information

Listing every work experience and online course you’ve taken can dilute the focus of your CV. Instead, tailor your CV to highlight only the most relevant experiences and skills for the role you’re applying for.

Consider customizing section headings to highlight your expertise, such as:

• Community Service (if applicable to the role)
• Project Management (for leadership roles)
• Technical Skills (for specialized positions)

5. Lack of a Clear Professional Identity

Many CVs lacked a strong professional identity or a clear sense of expertise. This was especially noticeable among candidates with over three years of experience who did not demonstrate readiness for managerial or leadership roles.

Tip: If you’re aiming for career growth, showcase skills and experiences that demonstrate leadership potential and strategic thinking.

Final Thoughts

Your CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. A well-structured, clear, and achievement-oriented CV can set you apart from the competition. Ensure your CV reflects your professional identity, highlights your strengths, and is easy to read in just a few seconds.

We hope these insights help you improve your CV and increase your chances of landing your dream job!

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What’s the next step? If you submitted your CV, stay tuned for email responses on Friday or Saturday. If you haven’t submitted yet, take these tips into consideration and make necessary improvements before your next application.

Good luck!