8 CV mistakes that will kill your job applications | Fix them now

Create a winning CV in minutes with the StandOut CV builder: cvbuilder.standout-cv.com/cv-...
In this video I will show you 8 CV mistakes that you might be making, and I’ll explain exactly how you can fix them, improve your CV and start landing more job interviews.
Video contents under resources...
Resources
Upload your CV to CV Library to access over 150,000 top UK jobs - www.cv-library.co.uk/aff/102388
Get CV templates, example CVs, cover letter and more with my Pro Job hunter pack: standout-cv.com/pages/pro-job...
Video contents
01:18 Not doing your research: Not researching your target jobs before you start writing your CV, will mean that you don’t have an understanding of what employers want to see in your CV.
02:13 Poor readability: If recruiters and hiring managers cannot digest the information in your CV quickly, you will not be selected for many interviews.
03:51 A ridiculous email address: Having a silly email address at the top of your CV will make employers doubt your credibility.
04:40 Not proving your impact: If you list your responsibilities without proving the impact they made, employers will struggle to see the value in hiring you.
06:11 CV clichés: Too many generic clichés will not explain what your you actually do in your roles and will not sell you as an expert in your field.
07:32 Your CV is too long: Attention spans are short in recruitment, so a 7 page CV will not be read in full by recruiters and hiring managers.
08:57 Overcomplicated CV design: Wacky design features and complex layouts will waste space and make your CV difficult to read.
10:39: Not optimising your CV top quarter: The top quarter of your CV needs to make a big impact to ensure that recruiters stick around to read the rest of it - if it’s not optimised, recruiters may skip past your CV.
Resources to help you create a winning CV
13 example CVs: standout-cv.com/blogs/cv-writ...
How to structure a CV: standout-cv.com/pages/cv-stru...

[@Standout-cv]

Create a winning CV in minutes with the StandOut CV builder: cvbuilder.standout-cv.com/cv-template-picker/?linkId=lp_216805&sourceId=organic-youtube&tenantId=standout-cv-builder

[@kallystark5798]

As c

[@shenanc13sc]

If you have a long employment history of jobs relevant to the job you are seeking and it pushes your Cv to say 3 pages, how do edit it so as not to show gaps?

[@achieving.excellence]

I agree- failing to do your research so that the CV is better aligned to the industry/job is a must. So many provide a generic CV that compromises getting the opportunity. Great tips!

[@marsille0986]

do you use picture of your face on cv

[@achieving.excellence]

@@marsille0986 It can depend on the culture of the country (on some occasions, the industry), e.g. in some parts of Spain it is expected, in the UK it would be unusual etc. Also, as more companies aim to support equality in the recruitment process, CVs are anonymized. Therefore, the recommendation would be to do your research :)

[@johnsuperhist5219]

What about just finished high school and only have one work experience ?

[@achieving.excellence]

@@johnsuperhist5219 Highlight your academic focus and achievements e.g. awards, graduate with honors etc. Get a recommendation from the principal or headteacher etc. Do the same with your work experience. Expand on how you added value to the company. Best of luck! :)

[@ponti34]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. This video was absolutely helpful in editing my CV. As always, took notes and corrected as I was watching the video.

[@rea9506]

Talk about concise and precise, love your work man.

[@FrankieSinclair]

Excellent stuff - I'm feeling super confident about what I need to do! Thank you

[@sgtpluck8344]

Great presentation, and excellent advice. Thanks for your time!

[@tinylittleanj2]

Thank you for this video, you had some really good points which I have implemented. Wish me luck! I am trying to change jobs after 12 years in my current role...

[@osamanajjar1934]

Best of Luck!!

[@owainbright3395]

I found this really helpful, thank you.

[@alimammadov8725]

Thanks a lot. You made it clear for me

[@genzdiplomat]

Thanks for all the tips! Very helpful

[@robertwilson2670]

This is very helpful information. Thanks!

