Creating a strong CV is essential in today’s competitive job market. But even the most qualified candidates can be held back by common, avoidable mistakes. With recruiters often spending only a few seconds scanning a CV, even minor missteps can make a major difference.
Below, we’ve outlined the top 10 mistakes to avoid when crafting your CV in 2025:
1. Using an Outdated Format Recruiters in 2025 expect clean, modern designs that are easy to read and scan. Avoid templates that look like they’re from the early 2000s. Instead, opt for streamlined, ATS-compatible formats with clear section headings.
2. Generic Objective Statements An objective like “Looking for a challenging role in a dynamic company” doesn’t say much. Replace this with a resume summary that communicates your skills, achievements, and value proposition.
3. Irrelevant Work Experience Focus only on jobs relevant to the role you’re applying for. Including every job you’ve ever had can make your CV cluttered and distract from your most pertinent experience.
4. Failing to Tailor Your CV One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in 2025. Recruiters want to see CVs tailored to the role. Use keywords from the job description and align your experience with the specific position.
5. Typos and Grammatical Errors It may seem obvious, but many CVs still contain spelling and grammatical mistakes. Use tools like Grammarly and always proofread your document. Better yet, have someone else review it.
6. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements Instead of saying “managed a team,” say “led a team of 5 to achieve a 25% increase in sales within six months.” Numbers make your contributions more credible.
7. Not Considering ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) Many companies use ATS to scan resumes. Avoid using columns, graphics, or unusual fonts that can confuse the system. Stick to a simple layout and include industry-relevant keywords.
8. Including Personal Information Your age, marital status, or photo isn’t relevant and may introduce bias. Stick to contact details, a professional summary, experience, and education.
9. Overusing Buzzwords Terms like “hardworking,” “go-getter,” and “team player” are vague and overused. Show these traits through specific achievements and examples instead.
10. Leaving Out Important Sections In 2025, a good CV typically includes a professional summary, skills, work experience, education, and certifications. Optional but valuable sections include volunteer work, projects, and language proficiency.
How to Write a Powerful Resume Summary
The resume summary is the first thing a recruiter will read—make it count. A well-crafted summary sets the tone and tells the reader exactly why you’re a fit for the role.
What is a Resume Summary? A resume summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your professional background, key achievements, and what you bring to the table. Unlike an objective statement, which focuses on what you want, a summary focuses on what you offer.
How to Write It:
1. Start with Your Professional Title and Experience Level Example: “Experienced Digital Marketer with 7+ years in content strategy and SEO.”
2. Highlight Key Skills and Strengths Include 2–3 core competencies that make you stand out.
3. Mention Notable Achievements Whenever possible, include measurable accomplishments.
4. Keep it Concise Stick to 3–4 lines. This isn’t a cover letter.
Example Summary: “Results-driven Financial Analyst with 6+ years of experience supporting strategic initiatives in the healthcare and tech sectors. Proven ability to deliver actionable insights, reduce costs by 15%, and optimize forecasting models. Passionate about data-driven decision-making.”
Tips:
- Use strong action verbs.
- Avoid buzzwords and clichés.
- Tailor your summary to each job application.
ATS-Friendly CV: What You Need to Know
With over 95% of Fortune 500 companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), crafting an ATS-friendly CV is no longer optional—it’s essential.
What is an ATS? An ATS is software used by employers to filter and rank resumes based on keywords, formatting, and structure. If your CV doesn’t play nicely with these systems, it may never reach a human recruiter.
Tips for Creating an ATS-Compatible Resume:
1. Use Standard Section Headings Stick to common terms like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid creative headings that ATS may not recognize.
2. Choose the Right File Format Unless the employer requests otherwise, submit your CV as a Word document (.doc or .docx). PDFs are acceptable only if explicitly allowed.
3. Incorporate Keywords Carefully study the job description and mirror the language. If the job calls for “project management,” don’t use “program oversight” instead.
4. Avoid Tables, Text Boxes, and Graphics These elements can break your CV in the ATS system. Stick with a clean layout using bullet points and simple fonts like Arial or Calibri.
5. Avoid Headers and Footers for Important Info ATS may not read information placed in headers or footers. Ensure your contact info is in the main body of the document.
6. Spell Out Acronyms For example: “Search Engine Optimization (SEO).” This ensures the system captures your skills regardless of how they are searched.
Final Thoughts: Creating an ATS-friendly CV doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it means using a strategy that works. Once your resume passes the system’s checks, a human will see it—so make sure it reads just as well for them too.
Need Help Perfecting Your Resume?
At Careegrow, our expert writers help professionals like you craft personalized, ATS-friendly resumes that stand out. Whether you need a full rewrite or just want feedback, we’re here to help you grow your career with confidence.
