Why Your CV Gets Rejected (And How to Fix It)
Discover the top reasons CVs are rejected and how to avoid them. Learn the most common resume mistakes that prevent you from getting interviews.
The Harsh Reality: 75% of CVs Get Rejected Before Human Review
If you're not getting interview callbacks, your CV is likely being rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or recruiters before it even reaches a hiring manager. Understanding why CVs get rejected is the first step to fixing yours and landing more interviews.
Top 10 Reasons Your CV Gets Rejected
1. ATS Incompatibility
The Problem: Complex formatting, graphics, tables, and non-standard fonts confuse ATS systems, causing your resume to be rejected automatically.
The Fix: Use simple, clean formatting. Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman). Avoid tables, columns, and graphics. Use our free resume checker to verify ATS compatibility.
2. Missing Keywords
The Problem: ATS systems rank resumes based on keyword matches. If your CV doesn't contain the right keywords from the job description, it gets filtered out.
The Fix: Tailor your CV to each job by including keywords from the job description. Use our AI CV tailoring tool to automatically match keywords.
3. Generic, One-Size-Fits-All Resume
The Problem: Sending the same generic CV to every job shows lack of interest and effort. Recruiters can spot a generic resume immediately.
The Fix: Customize your CV for each application. Highlight relevant experience, use job-specific keywords, and adjust your summary to match the role.
4. Poor File Format
The Problem: Some file formats (like images, HTML, or outdated formats) aren't readable by ATS systems. Your resume gets rejected before it's even analyzed.
The Fix: Always submit your CV as a PDF or DOCX file. PDF is preferred for maintaining formatting across different systems.
5. Weak or Missing Professional Summary
The Problem: A weak summary (or no summary) fails to grab attention. Recruiters spend 6-7 seconds on initial resume review—your summary needs to make an impact.
The Fix: Write a compelling 2-3 sentence summary that highlights your key achievements, relevant experience, and value proposition. Include quantifiable results.
6. Vague or Generic Job Descriptions
The Problem: Descriptions like "responsible for various tasks" or "worked on projects" don't show impact or value. They make your experience seem weak.
The Fix: Use action verbs and quantify achievements. Instead of "managed team," write "Managed team of 5, increasing productivity by 30%." Show results, not just responsibilities.
7. Too Long or Too Short
The Problem: A 4-page resume for a mid-level role or a half-page resume for a senior role sends the wrong message. Length should match experience level.
The Fix: Keep it to 1-2 pages for most roles. Recent graduates: 1 page. Mid-level: 1-2 pages. Senior executives: 2-3 pages maximum.
8. Spelling and Grammar Errors
The Problem: Typos and grammar mistakes signal carelessness and lack of attention to detail. Many recruiters reject resumes with errors immediately.
The Fix: Proofread multiple times. Use spell-check and grammar tools. Ask a friend or colleague to review. Read your resume aloud to catch errors.
9. Missing Contact Information or Broken Links
The Problem: If recruiters can't contact you or your LinkedIn/portfolio links are broken, your resume is useless—even if it's perfect otherwise.
The Fix: Include email, phone, and LinkedIn URL. Test all links before submitting. Make sure your email address is professional.
10. Irrelevant Information
The Problem: Including outdated experience, irrelevant skills, or personal information (age, photo, marital status) can hurt your chances or violate hiring practices.
The Fix: Focus on relevant experience from the last 10-15 years. Remove personal information unless required by the country/industry. Tailor skills to the job.
How to Prevent CV Rejection
Quick Checklist:
- ✓ Use ATS-friendly formatting (simple, clean layout)
- ✓ Tailor your CV to each job description
- ✓ Include relevant keywords from the job posting
- ✓ Quantify achievements with numbers and metrics
- ✓ Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
- ✓ Keep length appropriate (1-2 pages for most roles)
- ✓ Include complete contact information
- ✓ Use a professional email address
- ✓ Test all links before submitting
- ✓ Save as PDF or DOCX format
Use Tools to Avoid Rejection
Resume Checker
Use our free resume checker to instantly identify ATS compatibility issues, missing keywords, and content problems before you submit.
AI CV Tailoring
Our AI CV tailoring tool automatically customizes your resume for each job, ensuring keyword matching and ATS optimization.
FAQ
How do I know if my CV was rejected by ATS?
If you're not getting any responses despite having relevant qualifications, your CV is likely being rejected by ATS. Use a resume checker to identify ATS compatibility issues.
Can I fix a rejected CV?
Yes! Most CV rejection reasons are fixable. Use our resume checker to identify issues, then make the necessary improvements and reapply.
How long should I wait before reapplying?
If you've significantly improved your CV, you can reapply to the same company after 3-6 months. However, it's better to apply to new positions with your improved resume.
Don't Let Your CV Get Rejected
Use our free tools to check your resume for rejection risks and tailor it to each job. Get instant feedback and improve your chances of landing interviews.