Writing your first CV can feel like trying to fit your whole life into one small box. Most people end up either cramming too much in or leaving out the important bits. Recruiters only spend a few seconds on each CV, so avoiding common mistakes is key. Here are five errors you can skip to give yourself a real chance.

Mistake 1: Writing a novel instead of a CV
Your CV is not meant to tell your life story. Keep it short, clear, and focused. Two pages is plenty, even for experienced professionals. Employers do not have time to read about every summer job you ever had. Stick to what matters for the role you are applying to.

Mistake 2: Using distracting fonts
Your CV should not look like a party invitation. Comic Sans, curvy scripts, or bright colours are an instant turn-off. Stick to clean, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Remember, recruiters want to scan quickly, not struggle through a design project.

Mistake 3: Forgetting achievements
Listing duties is not enough. Saying “worked in a shop” tells little. A stronger line would be “helped increase sales by 15 percent through upselling and customer service.” Employers like numbers and examples because they prove your value.

Mistake 4: Unprofessional email addresses
Believe it or not, people still use emails like cuteguy94@ or footballqueenxoxo@. That might be fine for your friends but not for job hunting. Create a professional email using your name. It is simple, free, and makes you look serious.

Mistake 5: Typos and errors
Imagine applying for an English teacher job with “excellent attention to detial” written on your CV. One small error can ruin the impression. Always proofread, and if possible, ask a friend to check too. Fresh eyes spot mistakes you might miss.

Example: A candidate once wrote “great at multi-tasking and attention to deital.” Needless to say, the employer didn’t call back. Take the time to polish your CV.

The bottom line
Your CV is your ticket to the interview stage. Avoid these mistakes and focus on clarity, professionalism, and results. Think of it as your personal advert. If it looks messy, vague, or outdated, recruiters will move on. If it looks sharp, confident, and tailored, you will stand out. Keep it simple, keep it relevant, and remember that less is often more.