[@humerafaisal7083]

Never seen informative video like this,,,,,, Easy and Simple way to explain

[@giftdlamba9233]

Well detailed, thank you

[@sessario982]

I just graduated from highschool and im already anxious as fok. Imma have to be ready from now then being late at being ready

[@naturesgirl3078]

I agree with everything you’ve discussed. Great video 👍

[@awokeaya7909]

very professional on the area!!!

[@jesuspabloalvarezvidal8089]

Thanks so much for your help!

[@jonellis7222]

This is a very clear and helpful guide. I used to give this kind of advice in a previous role, now I'm having to take it as I'm applying for jobs in a foreign country, with a CV that seems to be letting me down a bit.

[@brownneto2441]

Very informative, Well done

[@joshuak8009]

This is good info. Thanks

[@sheila220]

I really liked this and found it very beneficial. On point!

[@andrewjg_]

Badboysforever2005

[@music4life685]

Thank you great videos!

[@AngmohTsaoReborn]

Fairly reasonable, exact the ‘fancy design’ not sure if that works in all scenarios…

[@mdkamruzzamankamal4429]

Awesome Bro!!!!

[@mariobraconi6263]

thanks, great video!

[@Strider9655]

It's just not practical to be re-wrtting your CV for every job, it's not easy to update a CV on many job sites, some of them extract your CV to their own format and it has to be fully reformatted every time you upload a CV, which can take quite a long time. Then we consider that most job ads are fake, put there by unscrupulous agencies who are fishing for leads, why would I tailor my CV to every job, if 80% of them don't actually exist? I think the biggest problem I have, is i'm an engineer and most agents haven't got a clue how to hire an engineer, they use a nonsense check list, and if you don't have all those keywords (many of which are silly things that are just a given) then you get dropped. The closest I can compare this, is if your going for an office job and that list requires the ability to use a pencil.

[@Brissieskater1]

I agree your comments entirely.

[@ziaimani3227]

Agree. I did rewrite it for every job - it takes a lot of time, including the cover letter, etc.

[@divaslive6953]

I agree. 👍👌💪💪💪💪

[@kevinrussell2718]

I've often heard that you should tailor you CV to every job that you apply for. All it shows is that the person making the comment does not properly understand the ways of modern recruiting! I got so fed up of applying for jobs and getting nowhere, and receiving totally useless advice about my CV, that I completely stopped using my CV directly to apply for jobs and instead used solely online Application Forms. Where this was not possible, I created a Marketing Document, that explained my experience and the cost for my services - I might go back to using it, as I still have it saved!

[@jennakhivkapratt8751]

I agree but if anyone can figure out how to get picked up by these ATS apps without rewriting it each time, it's an engineer. It seems the task is getting your CV through the filtering system (by purposeful use of key words and phrases) and getting it into human hands who can evaluate it. This takes work and ingenuity.

[@rajulsharma9435]

Very useful . . . Thank you so much

[@himagirikambam3091]

precious information. Every minute of this video is valuable. You are matured in this sector. Great thanks

[@supunparanawithana5766]

Many thanks for sharing this

[@martinbat1164]

Good reminder, tend to forget these lessons when making a new cv

[@ArmandoMedia]

thanks for sharing this useful content

[@pap_kinash3806]

Very insightful

[@animallover3115]

thank you for the information

[@ifeanyiodum2797]

Amazing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@livingalife823]

It's really helpful

[@renemallari3209]

Thank you for sharing this great information. God bless you.

[@coreylong2353]

Bloody Awesome Video

[@julieraymond545]

Excellent info.

[@Swintus]

Interesting video!!

[@JamesWilson-hm3rg]

Great vid

[@nsoanne7104]

Beautiful thank you

[@samragujjar8476]

Thank you so much

[@lmc333]

Literally the best video on this topic... i have seem many others, but this one is above all others... Watch this video, you dont need to watch any others... Best of luck on your job search after this.

Wonderful video, we should have paid great money for this kind of teaching. Thank you man.

[@oakwolf3443]

Amazing details and so helpful, thanks a lot.

[@dr.3am]

Wow👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿. This was a great help! Thanks

[@maliofficial-makingadultle5897]

This is interesting!!!

