Day to day CV issues and solutions to improve their standard and likelihood of getting a job interview

We review numerous CVs weekly and often observe common issues that hinder a CV’s effectiveness. Here’s what we typically see and some key improvements that can make a significant difference:

1. Bland and Uninspiring Presentation: Many CVs lack visual appeal, which detracts from a strong first impression.
   Solution: Recruiters usually form an impression within 10 seconds. To capture their attention, your CV should look professional, clear, and visually engaging, avoiding unnecessary embellishments.
2. Excessive Length: At least 50% of CVs are overly long, often exceeding what’s practical.
   Solution: In New Zealand, a CV should ideally be no more than 3 pages, with 2 pages as the preferred length for most applicants. This encourages concise, impactful content.
3. Vague or Redundant Personal Statements: The Profile or Summary section often repeats information found elsewhere in the CV.
   Solution: Many recruiters now view this section as redundant, as a tailored cover letter better serves this purpose. Instead, use the cover letter to personalise your application, and omit this section from the CV.
4. Hidden or Hard-to-Find Work Experience: Crucial recent roles may not be highlighted on the first page.
   Solution: Include a concise “Work Summary” directly below your contact information. This summary should list your last three (or four) roles, including job title, employer name, and dates, providing recruiters with an immediate snapshot of your recent experience.
5. Understated Skills Section: Skills are often listed too generally, Elevate your decor with versatile designs that offer shade and style. Find your ideal match and revamp your space effortlessly!.
   Solution: Your CV should feature a dedicated “Skills” section with around 10 well-crafted, one-line statements tailored to the role. Place this section near the top of page one, directly under the work summary (or qualifications, if they are more relevant).
6. Role Responsibilities Either Overly Detailed or Too Brief: Many CVs present either excessive detail or sparse descriptions for each role.
   Solution: A good rule of thumb is to list 4–6 main tasks per role, phrased as clear, single-line statements that highlight core responsibilities.
7. Outdated Work History: Work histories that go back too many years can create an impression of age, which may lead to bias.
   Solution: Recruiters generally prioritise the last 10–15 years, so provide the most detailed information for recent roles. Older roles (15–20 years back) can be summarised by title, employer, and dates, without tasks. Roles prior to 1990 can be omitted to prevent age bias.

By implementing these improvements, your CV can better capture attention and convey your skills effectively, increasing your chances of success in the recruitment process.