Optimising your CV is an important step when it comes to applying for job positions. Your CV is your personal brand, the first thing an employer sees before deciding whether to invite you for an interview. In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted CV can be the difference between landing your dream job or getting lost in the pile of applications.

Many job seekers make common mistakes that get their CVs rejected before they even get a chance to prove themselves. Formatting issues, missing key information, or failing to highlight relevant skills can significantly hurt your chances. On the other hand, a strong, well-structured CV makes you stand out, increasing your chances of getting hired.

So, how do you get it right? Here are the dos and don’ts when creating a CV that sets you up for success.

DO: Keep Your CV Clean, Professional & Easy to Read

Recruiters and hiring managers spend less than 10 seconds scanning your CV before deciding whether to continue reading. If your CV is messy, unorganized, or difficult to skim through, chances are it will be ignored.

How to Make Your CV Professional & Easy to Read:

✔ Use a clear, professional format – Stick to a simple, clean design with clear headings and bullet points.
✔ Use standard fonts – Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (size 11-12) to maintain readability.
✔ Keep it structured – Organize your CV into sections (Personal Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications).
✔ Use bullet points for key details – Avoid lengthy paragraphs and make information quickly scannable.
✔ Save as a PDF – This keeps the formatting consistent across different devices and operating systems.

DON’T: Include Irrelevant or Excessive Information

Your CV should not be a life story. It should be a focused document that highlights the most relevant information for the job you’re applying for.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

❌ Listing every job you’ve ever had – Only include jobs relevant to the position you are applying for.
❌ Adding unnecessary personal details – There is no need to include your marital status, religion, race, ID number, or a photo unless specifically required.
❌ Writing long paragraphs – Keep it concise and direct; employers don’t have time to read long explanations.
❌ Including hobbies that aren’t relevant – If your hobbies don’t add value to your job application, leave them out.

DO: Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same generic CV to every employer. Hiring managers want to see that you’ve put in the effort to align your experience, skills, and achievements with the specific job they’re hiring for.

How to Tailor Your CV Effectively:

✔ Read the job description carefully – Highlight key skills and experience that match the requirements.
✔ Use industry-specific keywords – Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before they reach recruiters. Using relevant keywords from the job posting increases your chances of passing the initial screening.
✔ Showcase the most relevant achievements – Customize your work experience and skills section to reflect what the company is looking for.

DON’T: Forget to Include Measurable Achievements

Recruiters don’t just want to know what you did—they want to see how well you did it. Instead of listing responsibilities, focus on results and achievements backed by numbers.

How to Highlight Your Achievements:

✔ Use metrics to quantify your success (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%,” “Managed a budget of R500,000”).
✔ Show impact – How did your work benefit the company?
✔ Use action verbs like “increased,” “led,” “developed,” “optimized,” “streamlined,” etc.

DO: Keep Your CV Concise (1-2 Pages Max)

Your CV should be as short as possible while still showcasing your skills and experience. Ideally, stick to one page if you have less than 5 years of experience and two pages if you have extensive experience.

Why Shorter CVs Are More Effective:

✔ Recruiters scan CVs in seconds – Get to the point quickly.
✔ Too much information can overwhelm the reader – Focus only on the most relevant details.
✔ A clear and concise CV looks more professional and well-structured.

DON’T: Use an Unprofessional Email Address

A professional email address is essential for job applications. Using an outdated or unprofessional email can create a negative impression.

Creating a CV That Gets You Hired

Your CV is your ticket to landing an interview—make sure it’s polished, professional, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll improve your chances of making a strong first impression and securing your dream job.

Quick Recap:

Do:
✔ Keep your CV clean, structured, and professional.
✔ Tailor it for each job and use industry-specific keywords.
✔ Highlight achievements with measurable results.
✔ Keep it concise (1-2 pages max).

Don’t:
❌ Include irrelevant or excessive information.
❌ Use a generic, one-size-fits-all CV.
❌ Submit a cluttered, unformatted CV.
❌ Forget to proofread for errors.

Recruit SA can connect you with top employers looking for candidates just like you.