[@pharmclare]

Thank you for sharing

[@TheBotwell]

Great stuff

[@TheaHo]

I hope that you will deliver more such videos to help people 💖

[@JuanelogodinezUIO]

Extremely useful video! Thanks a lot!

[@scottlyddieth9028]

Great channel bud.. Proper Proffessional,, Haha 👍

[@NihilisticJawbreaker]

The advice was great, but the focus change between tips 3 and 4 threw me off! And then it got better again after 4.

[@dardobartoli]

Blimey, thought I'd check mine against this and seems I got it spot on, including the suggested format, along with the same lines and colours. Awesome.

[@dandare1001]

But do you have a job?

[@bhaveshdivecha7971]

Superb thank

[@vincenzorossi1510]

thanks bro

[@madnessintomagic]

Over-population is creating scenarios where we have to jump through all these hoops just to get work. Didn’t used to be like this (and no, I’m not doing the old person “back in my day” thing). These days if you don’t meet or exceed the arbitrary (and widely varying) preferences of each individual hiring manager, you’re screwed, on top of being one of hundreds of applicants because *we’re* *over-populated* by about 5 billion people. And research? If you’re an engineer, applying for an engineer position, you should only have to do that research ONCE in your career in order to have an application and cover letter that meets or exceeds what any rational hiring manager would want. Researching for each position? No. Any research should be “do I want to work here - is the pay fair - are there good or bad reviews of the company or leadership”.. ie research for YOURSELF, not research to make them happy.

[@youreright3664]

Spot on...... There was a time.... I knew I got the job, before having an interview.... I have, on many occasions, got a call about a job... said ok... and just turned up and started working.... Now... as you say.... too many applicants.....expected to do much more than, title requires..... have masters degree and 20 years experience..... We are over populated.... for sure.

[@madnessintomagic]

@@youreright3664 Have a masters degree and 20 years collected experience…. but heaven forbid you’re older than, say, 35. Because if you’ve actually EARNED those 20 years, they disregard you because *over population* and *AGEISM*. Which is (or should be) illegal.

[@Parlimant_Strifey]

The over population affects a lot of things now. That is why society is busy making excuses to have people even work for free. Quite disrespectful actually, they don't want fellow humans to have a chance to survive.

[@BrendenDrivesMeCrazy]

Civil engineer here. This is so true. My job and experience is very specific, I hate having to edit every.single resume and cover letter for every job application. It's just changing words to exactly the job ad, but its the exact same thing

[@Bambotb]

True, cities are overpopulated

[@mrpdean185]

Great really helped me create a CV workshop for my Year 11

[@onlinefriend3889]

absolute legend

[@streetview2492]

Hi 🤗🤗🤗 Useful video 😊😍😍

[@Sebastienk439]

Do you guys know this Channel has helped millions of people

[@Zahra2008.]

Good one...

[@heterosexualcommunity4485]

TBH, I'm not sure about this. I heard and read in other sites and videos that you have to stand out and call the attention with creativity, design, and all that. Then all the opposite in other sites/videos. I personally think that employers may go for one way or another, since it's all based in subjetivity. All these rules/standarts for cv's are just another obstacle for getting a job. You have CV models in Microsoft Word that for this guy are useless since it has a complex design, so, we have to try to fit these standarts in order to impress employers... It's like putting us under a strict diet, its just a CV, *why does it have to be like a science? Jeez!!!*

[@sircalvin4533]

Because these fancy designs may not be ATS friendly.

[@andrejvlajic8800]

It really depends on where in the world you are.

[@fro_e]

Because this is the world we live in. Everything is 10x more complicated. During my Grandads time, he was able to simply walk into a store and ask for a job, and the only thing you have to worry about is answering the question 'when do you want to start?' Companies now though depend on so many factors that they cant afford to just hire anybody because if they end up being shit, then that's a waste valuable time that could've been spent on someone who's better, more dedicated, and actually earning money. That's why we have to go through so many obstacles to get a job. It's to weed the people who aren't applying just because they're freeloaders and don't have anything better to do.

