5 Common CV Errors Killing Your Interview Chances

I review tonnes of CVs every month and see the same mistakes over and over. If you’ve applied to multiple jobs with no reply, one of these issues is likely the culprit. Your CV may die before any human sees it. Recruiters use ATS software to filter applications by keywords. Fancy designs or multi-column layouts often break parsing. Stick to a simple, clean, single-column format so your details surface correctly. Avoid generic phrases like “hardworking team player with good communication skills.” They say nothing unique. Tailor each CV to the role by matching keywords from the job posting. Focus on results—use numbers to show impact rather than just listing duties. If you’re a fresh grad or NYSC member, list side projects and initiatives. That bot you built, the small business you ran, or the church program you organized are real experience. Frame them well and add them to your CV. For a free review, drop your CV here (remove your phone number and home address first).

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