CV Red Flags: What Could Be Holding You Back?

Looking for a career rather than just a job is a whole different ball game. Sometimes, we don’t realize that small mistakes in our CVs could be red flags to potential employers—hindering our chances of finding that perfect fit.

As a recent graduate, I understand how frustrating it can be to get noticed by companies. Leading up to my graduation, I had no idea what career path I wanted to pursue. What I did know was that I loved my Marketing and Management degree, and that, for me, cultural fit was the most important factor in my job search.

What I didn’t expect was to find a role at Barrington James that would allow me to apply my marketing skills while working in an environment that truly suited me.

Discovering a Career in Recruitment

As a Talent Acquisition (TA) Consultant, I now put the theory I learned in my degree into practice every day. Recruitment wasn’t an industry I had considered before I was contacted by the TA team at Barrington James, but after learning more about the role and how my skills aligned, I became excited about the opportunity.

Fast forward to today—I spend a lot of time reviewing CVs and LinkedIn profiles to assess whether a candidate aligns with the opportunities here at Barrington James. Through this, I’ve learned what makes a great CV stand out—and more importantly, the common mistakes that could be holding you back.

CV Writing: The Do’s and Don’ts

🚫 Don’t let it get too long – Employers read hundreds of CVs, and a 4–5 page document means they might miss the most important parts. Keep it relevant, ideally no more than 2 pages.

🚫 Don’t leave unexplained gaps – Employment gaps can be a red flag, but they’re not a deal-breaker. If you took time out, explain what you did—volunteering, courses, or skill development.

✅ Keep it current – Employers want to know what you’re doing now as well as your past experience. Make sure your CV reflects your most recent achievements and skills.

✅ Be consistent – If you claim to be detail-oriented or a perfectionist, don’t let your CV be cluttered with spelling or grammar mistakes. Precision matters.

✅ Tailor it for the job role – Use keywords from the job description! If the role values confidence and communication skills, include examples of how you’ve demonstrated these.

✅ Sell yourself – With thousands of graduates entering the job market, standing out is more important than ever. Highlight what makes you unique—whether it’s experience, skills, or achievements.

🎓 Final Thoughts

To all the recent graduates—congratulations! 🎉 Your dream career is out there. By avoiding common CV mistakes and ensuring you showcase your strengths, you’ll be one step closer to landing the perfect role.

If you’re considering a career where your success is in your hands, Barrington James is always looking for ambitious graduates to join us. Who knows? Recruitment could be the career you never knew you needed.