[@hz1823]

@@fro_e i'd also assume, that at least in my case in northern england where the job market is insanely competitive, that there's simply too many people and not enough jobs. on entry-level jobs where you need to get a foot into employment, you're up against potentially 200 other people for a simple retail or warehouse role. the employers can feed on this and be as picky as they like, because everyone is that desperate for work given that there's not necessarily enough out their for everyone. i have now, since covid, seen jobs titled "retail apprenticeship/warehouse apprenticeship" which is full of bs and an excuse to pay desperate people less. you have and will never need a traineeship or apprenticeship for stuff like retail or warehouse work. but they can get away with it because there's so many unemployed here, and people will take anything.

[@foreverconfusedandkindacute]

Eh I mean its better if u just let ur exp or achievements do the talking n standing out... colors and fancy fonts more often than not look unprofessional (also depends on WHAT the job is)

[@Trautman1981]

Photos are mandatory on a CV here in Norway.

[@aroundworldnews]

shukran

[@MiguelAngelJD]

Cheers mate

[@MorgurEdits]

There is actual real-life data that if you are attractive looking it is easier for you to secure a job. So yeah put your picture in the CV if that is the case. Other than that good points. Hate advertising myself. Being modest ain't getting me a job though.

[@majedulhaque1156]

You're saying to make plain but many of the HR say plain is bullshit. *It depends from person to person preference, nothing else!* ( From my bitter experience)

[@The93Momo93]

this, there is no global standard with set guidelines and that's one of the root flaws of the entire hiring process, it's always a guessing game, I lost count of interviews I thought I aced yet I was rejected but nobody is willing to give feedback, ever, so it's an endless cat and mouse left in the dark forever

[@lokmanhakim6108]

what do the HR expect " kindergarten drawing"..its not the CV's mistake ..its just they employed a wrong HR

[@AndybextTV]

Many thanks for this video. Please, when you talk of reducing bullet in your CV, which area are you referring to? It is on your job roles?

[@sandipansarkar9211]

finished watching

[@syedasamiha5354]

Hello, I have currently graduated from university this year 2020. Can you help me with how to develop a good cv and cover letter (support information) for a support assistant, HR assistant, Admin roles... Would be a great help if you can provide me with some examples and samples that I can take a look at to help me with mine. This would be be a great help and we’ll appreciated 😊.

[@towersands3111]

Even a cv for waiter am facing a problem of writing it at times they don't call me back for the job

[@hossamsalem8878]

What about creative roles? Would you put links to your portfolio?

[@Gufty9s]

Putting a big blue patch on the example CV's is really sad

[@harrysafraz]

Love StandOut CV, its the best

[@joshuagonzales6633]

Thanksssss

[@MsAyeezy]

In some European countries apparently, you have to provide a photo on your CV/resume, just a not for those who wish to work internationally :)

[@mohammedyakub3760]

In pretty much all European countries it is expected to provide a photo in fact

[@MsAyeezy]

@@mohammedyakub3760 Not in the UK where in from, in fact it's frowned upon.

[@mohammedyakub3760]

@@MsAyeezy I'm from the UK aswell, I know, but were not in the EU anymore 😂

[@MsAyeezy]

@@mohammedyakub3760 I'm gunna assume that was a joke 🤣🤣 the Law cannot dicate Geography, we're still in Europe whether we like it or not loool. Recruiters advise applicants to remove any CV photo and only focus on presenting achievements, skills, and experience relevant to the job. It hurts your chances of getting the job.

[@mohammedyakub3760]

@@MsAyeezy yeah ok so most European countries apart from UK 😂

[@DavidElstob73]

Every recruiter that I worked for asked for a longer CV, but every cliched recommendation says two pages max. Plus if you put all the important things on the first two pages, there's more detail if they need it, so longer isn't bad if it's done correctly.

[@Standout-cv]

Hi David, that’s interesting.. what industry do you work in? And what reason did those recruiters want more than 2 pages of info for?

