Things You Should Avoid on Your CV
When it comes to landing your dream job, your CV is your first impression — and as the saying goes – first impressions last. Unfortunately, many job seekers make small but costly mistakes that can quickly send their application to the “no” pile. At Youth Opp SA, we want to help young professionals create powerful resumes that actually get noticed.
Here are the things you should avoid on your CV, and what to do instead.
Personality Details
Your CV is not the place to showcase your hobbies or personality traits (unless they directly relate to the job).
Employers care most about your skills, experience, and results. Your personality will shine later — during the interview.
An Objective Statement
Most hiring managers already know what your objective is, which is – you want the job. Instead of wasting valuable space, replace your objective with a career summary.
A strong summary highlights your experience, top skills, and what makes you the right fit for the role. Think of it as your professional “elevator pitch.”
Your Home Address
Your full address is no longer necessary. Employers rarely need it during the initial hiring stage, and including it can even create privacy concerns.
All you need is your email address, phone number, and optionally your city or region if it’s relevant for the job.
The Word “I” in Bullet Points
Your CV should sound confident and professional. Avoid using “I” in your experience section.
Instead of writing “I managed a team of five people,” write “Managed a team of five to deliver key projects on time.”
It reads cleaner and sounds more results-driven.
Irrelevant Volunteer Experience
Volunteering is great — but not all volunteer work belongs on your resume. Only include it if it adds value or demonstrates skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
For example, if you volunteered as a youth mentor and you’re applying for a social development role, that’s relevant. But if you helped organize a bake sale five years ago, you can leave it out.
Generic Skills Section
A “Relevant Skills” section filled with vague terms like “team player” or “hard worker” doesn’t impress recruiters.
Instead, focus on specific technical or professional skills that align with the job — such as project management, digital marketing, data analysis, or customer service.3
“References Available Upon Request”
Every recruiter knows they can request your references. Writing this line wastes valuable space that could be used to highlight more of your accomplishments.
The Wrong File Name
This one might seem small, but it makes a difference. When saving your CV, name the file clearly and professionally — for example:
📄 Frans- Maila-Resume.pdf
Avoid “FinalResume123.pdf” or “UpdatedCV.docx.” Small details show professionalism.
Final Thoughts
A clean, focused, and well-structured CV is your best tool to get noticed by employers. Keep it professional, relevant, and easy to read.
At Youth Opp SA, we’re here to guide South Africa’s youth toward better opportunities, from resume writing to career growth. Follow our latest career tips, internships, and job listings to stay ahead of the competition.
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