Career Progression Hub
London, UK
If cv mistakes graduates should avoid were an Olympic event, most new grads would take home the participation ribbon and wonder why their CV didn’t get a medal. If CV writing were a sport, you’d be thrown into the arena with a half-deflated ball, no coach and a vague memory of that one careers workshop you attended for the free biscuits.
You’ve studied, interned, maybe even survived a group project without crying – but now you’re expected to distil all that into two pages that scream “Hire me!” without actually screaming.
The good news? Most cv mistakes graduates should avoid are easy to fix. The better news? You’re about to learn how – and yes, you can do it without any glitter or Comic Sans.
1. Leading with the Wrong Information
The Mistake:
Starting with a blow-by-blow of your education, as if your degree is the only interesting thing about you. Spoiler: it’s not.
The Fix:
Start with a punchy personal statement that tells the reader who you are, what you bring, and what you want. Follow that with the most relevant skills or experience — even if it’s an internship or a uni project.
Action Step:
Tailor your personal statement for each application. Yes, it’s more effort. Yes, it’s worth it.
Example:
Enthusiastic and creative Marketing graduate with a 2:1 from X University, passionate about digital engagement and brand storytelling. Experienced in managing student-led social media campaigns and producing high-performing content during my internship at a local agency. Now seeking an entry-level marketing role where I can contribute fresh ideas, data-driven thinking, and a collaborative mindset.
Why this works: it’s specific, relevant and not written in the passive voice of a chatbot.
2. Using a One-Size-Fits-All CV
The Mistake:
Sending the same CV everywhere like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet. Hiring managers can spot a copy-paste job a mile off.
The Fix:
Keep a master CV with everything on it, then carve out job-specific versions. Rearrange bullet points, emphasise different skills, and tweak your personal statement so it actually matches the advert.
Action Step:
Treat job applications like meal prep: one master batch, multiple tailored portions.
3. Overloading with Buzzwords (and No Receipts)
The Mistake:
Phrases like ‘hard-working team player with excellent communication skills’ appear on almost every graduate CV — but without examples, they don’t mean much.
The Fix:
Show evidence instead of relying on buzzwords. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate how you’ve applied those skills in real situations. Concrete examples always stand out more than generic claims.
Example:
Situation: Final-year leadership module required us to run a student careers event.
Task: I led the planning and delivery of a one-day careers conference.
Action: I organised speakers, managed a team of four, coordinated marketing and handled logistics.
Result: The event attracted 150+ attendees and achieved 92% positive feedback.
This example turns a vague statement into a measurable achievement — exactly what employers look for.
4. Neglecting Layout and Presentation
The Mistake:
Your CV looks like it’s been through three different printers, five fonts, and one nervous breakdown.
The Fix:
Keep it clean and consistent. One or two fonts, sensible spacing, clear headings and bullet points. Recruiters skim — make it skimmable. Two pages max unless you’re applying to be a novelist (in which case, this still applies).
Action Step:
Use a professional template or CV builder. No glitter borders, no selfies, no Comic Sans. Please.
5. Missing (or Misusing) Key Sections
The Mistake:
Forgetting vital sections like skills, or padding your CV with irrelevant details (‘Grade 7 clarinet’ unless you’re applying to orchestrate chaos).
The Fix:
Include: personal statement, key skills, relevant experience (paid, unpaid or academic), education, and optional extras (certifications, volunteering, languages). Hobbies only if they actually say something useful about you — captain of a sports team, editor of a student magazine, charity fundraiser.
Action Step:
If a recruiter spends six seconds on your CV (they will), does it tell the right story at a glance?
Final Tips (a.k.a. Things That Separate You From the Pile)
- Proofread like your life depends on it. Typos kill credibility faster than a dodgy reference.
- Always include a cover letter. Yes, even if you think it’s optional. It’s your chance to sound human.
- Keep updating. Your CV is a living document – treat it like one.
Ready to Polish Your CV
If you’re a new grad staring at a blank document (or a chaotic one), our New Graduate CV Checklist is your go-to guide. It walks you through:
- A step-by-step breakdown of what to include
- A customisable CV template
- Real examples and formatting tips