[@DavidElstob73]

@@Standout-cv used to be in construction as a site manager. So in the end always made them at least five pages, but I suppose it's different if it's just a preliminary CV rather than actually being on the shortlist?

[@DavidElstob73]

@@Standout-cv it's like saying, I'm not going to read that article in the Newspaper - it's too long. If something interests you, the length doesn't matter, but obviously I understand the logic behind the 2-page reasoning.

[@Standout-cv]

Yes generally speaking the 2 page guideline is to ensure you get past the initial skim read by recruiters, it’s not a “set in stone” rule - but unfortunately most hiring managers will not want to read a lengthy CV in the initial stages (in my experience anyway), so I find it’s best to keep it concise to get on to more shortlists... however in cases where employers want more info then there can definitely be a case for a longer CV.

[@jd-hs5lj]

You could always put the heading "Selected Work History" or "Recent Work History" and after you've put a few add a line to the effect of "further work history available on request".

[@COSMUS]

I love your voice tone and accent!!

[@kevinrussell2718]

I do all of the things that you suggest, and I still get nowhere! I got so fed up of applying for jobs and getting nowhere, and receiving totally useless advice about my CV, that I completely stopped using my CV directly to apply for jobs and instead used solely online Application Forms. Where this was not possible, I created a Marketing Document, that explained my experience and the cost for my services - I might go back to using it, as I still have it saved! I figure that companies are much better at working with other companies than they are with private individuals, as the potential loss of business - particularly major business - is more concerning to them. That is one why many companies prefer to use Employment Agencies to do their recruiting on their behalf - it's not just because it saves the employers the bother! It is for that reason that I created a Marketing Document touse in place of a CV - to market myself as a Freelance Office Worker.

[@kaycheng3237]

Personally I feel the CV is important as well, if a person what to base everything on "sell oneself", they may probably find the escalating-up is not quite sensible to consider.

[@kevinrussell2718]

@@kaycheng3237 As far as I'm concerned, a CV is only of any use for reference when completing Application Forms.

[@drzafree]

2 pages could be for a Resume but not for a CV for someone with more than 10-20 or more years experience

[@tancreddehauteville764]

Exactly, ridiculous to have a 50 year old write a two page CV!!

[@donikaruseva8689]

You are supposed to usually add the most recent job roles and not what you have done 50/40 years go. If you keep only the relevant jobs and achievement even if you have tons of experience you can still keep the CV to 2 pages.

[@ItatiaiaBR]

You're talking BS

[@christopherort3045]

I have a 5 page resume that's never not gotten me that interview, and in most cases the job. My thing is it has 5 good pages of extremely useful information. So, number of pages isn't as important as the content on those pages. I'm a CPA with over 30 years experience. Content counts.

[@lorenwilliams1811]

starting from the latest job you had and ending in the first.... i think

[@johncarlson7661]

@Standout Cv Is it OK if I put it in my CV that I dropped out of Uni ?

[@mrhammadmossop1988ul-haq]

Hi I was wondering how would I write a CV for volunteering and work experience when there is no job advert on the website?

[@aruva8995]

Can you tell me the format of Finance manager job is showing in your site is accepted for jobs in the UK?

[@oluwapelumialiu]

Thank you! Is it important to add a professional profile is your work experience is less than 5 years ?

[@oluwapelumialiu]

*if

[@goldencookie5456]

9:12 I feel like that was way more readable than every other cv shown in this video. Look at how incredibly clear that layout is. Incredibly easy to find the right information. Not sure how the "functionality is poor" in that particular example. It looks like one of the most functional.

[@haariceb8894]

The CV takes up a lot of space at the top with the name and job title so is an impractical design, as nice as it looks. You shouldn't use symbols in your CV so the hobbies section is a disaster. Not only is it impossible to tell what the hobbies are from the pictures, but by clumping them like that you don't explain how your hobbies give you skills that may help you in your job or make you a better candidate. The skills section is also impractical because it uses an arbitrary meter that measures... what exactly? And once again, it tells the employer nothing about how you can link apply these skills in the workplace. I don't know about social media but I'm pretty sure you don't need to put your Facebook, Skype or Twitter accounts on there. Also, CVs should be as anonymous as possible so no photos. Hence functionality is poor means that the CV does not do its job/function correctly, the job being to market oneself to an employer. It may look nice and be laid out well but that is all futile if what is actually written does not uphold the same quality.

