Entering the job market as a recent university graduate is exciting, but also highly competitive. Your CV is often your first impression, and unfortunately, many students unknowingly make mistakes that reduce their chances of getting interviews. In this blog, we’ll dive into the top 5 most common university CV mistakes and share actionable tips on how to fix them so you can stand out in a crowded field.
Whether you’re applying for internships, entry-level jobs, or graduate programs, this guide will help you polish your CV like a pro.
Whether you’re applying for internships, entry-level jobs, or graduate programs, this guide will help you polish your CV like a pro.
1. Including Irrelevant Information
Many university students feel the need to “fill out” their CV by listing everything, from high school awards to part-time jobs with no relevance to their career goals. While enthusiasm is good, irrelevant information distracts from your value as a candidate.
Example Mistake:
“Babysitting for neighbors” listed under Work Experience for a Business Analyst role.
How to Fix It:
Focus on transferable skills. Even if your experience isn’t directly related to the role, highlight skills like communication, problem-solving, or leadership.
Pro Tip: Use targeted content that aligns with the CV Writing Services offered on ResumeFaster for stronger positioning.
2. Weak or Generic Objective Statements
“Seeking a challenging position where I can utilize my skills” is vague and tells the employer nothing specific. Objectives are outdated unless you tailor them.
Example Mistake:
“To obtain a job in a reputable organization.”
How to Fix It:
Replace the objective with a strong professional summary. Use keywords from the job description and include your degree, focus area, and what you bring to the table.
Need help building a personal brand beyond your CV? Check out our guide on LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Stand Out to Recruiters for tips that align your profile with your resume for a consistent and professional online presence.
Sample Summary:
“Recent Marketing graduate with hands-on experience in social media campaigns and data analytics, seeking a digital marketing internship to apply data-driven strategies.”
Need help writing your summary? Explore our LinkedIn Profile Writing Service for expert guidance in crafting a powerful headline and profile summary.
3. Not Tailoring the CV to the Role
Sending the same CV to every employer is one of the biggest mistakes graduates make. Hiring managers can spot a generic CV in seconds.
Example Mistake:
One-size-fits-all CV sent to both a marketing agency and a financial institution.
How to Fix It:
Customize your CV for each application. Highlight coursework, projects, or internships relevant to the specific job. This shows employers that you’re not just looking for any job—you want their job.
Use job-specific action verbs like “analyzed,” “developed,” or “managed” to align your experience with the role.
4. Poor Formatting and Visual Layout
A cluttered, inconsistent, or overly designed CV can be hard to read and make a bad impression—especially with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Example Mistake:
Using colorful graphics, multiple font styles, or WordArt in an academic CV.
How to Fix It:
Stick to a clean, professional layout. Use clear section headers (Education, Skills, Experience, etc.) and maintain consistency in font, spacing, and alignment. Save your file as a PDF unless instructed otherwise.
At ResumeFaster, we offer ATS-optimized templates as part of our professional CV writing services to ensure your resume looks great and performs well.
5. Overlooking Achievements and Quantifiable Result
Too often, graduates describe duties instead of showing impact. Employers want to see how you made a difference, not just what you were told to do.
Example Mistake:
“Worked on marketing team to run campaigns.”
How to Fix It:
Be results-driven. Use numbers and achievements:
“Increased Instagram engagement by 60% in 3 months through a targeted content strategy.”
Even university projects can be framed this way:
“Led a team of 4 to design a business plan that placed in the top 10 of a national competition.”
Final Tips: What Recruiters Want
- Keep your CV to 1 page for student or entry-level positions.
- Proofread carefully—spelling errors are a red flag.
- Use industry keywords from the job description.
- Always include updated contact info and a professional email.
Ready to Land Interviews?
Your CV shouldn’t just “list” your qualifications—it should sell your potential. At ResumeFaster, we specialize in transforming student CVs into professional documents that open doors. Whether you need a fresh start or a second opinion, our team is here to help.
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling university CV is your first step toward launching a successful career. By avoiding these common mistakes, like adding irrelevant details, using generic summaries, or ignoring formatting, you can present yourself as a focused and professional candidate. Remember, your CV is more than just a list of qualifications; it’s your personal brand on paper. If you’re unsure where to start or want expert help, our CV Writing Services are designed to give students and graduates a competitive edge. Start strong because your future deserves a powerful first impression.
