Top 5 CV Mistakes Graduates Make and How to Fix Them

You’ve finally graduated — congrats!
Your degree is in hand, your LinkedIn is polished, and you’re ready to take on the job market.

Top 5 CV Mistakes Graduates Make and How to Fix Them

Why Your CV Matters More Than You Think

Your CV isn’t just a list of your qualifications — it’s your personal brand in action. It’s what employers see before they meet you.

In a country where graduate unemployment remains high, having a standout CV can be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked.

Think of your CV as your marketing brochure. If it’s messy, too long, or generic, recruiters won’t read past the first line.

Let’s fix that.

Top 5 CV Mistakes Graduates Make and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Using the Same CV for Every Job

The Problem:

Most graduates make this mistake — they create one CV and send it to every company, hoping it sticks. But employers can spot a copy-paste CV instantly. It screams “I didn’t bother tailoring this.”

The Fix:

Customize your CV for each job you apply for.
You don’t have to rewrite everything — just tweak it to fit the position.

Here’s how to do it:

Study the job description carefully.
Highlight the key skills and qualifications mentioned.
Update your profile summary and skills section to reflect those keywords.
Mention the company name or role in your cover letter.

For example, if you’re applying for a Marketing Assistant position, mention tools like Canva, Google Analytics, or social media scheduling. That shows relevance and effort.

Pro Tip: Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs. If your CV doesn’t contain the right keywords, it might never reach a human.

Mistake 2: Including Too Much or Too Little Information

The Problem:

Your CV isn’t your life story — but it’s not a mystery novel either. Some graduates overload their CVs with unnecessary details, while others leave out crucial information.

The Fix:

Keep your CV clean, complete, and relevant — ideally one to two pages long.

Here’s what your CV should include:

Personal Details: Full name, contact info, city, email, LinkedIn link.
Profile Summary: A short paragraph about your skills, education, and career goals.
Education: Start with your most recent qualification.
Skills: Include both technical (Excel, data analysis) and soft skills (communication, teamwork).
Experience: Include internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
Achievements: Awards, certifications, or leadership roles.
References: Only if requested.

Avoid outdated details like your primary school, irrelevant hobbies, or your full ID number. Recruiters want clear, concise, and modern CVs — not clutter.

Pro Tip: Employers spend an average of seven seconds scanning a CV. Make sure they find what matters first.

Mistake 3: Poor Formatting and Outdated Design

The Problem:

Even a strong CV can fail if it’s ugly or hard to read. Some graduates use complicated templates, weird fonts, or old Microsoft Word designs that look outdated in 2026.

The Fix:

Use a modern, minimalist, and professional layout.

Formatting checklist:

Use clear section headings (Education, Skills, Experience).
Choose easy-to-read fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica (size 11–12).
Keep consistent spacing and margins.
Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
Avoid unnecessary borders, bright colors, or photos.

If you want your CV to stand out, use modern tools like:

Canva – free CV templates that look professional and sleek.
Google Docs Templates – simple and clean layouts.
LinkedIn Resume Builder – auto-formats your profile into a CV.

Pro Tip: Always save your CV as a PDF before sending it. That keeps the formatting intact.

Mistake 4: Listing Duties Instead of Achievements

The Problem:

Most graduates describe their work experience as a list of job duties. That’s boring and tells recruiters nothing about your impact.

Example: “Assisted with social media posts.”

That doesn’t say what you achieved or how good you were at it.

The Fix:

Focus on achievements, not just tasks. Use the formula:
Action + Task + Result

Example:
“Created and scheduled weekly social media posts, increasing page engagement by 30% in one month.”

Now that’s impressive.

Here’s how you can apply this:

Internships: “Assisted in financial reporting, helping the team close audits ahead of schedule.”
Group Projects: “Led a marketing project that achieved second place in a national competition.”
Volunteer Work: “Organized youth events attended by over 200 participants.”

Pro Tip: Use numbers wherever possible — they catch the recruiter’s eye instantly.

Mistake 5: Not Proofreading or Updating Regularly

The Problem:

Nothing ruins a good CV faster than spelling errors or old information. Recruiters see it as a lack of attention to detail — a big red flag.

Top 5 CV Mistakes Graduates Make and How to Fix Them

The Fix:

Proofread your CV carefully before submitting it.

Here’s how:

Read it aloud to catch awkward wording.
Use Grammarly or LanguageTool to check grammar.
Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it.

Also, keep your CV updated. Add new achievements, certifications, or projects as they happen.

Pro Tip: Keep a “master CV” with all your details, and create customized versions for each application.

Bonus Tip: Write a Strong Personal Profile

Your personal profile — that short paragraph at the top — is your elevator pitch. Many graduates waste it with vague clichés like:
“I am a hardworking and motivated individual looking for a challenging position.”

That doesn’t tell employers anything unique about you.

The Fix:

Write a concise, confident summary that highlights your strengths and career goals.

Example:
“Ambitious BCom Accounting graduate from the University of Pretoria with solid analytical and Excel skills. Completed a 6-month internship at Deloitte assisting in financial audits. Passionate about pursuing a career in corporate finance and delivering data-driven results.”

That kind of profile tells the employer who you are, what you can do, and what you want — all in four sentences.

Top 5 CV Mistakes Graduates Make and How to Fix Them

Bonus Tip: Build Your Digital Presence

We live in a digital world — your CV doesn’t have to be the only place employers find you.

Create a professional LinkedIn profile and include the link on your CV.
Add portfolio links if you’re in a creative field.
Include online certifications (Google, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning).

Having a visible online footprint makes you look modern, proactive, and career-ready.

Quick Recap: Top 5 CV Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Common Mistake	What to Do Instead
Sending the same CV to every job	Customize it for each role
Including too much or too little info	Keep it relevant and concise
Using messy or outdated templates	Go for clean, modern designs
Listing job duties only	Focus on achievements and results
Forgetting to proofread	Review and update regularly

Top 5 CV Mistakes Graduates Make and How to Fix Them

Final Thoughts: Make Your CV Work for You

Your CV is your first step toward success — treat it like your personal marketing tool.

Take the time to polish it, proofread it, and tailor it for every opportunity. These small details separate average applicants from interview-ready candidates.

By avoiding these five common CV mistakes, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of landing interviews, internships, and job offers.

Start strong, stay confident, and remember — your CV is your story. Make it worth reading.

FAQs: Graduate CV Tips for 2026

1. How long should a graduate CV be?
Keep it to one or two pages. Recruiters prefer short, focused CVs.

2. Should I include references?
Only if the job post requests them. Otherwise, write “References available on request.”

3. Can I include volunteer work or part-time jobs?
Absolutely! Employers value initiative, responsibility, and any experience that builds your skills.

4. What format should I send my CV in?
Always send as a PDF unless the employer specifically asks for another format.

5. Should I include a photo?
Not necessary unless the company requests it. Focus on clarity and professionalism instead.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
Before you send out your CV, check out the latest bursaries, internships, and graduate opportunities for 2026 on zabusaries.com — your ultimate guide to student funding and career success in South Africa.

Top 5 CV Mistakes Graduates Make and How to Fix Them