CV not working? 5 reasons & what to do about them

You’ve been applying for jobs but getting nowhere fast. Now you’re starting to worry about your CV not working at all. The truth is, when not a single recruiter is biting, there are a number of things you could check to figure out what’s wrong. So, what should you do? If your CV isn’t landing you interview invites, it’s time to switch things up and look for ways to elevate it.  

Why is my CV not working?

If you’re not hearing back from recruiters for a long while, you might have asked yourself this very question. There are many reasons your CV may be letting you down. Here are five to consider: 

1. You didn’t follow best practices  

Your CV could be headed straight for the reject pile if you're using outdated guidelines or a CV format that doesn't account for applicant tracking system (ATS) requirements. Additionally, check for common CV mistakes and deal-breakers – dire issues range from typos and grammar mistakes to keyword stuffing and failing to include quantifiable results. 

Solution: 

Make sure you're well acquainted with current best practices on writing a winning CV. Additionally, make CV proofreading a habit to avoid spelling mistakes – consider using software such as Grammarly to assist you.

2. You’ve missed out important details 

As a bare minimum, a recruiter will expect to see contact details, career history, and key qualifications on your CV. But the bare minimum never impressed anyone! If you find your CV not working, you may not be providing the recruiter with enough valuable information.

Solution: 

Go the extra mile by using the best, relevant keywords from the job advert on your CV. Also, add information on voluntary work, professional accreditations, courses, language skills, and organisational affiliations. Remember that the recruiter will expect you to have an online presence, so support your CV with a well-written LinkedIn profile too.

3. Your CV lacks relevant experience and skills

Have you highlighted any previous industry knowledge, plus experience gained in similar roles? This is particularly important for those writing a career change CV and those returning to work after a career break. If you’re worried about your CV not working, the lack of track record to showcase your suitability for the role could be the issue.

Solution: 

Create a detailed CV work experience section that highlights your prior roles. If you have neither role nor industry experience relevant to your target job, you'll need to lean heavily on your transferable skills to prove that you'd be a good fit.

4. Your CV isn’t tailored to the role

A one-size-fits-all, scattergun approach rarely works in today's job market. Your CV must be updated to meet the requirements of each role and company you’re aiming for. If your CV is not working, this could be the underlying reason.

Solution: 

Always tailor your CV to the role at hand. The easiest way to achieve this is to create a master CV, which you then tweak slightly for each new role you apply for. Sure, it takes a bit of time, but it's worth it if the bespoke CV generates more responses.

5. Your CV might need a complete makeover

The ultimate purpose of a CV is to secure an interview – this is the only way to tell if your CV is actually working. If you're firing off your CV to multiple employers and then watching as the tumbleweed rolls by – even after addressing the issues above – it might be time for a major revamp.

Solution: 

A fresh, expert perspective can save you time on transforming your CV. Rather than reworking the same tired ideas yet again, consider engaging a professional CV writer. With in-depth knowledge of best practices, recruitment processes, and crafting an ATS-friendly CV, they can translate your experience and skills into a high-impact CV that works.

Make your CV work

If you find your CV not working, don’t worry – there are ways to fix it.  But as the job market is competitive, make sure to address the potential issues fast!

A well-written CV will generate the interest you're looking for. Get yours working with a free CV review or learn more about getting a professional CV rewrite.

This article was originally written by Jen David and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.

Recommended reading:

• 5 signs you need a CV review

• What you get from a professionally written CV

• No interviews? How to improve your CV success rate