Your CV is your first impression, especially in South Africa’s competitive job market. Recruiters scan through piles of CVs daily, so it is crucial to make yours stand out for all the right reasons. However, many job seekers make easily avoidable mistakes that can harm their chances. Here are some of the most common CV mistakes in South Africa for 2025, with tips on how to fix them and boost your job prospects.
Adding Images or Excessive Colors to Your CV
You may believe that adding a profile photo or using colorful designs will make your CV more visually appealing. However, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often struggle to read CVs with images, graphics, or excessive colors. This can result in your CV being misinterpreted or rejected by the system.
How to Fix It:
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- Stick to a clean, professional layout with minimal or no use of colors and images. If you would like to make your CV stand out visually, consider using bold headings and section dividers. Remember to keep it simple to ensure ATS compatibility.
Lack of Keywords and ATS Optimization
Many South African companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before they reach a hiring manager. Consequently, if your CV doesn’t contain relevant keywords, it may never be seen.
How to Fix It:
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- Carefully read job descriptions and incorporate relevant industry keywords.
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- Use job-specific terms such as “digital marketing specialist” instead of generic phrases like “marketing professional.”
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- Avoid excessive use of graphics or tables that ATS systems can’t read.
Poor Formatting and Structure is another Common CV Mistake
One of the biggest common CV mistakes is submitting a poorly structured or visually unappealing document. Recruiters often skim through CVs in a matter of seconds, and if yours is cluttered or hard to read, it may be discarded immediately.
How to Fix It:
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- Use a clean and professional layout with clear headings.
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- Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman (size 12-13).
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- Use bullet points for readability.
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- Keep your CV between one and two pages long.
Spelling and Grammar Errors
Nothing screams unprofessionalism more than spelling and grammar mistakes in your CV. This is one of the most common CV mistakes that can instantly turn off recruiters.
How to Fix It:
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- Use spell check tools like Grammarly.
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- Ask a friend or mentor to proofread your CV.
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- Read your CV out loud to catch awkward phrasing or errors.
Including Irrelevant Information
Many job seekers make the mistake of including unnecessary personal details or outdated information, making their CV longer than necessary.
How to Fix It:
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- Avoid listing marital status, religion, or ID numbers unless explicitly required.
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- Focus on skills and experience relevant to the job.
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- Tailor your CV to each application by highlighting the most applicable experience.
Not Showcasing Achievements is One of the Biggest Common CV Mistakes
Simply listing job responsibilities is another common CV mistake. Employers want to see the impact you made in your previous roles.
How to Fix It:
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- Use quantifiable results, such as “Increased website traffic by 50%” instead of “Managed website.”
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- Highlight promotions, awards, and notable projects.
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- Use action words like “achieved,” “implemented,” and “optimized.”
Using a Generic CV for Every Job Application
One of the worst common CV mistakes is sending the same CV to multiple job openings without customization. For this reason, a one-size-fits-all approach reduces your chances of standing out.
How to Fix It:
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- Tailor your CV for each role by emphasizing the most relevant skills and experience.
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- Adjust your summary and skills section to match the job description.
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- Research the company’s values and integrate them into your CV where applicable.
No Contact Information or Professional Email Address
A surprising number of job seekers either forget to include their contact details or use an unprofessional email address, thus making it difficult for recruiters to get in touch.
How to Fix It:
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- Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
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- Use a professional email format like firstname.lastname@email.com.
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- Avoid using outdated or inappropriate email addresses.
Lack of a Strong Personal Summary
A weak or generic personal summary is another common CV mistake that can fail to grab a recruiter’s attention.
How to Fix It:
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- Write a compelling summary that highlights your key skills, experience, and career goals.
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- Keep it concise (3-5 sentences).
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- Align your summary with the job you’re applying for.
Conclusion for Common CV Mistakes
Avoiding these common CV mistakes can significantly improve your chances of landing a job in South Africa in 2025. Moreover, a well-structured, error-free, and tailored CV will make a strong impression on recruiters and increase your interview opportunities. Take the time to refine your CV, proofread it thoroughly, and ensure it aligns with the job you’re applying for. Your next job opportunity could be just a well-crafted CV away!
