Unusual CV Mistakes And Impact In Business

First Business English know that in the professional world, your curriculum vitae (CV) is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. It represents your experience, skills, and personality. While many candidates check for basic spelling and grammar mistakes, there are some unusual and surprisingly common errors that can make a poor impression. Understanding these mistakes can help job seekers create a more professional and effective CV. In this First Business English article we present common mistakes people make in presenting their CV to help you when applying for a new role.

Common Unusual CV Mistakes

1. Including Irrelevant Personal Details
   Adding your age, marital status, or personal hobbies that have no connection to the job may distract the employer. For example:  “Enjoys collecting bottle caps and watching soap operas.”
   Instead, focus on transferable skills: “Strong team collaboration and problem-solving abilities.”

2. Overly Creative Formatting
   Using fancy fonts, colorful borders, or emojis can make your CV look unprofessional. While creativity is good in design roles, most business contexts require a clean, easy-to-read layout.
   “John Smith – Marketing Wizard”
   “John Smith – Marketing Specialist”

3. Using Informal Language or Slang
   A CV should maintain a formal tone. Avoid phrases like: “I nailed my last job” or “I’m a people person.”
   Try: “Successfully exceeded sales targets” or “Strong interpersonal skills.”

4. Exaggerating Skills or Experience
   Claiming to be fluent in a language you don’t speak or listing technical skills you haven’t mastered may backfire during the interview. “Fluent in Japanese” (but only knows a few words).
   Be honest: “Basic conversational Japanese.”

5. Poorly Named Email Address
   An unprofessional email address can give the wrong impression. “partyanimal99@email.com”
   Use: “firstname.lastname@email.com”

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

• To tailor a CV – to adapt it for a specific job

• To highlight achievements – to show important successes

• Professional tone – formal and appropriate language

• Attention to detail – being careful and thorough

• To proofread – to check for mistakes

Example Paragraph Using the Language

When reviewing candidate CVs last week, the HR manager noticed several unusual mistakes. One applicant included irrelevant hobbies, such as “watching reality TV,” which didn’t relate to the role. Another CV was formatted with colorful borders and emojis, making it hard to read. A third candidate exaggerated their language ability, claiming fluency in German but failing to answer simple questions in the interview. These examples show the importance of tailoring your CV, using a professional tone, and checking for errors. Employers value accuracy and attention to detail, so it’s essential to proofread before submitting.

Conclusion

Unusual mistakes on a CV can hurt your chances of getting an interview, even if you’re qualified for the role. Make sure your CV is clear, relevant, and professional. Avoid informal language, irrelevant content, or dishonest claims. A well-written CV shows that you respect the employer’s time and understand the business context. To learn more or to practice your business English language skills simply book a lesson with us at First Business English.