What words should you avoid on your CV?

Avoid generic traits like 'hardworking,' 'detail-oriented,' 'results-driven,' and 'strong communicator.' These are unprovable claims that every candidate makes. Also avoid 'responsible for' and 'worked on,' which hide your actual contribution. Replace every line with outcomes: what changed because of you.

Why does writing hardworking on your CV hurt you?

'Hardworking' signals effort, not judgment or value. Hiring managers do not reward effort. They reward outcomes under pressure. Replace it with evidence of ownership: 'Took ownership of a delayed project and delivered within 90 days' is infinitely stronger than 'hardworking team member.'

Should you list Microsoft Office on your CV?

No. Microsoft Office is a baseline skill that tells a hiring manager nothing about how you think. It signals 'doer,' not decision-maker. Instead, show what you built with those tools: 'Built reporting models used by leadership to track costs weekly' demonstrates far more value.

How do you make your CV stand out to hiring managers?

Apply one test to every line: could someone else in your role have written this exact sentence? If yes, rewrite it. Every line should answer 'what changed because of me?' Use the format: when something was at risk, I decided to do something specific, which resulted in a measurable outcome.

What is the biggest red flag on a CV?

Anything that could apply to anyone in your role. Zero differentiation means zero signal. Generic responsibility statements, trait lists, and vague descriptions get skipped. Hiring managers scan for proof of ownership and measurable impact. If your CV reads like a job description, it is a red flag.

CV & APPLICATIONS

10 CV Red Flags That Cost You Interviews

Daniel Langley·17 May 2026·10 min read

KEY TAKEAWAY

Most CVs don't fail because the person isn't capable. They fail because the CV sends low-signal messages that hiring managers don't trust. Replace traits and tools with outcomes and ownership.

After interviewing 10,000+ people, hiring 250 executives, negotiating $30M+ in compensation, and reviewing more than 25,000 CVs, I can tell you this:

Most CVs don't fail because the person isn't good. They fail because the CV sends the wrong signals.

Here are the CV red flags that cost you interviews, and what to write instead.

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