How to Write a CV That Gets Interviews in 2026: 10 Mistakes I See Time and Time Again

If you've been sending out applications without hearing back, your experience may not be the problem. It could be how you're presenting it.

Writing a CV isn't about listing everything you've ever done.

It's about helping an employer quickly understand why you're the right person for their role.

Having reviewed hundreds of CVs throughout my career, one thing has become very clear:

The strongest candidates don't always have the most impressive backgrounds.

They simply present their experience more effectively.

Here are ten of the biggest mistakes I see and how you can avoid them.

1. Treating your CV like a career history instead of a marketing document

One of the biggest misconceptions about CV writing is that your CV needs to tell your entire career story.

It doesn't.

Your CV has one purpose:

To secure an interview.

That means every section should answer one question:

Why are you the right person for this role?

If a piece of information doesn't help answer that question, ask yourself whether it really needs to be there.

2. Sending the same CV for every application

One-size-fits-all CVs rarely perform well.

Employers want to feel that you've taken the time to understand their organisation and the role they're recruiting for.

Before applying, compare your CV with the job description.

Look for:

• key skills

• required experience

• technical knowledge

• leadership competencies

• industry terminology

Then make sure those strengths and language are easy to find on your CV.

Small changes often have a much bigger impact than rewriting everything.

3. Listing responsibilities instead of achievements

This is probably the most common mistake I see.

Instead of writing:

Responsible for managing projects.

Show the impact.

For example: Led cross-functional projects that reduced delivery times by 25%.

Employers don't just want to know what your job involved.

They want evidence of the value you created.

4. Forgetting that recruiters scan before they read

Recruiters and hiring managers often spend less than 8 seconds reviewing a CV initially.

That means your most relevant information needs to stand out immediately.

Ask yourself: Can someone understand what I do within the first few seconds?

• Are my most relevant achievements easy to spot?

• Have I buried my strongest experience on page two?

The easier you make your CV to scan, the more likely someone is to keep reading.

5. Ignoring Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications before a recruiter reviews them.

To improve your chances:

• Use wording from the job description where appropriate.

• Avoid unnecessary pictures, graphics and tables.

• Use clear section headings.

• Keep formatting simple.

• Include relevant keywords naturally throughout your CV.

Remember, you're writing for both technology and people.

6. Making your personal profile too generic

Your opening profile should immediately communicate:

• who you are

• what you're known for

• what value you bring

Avoid vague statements like:

Hard-working professional with excellent communication skills.

Instead, be specific.

Summarise your expertise, highlight your strengths and explain the type of roles you're targeting.

7. Using AI without editing it

Artificial Intelligence can be a fantastic tool when used well.

It can help you:

• tailor your CV

• improve wording

• identify missing keywords

• draft stronger achievement statements

But don't copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your CV.

Recruiters can often recognise generic language.Use AI to support your writing, not replace your voice.

8. Focusing too much on design

Over the years, I've read beautifully designed CVs that told me very little.

I've also read simple black-and-white CVs that immediately made me want to interview the candidate.

The difference wasn't the formatting, it was the content.

Prioritise:

• clarity

• relevance

• achievements

• readability

A clean,simple design helps.

Strong content gets interviews.

9. Forgetting to position yourself for the role

One thing many candidates underestimate is how much their CV shapes the interview before it even begins.

A well-positioned CV helps interviewers picture you in the role before they meet you.Instead of making them work out whether you're suitable, you're giving them evidence from the very beginning.

That changes the entire conversation.

10. Waiting until you're job searching to update your CV

Your CV shouldn't only be updated when you're actively applying for jobs. Keep it current.

Every time you:

• complete a major project

• receive positive feedback

• achieve a measurable result

• take on additional responsibility

add it to your CV.

Future you will be grateful.

Final thoughts

Writing a strong CV isn't about making it longer, more colourful or including every detail of your career.

It's about telling your story in a way that's relevant, evidence-based and easy for employers to understand.

Sometimes small changes to your wording, structure and positioning can make a significant difference to the number of interviews you're invited to.

If your CV isn't getting the results you'd hoped for, don't assume your experience isn't good enough.

More often than not, it's about helping employers see your value more clearly.

Looking for more support?

If you'd like more practical advice on writing a CV that stands out, download my free CV Writing Guide.

Inside, I share the strategies I use with clients to help them tailor their CVs, showcase their achievements and improve their chances of securing interviews.