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    CV Writing7 min read

    10 CV Mistakes That Get You Auto-Rejected in 2026

    Most rejection isn't about qualifications. It's about ten avoidable mistakes that quietly knock CVs out of the running.

    The 10 mistakes

    1. Two-column layouts that scramble in ATS parsing.
    2. Generic summaries that say nothing measurable.
    3. Listing duties instead of outcomes.
    4. No numbers anywhere on the CV.
    5. Custom section headers that ATS can't recognize.
    6. Photos and graphics inside text frames.
    7. Inconsistent date formats between roles.
    8. Buzzwords without evidence ("synergy", "rockstar", "ninja").
    9. Outdated skills (Office 2010, Flash, jQuery as a top skill).
    10. No tailoring — same CV sent to every posting.

    How to fix them quickly

    Switch to a single-column template, rewrite each bullet to start with a verb and end with a number, and align section headers to the standards your ATS recognizes (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills).

    Frequently asked questions

    Do recruiters really read every CV?
    No. The first pass is usually 6–8 seconds, focused on title progression, recent employer, and obvious keyword matches.

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