Most rejected applications aren't rejected because the person isn't qualified.
They're rejected because of small, fixable mistakes — things that make the CV hard to read, unprofessional, or easy to skip.
Here are the 6 most common ones, and how to fix them fast.
If your CV looks cluttered, uses 4 different fonts, or has inconsistent spacing — it signals carelessness, even if your experience is solid.
Employers spend an average of 6–8 seconds scanning a CV. If it's hard to read in that time, it's gone.
Fix it: Use a clean, simple template. One font, consistent sizing, clear headings. Free templates are available on Canva, Google Docs, or Jobstreet.
A generic CV that's never adjusted feels impersonal — and often misses the keywords employers are actually looking for.
Fix it: You don't need to rewrite your entire CV. Just tweak your one-line summary and skills section slightly to match what the job posting is asking for.
"Responsible for general duties" tells an employer almost nothing.
If your work experience section is full of vague descriptions, employers can't tell what you actually did — or whether you can do the job they're hiring for.
Fix it: Be specific. What did you do, how often, and at what scale?
Instead of: "Handled warehouse operations"
Write: "Picked and packed 150–200 orders per shift in a fast-paced fulfilment warehouse"
A CV with spelling mistakes sends an immediate message — that you didn't take the time to check your work.
It doesn't have to be perfect writing. But basic errors are avoidable.
Fix it: After writing your CV, paste it into Google Docs or use Grammarly (free version) to catch errors. Then read it out loud once — you'll catch things your eyes miss.
This one is surprisingly common. Wrong phone number. An old email address that you no longer check. No country code for your number.
An employer can't call you if your contact details are incorrect.
Fix it: Double-check your phone number and email every single time before sending. It takes 10 seconds.
Unless you have 10+ years of diverse experience, a CV longer than 2 pages is too long.
Employers are not looking for a full life story. They want to see whether you're right for this role, quickly.
Fix it: Cut anything older than 8–10 years unless it's directly relevant. Remove filler content. If a bullet point doesn't add value — delete it.
Every mistake on this list comes down to the same thing: not thinking about the person reading it.
Your CV isn't for you. It's for the employer. Write it for them — make it easy, clear, and relevant — and your chances go up immediately.
Get your CV in front of the right employers on Jobshine. Create your profile and start applying today.
