Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is more than just a piece of paper—it’s your first impression, your personal brand, and your entry ticket to new opportunities. But with all the advice floating around, it’s easy to fall into the trap of following outdated or incorrect information.
To help you navigate the noise, here are 5 things you can trust about CVs—and 5 myths you should stop believing.
5 Things You Can Trust About CVs
1. Tailoring Your CV Works
Trust this: Customising your CV for each job application significantly increases your chances of getting shortlisted. Recruiters want to see that you’ve taken the time to align your experience and skills with the specific role.
Tip: Mirror keywords from the job description and highlight relevant accomplishments.
2. A Clear, Well-Formatted CV Stands Out
Trust this: Recruiters often spend only 6–10 seconds scanning a CV. A neat layout, consistent font size, bullet points, and clear headings make your CV easier to read and more likely to leave a positive impression.
Tip: Use bold for section titles and keep your font between 10–12 pt for body text.
3. Achievements Matter More Than Duties
Trust this: Listing what you accomplished in your previous roles is far more compelling than simply listing responsibilities. Employers want to know what impact you had, not just what you were expected to do.
Tip: Use metrics where possible, e.g., “Increased customer retention by 15% over six months.”
4. Spelling and Grammar Can Make or Break It
Trust this: Even a single typo can damage your credibility. It signals a lack of attention to detail—a red flag in almost any industry.
Tip: Use spell-check tools and have someone else read your CV before submitting it.
5. LinkedIn and Your CV Should Complement Each Other
Trust this: Recruiters will often look you up on LinkedIn. A mismatch between your CV and your online profile could raise red flags, while a well-aligned profile can reinforce your personal brand.
Tip: Ensure your job titles, dates, and key achievements are consistent across platforms.
5 Common Myths About CVs
1. “Your CV should never be more than one page.”
Myth: While brevity is important, a one-page CV is not a hard rule—especially for professionals with several years of experience. A two-page CV is perfectly acceptable if the content is relevant and well-organized.
Truth: Focus on relevance and clarity over strict length limits.
2. “You must include every job you’ve ever had.”
Myth: Including irrelevant or outdated jobs can dilute the strength of your CV. Recruiters are only interested in the experience that relates to the role you’re applying for.
Truth: It’s better to focus on quality over quantity.
3. “Creative CV designs are always better.”
Myth: While creativity can help you stand out in design or media fields, overly complex or colorful CVs can backfire in more traditional industries like finance, law, or healthcare.
Truth: Always consider the industry and employer before going too bold.
4. “You need to include personal information like age, marital status, or a photo.”
Myth: In many countries, including South Africa, it’s not necessary—or even recommended—to include personal information that could lead to discrimination.
Truth: Stick to professional details like experience, skills, and education. Leave personal details out unless specifically requested.
5. “If you don’t hear back, your CV must be terrible.”
Myth: There are many reasons you might not get a response—internal candidates, hiring freezes, or just a flooded inbox.
Truth: A lack of feedback isn’t always a reflection of your CV. Keep refining and keep applying.
Related: 7 Essential Steps to a Successful Job Application Follow-Up
Final Thoughts
Your CV is a powerful tool, but only if it’s built on facts—not myths. Keep it tailored, clear, and achievement-focused. Avoid outdated advice, and remember: every application is a chance to learn and improve. The job you’re looking for could be just one well-written CV away.
