1. Introduction
Your CV is often your first impression—it can open doors or close them just as quickly. And yet, many South African job seekers make avoidable mistakes that cost them interviews, promotions, and career growth. Whether applying locally or aiming to work abroad, a polished, strategic CV is essential in 2025’s competitive job market.
We’ve reviewed thousands of CVs across industries and career levels at Brendan Hope CV Writing. From subtle formatting missteps to major content gaps, we’ve seen it all. In this guide, we’ll uncover the top 10 most common mistakes South Africans make on their CVs—and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Whether you’re a graduate, mid-level professional, or executive, this no-fluff guide is designed to help you optimise your CV, avoid rejections, and land the roles you deserve.
Table of Contents
- Mistake 1: Using a Generic CV
- Mistake 2: Ignoring ATS Requirements
- Mistake 3: Lack of Clear Structure
- Mistake 4: No Quantifiable Achievements
- Mistake 5: Including Irrelevant Personal Info
- Mistake 6: Overly Designed or Complicated CVs
- Mistake 7: Spelling, Grammar, and Typos
- Mistake 8: Using an Outdated CV Format
- Mistake 9: Not Tailoring for Each Job
- Mistake 10: Weak or Missing Profile Summary
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Mistake 1: Using a Generic CV
One of the most common (and costly) mistakes is sending out the same CV for every job. South African recruiters can immediately tell when a CV hasn’t been tailored to their specific role. A generic CV fails to show alignment with the employer’s needs, culture, and values and often lands in the rejection pile.
Fix:
Customise your CV for each application. Mirror the job description’s language, include relevant achievements, and emphasise skills that match the role. Not sure how to tailor your CV effectively? Book a free consultation with Brendan Hope for expert help.
Mistake 2: Ignoring ATS Requirements
Many job seekers still create CVs without considering Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems automatically scan your CV for keywords and formatting before a human reads it. If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it might never reach a recruiter.
Fix:
Use a clean layout without tables, images, or headers/footers. Incorporate keywords from the job ad naturally throughout your CV. Use standard job titles and consistent formatting. For a fully ATS-optimised CV, explore our professional CV writing packages.
Mistake 3: Lack of Clear Structure
A poorly structured CV makes it difficult for recruiters to find important information quickly. Dense paragraphs, inconsistent formatting, or missing headings frustrate humans and ATS systems, leading to missed opportunities.
Fix:
Use clear sections like Profile Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Present your work history in reverse chronological order. Use bullet points for accomplishments and leave enough white space to improve readability.
Mistake 4: No Quantifiable Achievements
Simply listing responsibilities like “Managed a sales team” doesn’t show the impact of your work. Recruiters want measurable results—proof that you added value in your past roles. Without numbers or achievements, your CV lacks credibility and competitive weight.
Fix:
Turn duties into data-driven accomplishments. For example: “Led a team of 5 sales reps to exceed quarterly targets by 35%.” Always ask: What did I achieve? How did I improve outcomes? What results can I quantify?
Mistake 5: Including Irrelevant Personal Info
Listing details like marital status, religion, number of children, or a headshot is outdated and unnecessary, especially for South African CVs in 2025. These personal details can unintentionally bias recruiters and are rarely required.
Fix:
Keep your CV professional and relevant. Include only essential personal information: full name, contact details, city/province, and LinkedIn profile. If the job ad requests additional info, provide it separately or in a cover letter.
Mistake 6: Overly Designed or Complicated CVs
While design matters, too much formatting can backfire. CVs that include tables, multiple columns, graphics, icons, or non-standard fonts often confuse ATS systems or distract from your content. Beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of function.
Fix:
Use a clean, minimalist layout that prioritises readability and ATS compatibility. Stick to one or two fonts, use consistent spacing, and avoid unnecessary graphics. Brendan Hope’s professionally designed CV templates perfectly balance design and performance.
Mistake 7: Spelling, Grammar, and Typos
This might seem obvious, but even one typo can damage your credibility. Spelling and grammar errors signal a lack of attention to detail—something no employer wants. Unfortunately, this is one of the most frequent reasons CVs are dismissed in South Africa.
Fix:
Proofread thoroughly. Read your CV aloud, ask someone else to review it, or use editing tools like Grammarly. Better yet, let a professional CV writer ensure your content is polished and error-free. Brendan Hope CV Writing includes built-in editing as part of every package.
Mistake 8: Using an Outdated CV Format
An old-school CV format from 10 years ago won’t cut it in 2025. Long paragraphs, generic objectives, or listing “references available upon request” are all outdated practices. They make your CV look stale and out of touch.
Fix:
Use a modern, ATS-optimised layout. Replace outdated objectives with a compelling profile summary. Integrate industry keywords and focus on achievements. Need an upgrade? Our CV rewriting service gives your old document a modern edge.
Mistake 9: Not Tailoring for Each Job
Generic CVs get generic results. Submitting the same CV to every employer reduces your chances of landing interviews. Each job has unique requirements, and your CV should reflect that.
Fix:
Tailor your CV to each role by aligning your profile summary, skills, and accomplishments with the job description. Highlight relevant achievements, adjust keywords, and reorder sections if needed. Want help customising your CV? Book a free call for expert insights.
Mistake 10: Weak or Missing Profile Summary
Many South Africans skip the profile summary or write something vague like “Hardworking and passionate individual.” This section is prime real estate—the first thing a recruiter reads. A weak summary wastes your opportunity to make a strong impression.
Fix:
Craft a concise 3–5 line summary that clearly states your role, years of experience, industry expertise, key skills, and the value you bring. For example: “Results-driven Marketing Specialist with 7+ years’ experience in the FMCG sector, known for driving 30% YoY brand growth and managing campaigns across South Africa and the UK.”
Conclusion
Small mistakes can have a big impact. But the good news is that all of these common CV errors are fixable. By improving structure, tailoring your content, using modern formatting, and showcasing real achievements, your CV can rise to the top of the shortlist.
If you’re serious about securing more interviews and standing out in today’s job market, consider working with a professional CV writing expert. At Brendan Hope CV Writing, we offer personalised guidance, one-on-one consultations, and fully optimised CVs that help you land roles—locally or abroad.
Don’t let simple mistakes hold your career back. Book your free consultation and take the first step toward career success.
FAQs
What are the most common CV mistakes in South Africa?
The most common mistakes include using a generic CV for all applications, ignoring ATS formatting, failing to showcase achievements, including unnecessary personal information, and having a weak profile summary. These issues significantly reduce your chances of getting shortlisted.
How can I make my CV stand out to recruiters?
Tailor your CV to each role, use a strong profile summary, include measurable achievements, and ensure the design is clean and ATS-friendly. Focus on how you added value in previous roles, not just your responsibilities.
Should I use a photo on my South African CV?
No. It’s generally discouraged in South Africa unless specifically requested. Including a photo can introduce unconscious bias and takes up space better used for impactful content.
How often should I update my CV?
Update your CV every 6 to 12 months or whenever you change jobs, complete a major project, gain a new skill, or earn a certification. Keeping your CV fresh ensures you’re ready for new opportunities anytime.
Can Brendan Hope help fix my existing CV?
Yes. We specialise in both new CVs and full rewrites. Our process includes a free review, one-on-one consultation, unlimited edits, and delivery of a fully tailored CV optimised for South African and international job markets. Learn more here.