You are reading this probably because you have applied for several jobs with no single call-up for an interview. Not even a rejection email. You're not alone. Many job seekers face the same hurdle even when they meet the job requirements. The problem could be a result of multiple underlying factors, some of which you may not be aware of.
In this guide, we will explain why it keeps happening and what you can do to fix it.
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You’re using the same CV for every job
Your CV is not ATS-friendly
You’re listing duties, not achievements
It has no proof
You don’t have the right keywords
The format is confusing
Your CV is too long or too short
There are typos or grammar mistakes
You’re applying too late
You’re applying for roles you’re not qualified for
Your CV has no clear structure
The file name looks unprofessional
You’re using an uncommon file type
You left out contact details
You added too much personal info
You don’t mention results with numbers
You added things that don’t matter
You copied everything from ChatGPT or a template
You didn’t explain job gaps
Your CV has no personality
This is one of the common reasons why job seekers don’t get called up for interviews. They keep sending the same CV to different companies. You need to understand that every job and company is unique. If you're sending the same CV to all companies, you're making a mistake. Employers want to see that your CV matches the job they posted. If it feels too general, they’ll move on.
By now, you should know what an ATS is: that software companies use to scan CVs. It is this software that is likely rejecting your CV. When your CV has too many designs, tables, or strange formats, the system may not read it correctly.
The difference between you and that job seeker who got invited for an interview is that they don’t just point out the tasks they were responsible for. They mention achievements instead. While you are saying “I managed social media accounts”, they are showing what results they achieved.
Words like “team player” or “hardworking” are generic and clichéd. Everyone uses them. They are not making you stand out and are equally limiting your interview chances.
If the job post says they need someone with “data analysis” or “customer service experience,” those words should appear in your CV naturally. The ATS and recruiters are both scanning for matches. If you don’t speak their language, they won’t pick you.
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How your CV is formatted is very important. Once it is not clean, simple, and organized, you have already lost your chances of an interview. No one likes to read unclear and confusing texts, especially recruiters who are reported to spend less than 6 seconds to get a first impression on a CV.
7. Your CV is too long or too short
This is another reason why you’re likely not getting interviews for that job. If your CV is one big page with barely any info, it looks rushed. If it’s four to five pages long and full of unnecessary information, it looks overwhelming.
Yes, this still happens and it’s a big deal. A single typo can make you look careless. Regrettably, lots of job seekers do not pay attention when drafting their CVs.
Some jobs get hundreds of applicants within a few days. Once you wait too long to apply, the role might already be filled or shortlisting might have closed. So if you are not applying early, especially for popular roles, your chances of getting an interview invite is slim.
10. You’re applying for roles you’re not qualified for
It’s okay to aim high. But if you keep applying for jobs far above your skill level, employers will skip your CV. The least you or any job seeker can do is to match at least 70–80% of the job requirements before applying.
If your CV jumps all over the place, you will likely not get invited for that interview. For example, a CV that starts with skills first, then education, then work experience, then back to skills is confusing. Recruiters want to find things fast.
View Best CV Templates in 2025
This is a common reason why your CV is getting ignored. A CV file named “cvfinalfinal20klast.pdf” makes a bad impression. It not only looks unprofessional, it is not easy to track. For instance, the recruiter types in your name in the search bar to find your CV, what results do you think will show? Exactly.
If you upload your CV as a Google Doc link or Pages file, some systems or recruiters may not be able to open it. That means you’re out before you even start. The worst thing you can do for yourself is to take a picture of your CV and send it.
This one may seem obvious, but some job seekers forget to include an email address or phone number. Or they include an old number they no longer use. This could be holding you back.
Your CV doesn’t need your full home address, marital status, religion, or photo (unless the job or country requires it). Adding too many personal details can create what is often referred to as recruiter bias and that is the biggest hurdle to getting an interview invite.
As simple as this sounds, it is very important. Saying “I improved sales” is too vague. And that explains why you’re not getting invites for interviews.
Recruiters want to know how you’ll add value. Listing every course you’ve ever taken or adding three pages of hobbies is not helpful.
A poll conducted by Canva showed that 57% of job seekers use AI and a large number copy-paste. If you are one of them, you already know why you’re not getting those interview invites.
If you’ve been unemployed for a while, and leave a blank space without explaining, you also know why you’re not getting interview invites.
Even though CVs are formal, they should still give a small sense of who you are. A short summary or headline at the top is an attention grabber, and because you don’t have any on your CV, you don’t get called up for interviews.
Now that you’ve seen the common mistakes, it’s time to learn how to fix them. Most job seekers think they need to rewrite their entire CV from scratch, but that’s not true. With the right changes in the right places, you can turn your CV into something that actually gets noticed.
Let’s go through the most important things you need to do to improve your CV and start getting responses from employers.
The first thing recruiters see after your name and contact details is the top section of your CV. This is where you should write a short summary of who you are and what you do. Think of it as your quick introduction. It should be two or three lines that explain your job title, your main skills, and the value you bring. For example, instead of writing “I am hardworking and passionate,” you can say something like “Customer service officer with three years’ experience helping customers in banking and retail. Skilled in conflict resolution, CRM tools, and managing customer requests under pressure.” That tells the recruiter exactly what you bring to the table, without wasting time on vague words.
