Why Your CV Isn’t Getting Results (And How to Fix It)

It’s frustrating: you’ve put effort into your CV, tailored it for each job, and still, no callbacks. What went wrong? A CV isn’t just a list of your work history—it’s a marketing tool meant to showcase your value to potential employers. If you’re not seeing the results you expect, it’s time to evaluate and fix common pitfalls that could be holding you back.

1. Lack of Focus: A CV That’s All Over the Place

   One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is submitting a CV that lacks a clear focus. A CV needs to tell a coherent story about who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and why you’re the right fit for a role.

   Fix it: Start with a strong professional summary that defines your expertise and aligns it with the specific job you’re targeting. Keep your work experience relevant—if it’s not contributing to your current career goals, leave it out or minimise it.

2. Failure to Highlight Achievements

   Employers want to know what you’ve accomplished—not just where you worked and what your responsibilities were. A CV full of generic duties doesn’t stand out in a pile of applications.

   Fix it: Shift the focus from responsibilities to achievements. Use numbers to quantify your success (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in the first quarter” or “Reduced costs by 15% while maintaining quality”). Employers value results and the ability to impact the bottom line.

3. Outdated or Irrelevant Skills

   The job market is constantly evolving, and what worked a few years ago might not be what employers need today. Listing outdated or irrelevant skills can make your CV feel stale or out of touch.

   Fix it: Regularly update your skills section to reflect the latest industry trends. Be sure to prioritise skills that are directly relevant to the roles you’re applying for. If you’ve gained new technical competencies or certifications, make sure they’re front and centre.

4. Not Tailoring Your CV for Each Role

   Submitting the same generic CV to every employer is a surefire way to get lost in the shuffle. Employers want to see how your experience directly aligns with their needs. If your CV isn’t tailored, they may assume you're not truly interested in the position or lack attention to detail.

   Fix it: Tailor your CV for each application. Customise your professional summary, skills, and experience to highlight what is most relevant to the specific job. Even small tweaks, such as using keywords from the job description, can make a big difference.

5. Poor Formatting and Readability

   A cluttered or hard-to-read CV can turn hiring managers off in seconds. If they can’t quickly scan your qualifications, they’re likely to move on to the next candidate.

   Fix it: Keep your formatting clean and professional. Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make important information stand out. Ensure your CV is scannable, with clear section headings, consistent font choices, and plenty of white space.

6. Not Including Key Keywords

   Most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter CVs before they even make it to a human. If your CV doesn’t include the right keywords, it might never be seen by the hiring manager.

   Fix it: Scan the job description for keywords and phrases, and incorporate them into your CV where applicable. However, don’t overload your CV with keywords—make sure it still reads naturally and professionally.

7. No Clear Career Progression

   If your CV looks like a random assortment of jobs, it may leave hiring managers questioning your long-term career goals and commitment. A lack of progression can make you seem like a job-hopper or someone who hasn’t grown in their field.

   Fix it: Showcase your career progression. Highlight how you’ve taken on more responsibility, achieved promotions, or transitioned into roles that have allowed you to develop new skills. Even lateral moves can show how you’re diversifying your experience.

8. Overuse of Generic Language

   Phrases like “hardworking,” “team player,” or “detail-oriented” might seem like positive attributes, but they’re used so often that they’ve lost their meaning. Employers need to know how you’re hardworking or what makes you detail-oriented.

   Fix it: Be specific. Instead of stating vague qualities, show how they’ve helped you succeed. For example, instead of saying you’re a “hardworking professional,” say, “Consistently met tight deadlines in a high-pressure environment, contributing to a 30% increase in client satisfaction.”

9. No Clear Value Proposition

   Your CV should highlight not just your skills, but the unique value you bring to a company. Without this, your CV could come off as a list of tasks rather than a showcase of what sets you apart.

   Fix it: Consider your key strengths and how they align with the needs of potential employers. Are you great at driving results in a specific area? Do you have a rare skill that makes you an asset? Make sure this shines through clearly in your CV.

10. Overcomplicating or Under-Selling Yourself

    Some candidates oversell themselves with overblown language, while others undersell their potential by leaving out achievements or qualifications that set them apart.

    Fix it: Strike the right balance. Be confident without exaggerating your abilities. Let your CV reflect your true potential—accurate, professional, and bold enough to attract attention.

If your CV isn’t getting results, it’s not the end of the road. By identifying and fixing these common mistakes, you can turn your CV into a powerful tool that gets noticed by hiring managers. Remember, your CV is more than just a document—it’s your first opportunity to sell yourself. Make sure it works as hard as you do.