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Title: This Simple CV Mistake Is Costing You Interviews – Here’s How to Fix It
Are you applying for jobs every day but still not getting any interview calls? You’re not alone — and the problem might not be the jobs you’re applying for, but how your CV is written.
Most job seekers make one simple mistake that silently disqualifies them before their CV is even read properly.
In this article, we’ll show you:
- What the common CV mistake is
- How it’s affecting your chances
- And how to fix it immediately
The #1 Mistake Job Seekers Make on Their CV
Many job seekers use the same generic CV to apply for every job. They simply change the job title in the cover letter or email and send it off.
But here’s the truth:
Employers spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV. If they don’t quickly see that you’re a strong match for the role, your CV goes straight into the "No" pile.
Worse still, many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — software that filters out CVs that don’t contain specific keywords from the job description.
Here’s How to Fix It
If you want to increase your chances of getting interviews, do these 3 things immediately:
1. Tailor Your CV to the Job
Don’t use one CV for every position. Read the job ad carefully and match your experience, skills, and achievements to what the company is looking for.
2. Use Keywords from the Job Ad
Look at the specific words used in the job posting — like “customer service,” “data entry,” or “budget management.” Make sure those words appear naturally in your CV. This helps your CV pass through ATS filters.
3. Keep It Simple and Professional
Avoid using fancy fonts, colors, or over-designed templates. Use a clean, modern layout with clear headings, bullet points, and correct grammar. Your CV should be easy to read at a glance.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your CV to 1–2 Pages
Hiring managers are busy. They want quick information, not your life story. Only include relevant details and avoid repeating the same information in different sections.
Download a Free CV Sample
We’ve created a simple, professional CV sample that’s already optimized for most job types in Zambia.
Final Thoughts:
Fixing your CV doesn’t take long — but it can completely change your results. Even small improvements can be the difference between being ignored and being invited for an interview.
If you found this helpful, be sure to share it with a friend who’s also looking for a job!
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