Many people apply for jobs without adjusting their CVs to fit what the company is actually looking for. This is a big mistake. If a company is looking for someone with “data entry,” “Excel,” and “attention to detail,” and your CV says “record keeping” and “spreadsheet skills,” the computer might not realize it’s the same thing. This is where keywords matter. Always read the job ad carefully. Look for the exact terms and phrases they used. If you have those skills, make sure those words appear in your CV. This helps both the software and the recruiter understand that you’re a good fit.
One of the biggest reasons CVs get ignored is that they only list tasks, not results. Employers don’t just want to know what your job was. They want to know what you achieved while doing it. For example, instead of writing “Handled social media accounts,” you can say “Managed company’s Instagram and Facebook pages, increasing followers by 40 percent in six months.” That shows you added value, not just that you were busy. Wherever possible, try to include numbers or results. It makes your work more believable and easier to measure.
You don’t need to impress anyone with colours, fancy fonts, or design templates. In fact, those things often make your CV harder to read, especially for the software that scans it. The best format is the simplest one. Use a basic font like Arial or Calibri. Keep the font size between 10 and 12. Use bold text only for headings like Work Experience, Skills, or Education. Make sure the spacing is easy on the eyes. Avoid columns, tables, or icons because they confuse applicant tracking systems and might cause your CV to get rejected before anyone even sees it.
You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever had, especially if it’s not related to the role you’re applying for. If you worked as a waiter ten years ago and are now applying for a tech support role, that old job probably doesn’t add much value. Instead, focus on the experience that matches what the employer is looking for. If you don’t have much job experience, you can include volunteer work, internships, or even school projects, as long as they show relevant skills. The goal is to show that you can do the job, not to list every task you’ve ever done.
Typos and grammar mistakes make you look careless, even if you’re qualified. You don’t want your CV to say “attention to detail” instead of “attention to detail.” Always read through your CV slowly before you send it out. Even better, let someone else read it for you. You can also use free tools like Grammarly to check for basic errors. Taking ten minutes to proofread can save you from weeks of silence.
This may sound obvious, but many people forget to include their phone number or email address. Or they add an email that they no longer check. Always include your full name, a working phone number, and a professional email address. If you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can add that as well. Put these details at the very top of your CV so they’re easy to find.
There are free websites that can scan your CV and tell you what’s missing or what to improve. For example, MyJobMag’s CV Matcher can compare your CV with a job description and show how well it matches. Resume Worded can give your CV a score and suggestions to improve. Rezi can help you build a new CV that is friendly to applicant tracking systems. You don’t need to rely on guesswork. These tools are easy to use and can help you get better results.
It takes extra time, but it’s worth it. Every time you apply for a job, make small changes to your CV to fit the company and the role. You don’t need to rewrite everything. Simply adjust your summary, update a few keywords, and rearrange some bullet points to align with the employer's requirements. A generic CV sounds lazy. A tailored one stands out.
Here are some of the most common questions job seekers ask when they keep hearing nothing back.
Most companies take between one to two weeks to start shortlisting after the job closes. Some roles may take longer, especially in banks, oil & gas, or government. If the job didn’t have a deadline, it’s still safe to wait at least seven working days before following up.
If you applied and haven’t heard back in 10 to 14 days, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up. However, while waiting, continue to apply for other jobs. Keep going.
Yes, if the job ad didn’t say “no calls or emails”, then a follow-up is fine. Wait at least a week before sending a message. Keep it short and polite. Mention the role you applied for, the date, and your continued interest. Don’t ask for feedback or sound impatient. Just check in.
It depends. If you already applied and didn’t get any response, it’s okay to reapply when the job is posted again, but only if you’ve improved your CV or updated your experience. Don’t resend the exact same thing every time. That can annoy recruiters.
Yes. Some companies start shortlisting as soon as applications start coming in. If you apply 2–3 weeks after the job is posted, the shortlist may already be full. It’s best to apply within the first 3 to 5 days if you can. Early applications often get more attention.
Yes. If it’s too short, you may look inexperienced. If it’s too long, it gets skipped. The ideal CV length is one to two pages. One page is fine if you’re a student, intern, or fresh graduate. Two pages is better if you’ve worked for more than 3 years or have multiple roles to show.
Yes, but with limits. If you meet about 70 to 80 percent of the requirements, you can still apply, especially if you’re willing to learn the rest. But if you’re missing key qualifications or experience, it’s better to skip it and focus on roles that match your level.
If the job asks for it, always include it. Even if it doesn’t, adding a short cover letter can help you stand out. Keep it simple: introduce yourself, say why you're a good fit, and show that you’ve read the job post. Tailor it to the company, not a copy-paste version.
Always use PDF unless the job says otherwise. PDF keeps your formatting intact, while Word documents (.doc or .docx) can look different on other computers. Avoid Google Doc links unless specifically requested.
Not necessarily. Tools like ChatGPT, Canva, or online CV builders can help. But don’t copy them word for word. Always edit the final CV to sound like you. Recruiters can tell when something feels AI-generated or too perfect.
View How to Land a Job Using AI
That’s a sign you need to pause and review your CV strategy. It’s likely that your CV is not tailored, not ATS-friendly, or not showing your value properly. Don’t keep applying the same way and expecting different results. Use a checklist. Get feedback. Try online tools to scan your CV for weak spots. Quality is better than quantity.
Now you know the reasons why CVs get rejected. You also know how to fix them. Go back. Clean up your format. Add real results. Use the right keywords. Proofread everything. Send it out again, but this time, with intention. And while you’re waiting for replies, don’t sit still. Keep applying. Keep improving. Keep showing up.
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