[@arshadnazir9435]

@@haariceb8894 why should be a cv anonymous

[@graemefarquharson465]

Depends where you work

[@mrhenky42]

Ok, i feel like i have to jump in here. Generally, all solid tips but i have one glaring question burning in my mind. I am lookingto get into technical writing. I have not yet worked in that field. In fact, i haven‘t had the chance to work in my field of study at all. How in the Sam Hill am i supposed to show proof of impact? Impact if what, exactly business growth? My face on the pavement when i hear nothing but „we are looking at 2-5 years of professional experience for this entry level job, which happens to be the lowest rung possible“ for the one hundredths time? How can i quantifiably know my impact? I‘ve been working in sales for a decade now, because it‘s an end to a need and i don‘t even know my nps score. How am i supposed to measure my growth if i don‘t meticulously research each and every single printout of my sales papers which don‘t even include the price anymore? I feel like the generalisation of „show how much you brought in for the company, because numbers is everything, no humanity just numbers“ is something for jobs where it applies, like bankers or brokers who have actual numbers. Am i just supposed to pull arcane numbers out of my rear?

[@greekartvibe23]

Many thanks for such an informative video! QUICK QUESTION. If there is a career change due to family circumstances (childcare) and I now want to go back to the highly specialised scienc-y role that I used to do before the change (3years ago), how do I link, justify this career change in short without any sounding dramatic. How to use this gap from the niche profession to my advantage really? I struggle with this obstacle for a while. A response would hep a lot.

[@Sonasic]

so have you made the change?

[@davidthompson8961]

If your CV talks about generic skills without evidence, roles but not the impacts they had, fails to optimise the top quarter, is over 3 pages, or includes a photo or even more than one colour then you need to watch this short, expert clip: I sure did

[@andrejvlajic8800]

Some points do not apply everywhere though. In germany a photograph is still mandatory for example and you won't get a job without one in most companies. Also the skillgraph thing is the top stuff in the current german application metagame, since it is rather new here.

[@mdasadansari3823]

Everything you said was awesome But it would be much more better if you had slowed down the pace of speech I had to repeat many portion of the video and i reduced the speed of the video

[@aroundworldnews]

not new any more😍

[@yashkummar]

So you how does this work with linkedin? I have a tailormade cv then match with linkedin everytime?

[@madolmabor9665]

Which CV format is far more better, Americans or British?

[@davba2]

I've been told that a good CV has work experience and education/qualification details in reverse chronological order. Is this correct?

[@Mike-yd1vh]

Yes, most recent skill/qualification higher up the page.

[@GojosBackHand]

True but no one cares and it depends on what the employer looking for

[@rogertoby6452]

merci. je suis francophone mais votre anglais est assez digeste et clair. merci

[@eub3429]

i can't write any work experience on my cv. not even a certificate or something im a college drop out. help

[@paoloamat666]

I have to disagree ... i believe having a photo of yourself on your CV is important and lots of employees are asking for this now. I

[@ichbinjon]

I don't see how employers could technically ask for this because it would suggest that they plan on deciding whether or not to progress your application based on how you look. Something which they couldn't usually be seen to do. Overall, it's certainly a controversial feature to include in your CV, as I too have had positive and negative feedback when I've used one in the past.

[@heterosexualcommunity4485]

@@ichbinjon It may not make any sense to you, but if they ask you not to have a funny e-mail or not to use an innovative cv design, why wouldn't they ask for a photo of you? AND YES, believe it or not, many employers care about looks.

[@jennakhivkapratt8751]

For federal (US) government jobs including identifiers like a photo gets your application tossed. Apparently it's required in some countries.

[@Kampbell300]

Not one company in the uk I’m aware of have ever asked for or expected this