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December 18, 2024
Top 7 CV Myths: Essential Insights for Job Seekers

You’ve spent hours perfecting your CV, double-checking every word, formatting the layout, and even adding a splash of creativity to stand out. Yet, despite your efforts, there are no responses from the recruiters.

You’re not alone. Many job seekers unknowingly fall for outdated CV advice that does more harm than good. At TAP, we’ve helped hundreds of professionals overcome these challenges and land their dream roles. So today, we’re here to debunk the 7 biggest CV myths that might be holding you back and show you exactly how to fix them.

 

Myth 1: Your CV must be one page

The belief:

"One page is all you get."

The reality:

While a one-page CV might work for fresh graduates, experienced professionals often need two pages to adequately showcase their skills and achievements. The key isn’t length—it’s relevance.

What to do instead:

Use as much space as necessary to highlight your accomplishments, but keep every section focused on the role you're applying for. Each bullet point should answer this question: "Why does this matter to the recruiter?"

TAP tip: Use bullet points and action verbs for easy skimming. For example: "Increased revenue by 20% through targeted digital marketing campaigns."

 

Myth 2: You need to list every job you’ve ever had

The belief:

"Your career timeline should be exhaustive."

The reality:

Recruiters aren’t looking for a diary of your work history; they just want to know if you’re the right fit for this job. Including irrelevant or outdated roles can undermine your CV’s impact.

What to do instead:

Focus on the most recent and relevant roles. Highlight jobs that directly showcase the skills the recruiter is seeking.

TAP Tip: If you’re shifting careers, use a functional CV format to emphasize skills over job titles.

Myth 3: Fancy designs will make your CV stand out

The belief:

"Creative fonts and elaborate graphics are the secrets to a recruiter’s heart."

The reality:

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—the software many recruiters use to screen CVs—often struggle with complex designs. Your stylish CV might not even make it past the first filter.

What to do instead:

Stick to a clean, professional design. Standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, clear headings, and plenty of white space make your CV both ATS- and recruiter-friendly.

TAP tip: Use tools like Canva or Microsoft Word’s resume templates, but keep things simple and easy to read.

 

Myth 4: Include personal information to add a human touch

The belief:

"Adding a photo, marital status, or hobbies will make your CV more relatable."

The reality:

In many countries, sharing personal details can introduce unconscious bias into the hiring process. Recruiters want to focus on your qualifications—not your personal life.

 What to do instead:

Include only professional details like your name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile.
Want to make your CV engaging? Add a brief summary that highlights your top skills and career goals.

TAP tip: A strong summary might look like this:
"Digital marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience driving 20% revenue growth through data-driven campaigns."

 

Myth 5: You don’t need to tailor your CV for each job

The belief:

"One size fits all."

The reality:

Generic CVs are a red flag for recruiters. Tailoring your CV to each job shows you’ve done your research and care about the role.

What to do instead:

Customize your CV by mirroring the language and requirements in the job description. Use keywords that align with the posting—this not only helps with ATS but also demonstrates that you’re the perfect match.

TAP tip: If the job description mentions "team leadership," include a bullet point like, "Led a team of 8 to complete projects 10% under budget."

 

Myth 6: Work experience is all that matters

The belief:

"Recruiters only care about where you’ve worked."

The reality:

For career shifters, recent graduates, or those with gaps in employment history, showcasing skills, certifications, and volunteer work is equally important.

What to do instead:

Create a dedicated "Skills" or "Projects" section to highlight your unique value. Don’t underestimate the impact of soft skills like communication or problem-solving.

TAP tip: Mention certifications like Google Analytics or project management tools like Trello if relevant to the role.

Myth 7: A great CV guarantees you the job

The belief:

"If my CV is perfect, I’m all set."

The reality:

Your CV gets your foot in the door, but networking, interviews, and follow-ups are what truly seal the deal. 

What to do instead:

Treat your CV as part of a larger job search strategy. Reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and follow up after interviews to show enthusiasm and professionalism.

TAP tip: Send a thank-you email after every interview. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact.

 

How can TAP help you shine?

At TAP, we understand the job market inside and out. We’ve guided countless people in building CVs that stand out and land jobs. From fixing these common mistakes to helping you nail interviews, TAP is your partner every step of the way.

Ready to land the role that you deserve?

Take the first step by revisiting your CV. Imagine this: a recruiter opens your CV, and instead of skimming past it, they pause—really pause. They see a clear story of your achievements, skills, and potential. That’s the power of a CV done right.

At TAP, we’ve seen it happen time and time again. With the right guidance, job seekers transform their CVs into tools that open doors to opportunities they once thought were out of reach.

Ready to take the next step? Join TAP’s program for expert advice and proven strategies to land the job you deserve. Or, get started right now by downloading TAP’s free CV template and craft a recruiter-approved CV that stands out.

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You will receive extensive guidance and mentoring to launch your career.
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