Your CV is often the first impression employers get of you, so it’s crucial to make sure that it is as strong as possible. Understanding the common errors, or ‘red flags,’ that can weaken an application in the eyes of an employer is an important step in creating a standout CV.
This article explores seven common CV red flags and offers practical advice on how to address them effectively. The good news is that many of these issues are easily fixed once you know what to look for!
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
- Formatting, layout, spelling and grammar errors
- Generic CV not tailored to the job role
- Outdated or irrelevant information
- Missing or unprofessional personal information
- Unexplained gaps
- Responsibility focused rather than skills focused
- Obvious use of AI
1. Formatting, layout, spelling and grammar errors
How your CV appears on the page is one of the most important things to consider when putting it together – employers want to find the information they are looking for quickly, in a professionally presented document.
Inconsistent font choices and sizes, misaligned dates and unclear headings can all signal a lack of attention to detail, which will instantly weaken your credibility. Instead, make sure your CV is clear and easy to read, with consistent fonts, sizing and formatting throughout. You can use a subtle template if needed, but make sure this is not too distracting or used at the expense of content.
A CV that is littered with spelling and grammar mistakes is also a red flag and again signals poor attention to detail. Always proofread your CV carefully before submitting it, and consider asking family, friends or careers staff to review it as well.
2. Generic CV not tailored to the job role
One common CV red flag is using the same version for every application – although it takes a little more effort, tailoring your CV to each role you apply for is vital, and makes a real difference in how clearly your suitability comes across. Start by reading the job description carefully and identifying the key skills and competencies the employer is looking for. You can then evidence these throughout your CV, using similar wording to the job advert where appropriate.
Another helpful step is to reorder your skills and experience so that the most relevant information appears first, such as putting your most related work experience in its own section. This makes it much easier for the employer to quickly see how suitable you are for the position.
3. Outdated or irrelevant information
As a general guide, unless the experience is strongly related to the role, anything over five years old can usually be removed from your CV; including older experience risks distracting from more recent or relevant content and can waste valuable space.
It’s also important to consider the relevance of the information you include. Details that do not add value to your application may signal to an employer that you have not fully understood the requirements of the role. Always ask yourself whether each section helps demonstrate your suitability for the position – for example, school-level roles such as being a prefect may be less relevant if you have more recent experience to draw from.
4. Missing or unprofessional personal information
Not including contact information on your CV significantly reduces your chances of being invited to interview, as employers have no way of contacting you to arrange one. As a minimum, you should include your name, email address and phone number at the top of your CV.
Your email address should be simple and professional, such as your.name@email.com. Do not include any inappropriate or informal email addresses created years ago, as these can undermine an otherwise strong CV.
5. Unexplained gaps
Gaps in your experience can happen for many valid reasons, such as health issues, caring responsibilities, or taking time out during your studies. The gap itself is not the problem; however, it can become a red flag on your CV if it is left unexplained, as it creates unanswered questions for employers. By briefly accounting for any gaps in your experience, and framing them as positively as possible, you can reassure employers and demonstrate honesty and self-awareness.
6. Responsibility focused rather than skills focused
Another red flag employers look out for on CVs is where candidates have placed too much emphasis on responsibilities rather than evidencing skills or achievements. Simply listing tasks completed during a job role or your studies does not show what you contributed or what skills you developed.
Instead of listing tasks on your CV, try to link each one with a skill or outcome. For example, ‘made drinks behind the bar’ could become ‘took accurate drinks orders from customers, and served them quickly and efficiently in a high-pressured environment.’ This approach tells the employer not just what you did, but most importantly how you did it, which is a much more effective way to show them what you have to offer and the impact you had.
7. Obvious use of AI
Using generative AI in job applications is currently a hot topic for recruiters. Some employers ban use of AI in applications completely, while others allow it if the content is clearly personalised and written in your own voice. It’s always best to check an employer’s policy on using AI before submitting an application.
When it comes to your CV, AI generated content can often sound generic, and is easy for recruiters to spot if you don’t adapt it. You may also run the risk of appearing less invested in the application process. If you do decide to utilise generative AI in creating a CV (and the company you are applying to allows its use in the application process), use it as a starting point for structure or ideas, and then rewrite and personalise the content to reflect your own experiences, skills and authentic voice.
Final thoughts
By avoiding these red flags, your CV will make a positive impression on employers, and ensure that it clearly reflects your skills, experience and potential. Taking the time and effort to make these changes will lead to a strong CV, and hopefully more potential interview opportunities!
Check out our article on how to use LinkedIn effectively or search our current vacancies.
Written by Amy Evan-Cook.
Last updated on 14 April 2026
Share this article