5 Common CV Mistakes for Returners (and How to Fix Them)

Ready to jump back into the workforce after a career break? That’s fantastic! It can feel a bit daunting, especially when it comes to updating your CV. Many talented people stumble by making a few common mistakes that can easily be avoided.

We’re here to help you navigate this. Let’s look at 5 frequent CV pitfalls for returners and how you can fix them, making your application shine.

1. Ignoring the Elephant in the Room (The Career Gap)

The Mistake: Pretending the career break didn’t happen. Leaving a big unexplained gap on your CV makes recruiters nervous. They might assume the worst or simply move on to a clearer application.

The Fix: Address it briefly and positively. You don’t need to over-explain, but acknowledging the break is crucial. Frame it constructively. Did you use the time for personal development, volunteering, caring responsibilities, or travel? You can add a short line in your summary or cover letter, like: “Returning to [Industry] following a planned career break focused on [brief, positive reason, e.g., family commitments, professional development].”

• ThePerfectCV Tip: Some of our CV templates offer flexible sections where you can naturally incorporate a brief note about your break, or you can use the personal summary section effectively.

2. Using an Outdated CV Format and Content

The Mistake: Dusting off your old CV from years ago without significant updates. CV styles change, and what worked before might look cluttered or irrelevant now. Holding onto outdated skills or ancient job descriptions doesn’t help.

The Fix: Refresh your format and content. Choose a clean, modern CV template (like those offered by ThePerfectCV!). Consider a functional or combination format if your recent experience is thin, focusing on skills rather than just chronology. Critically review every entry – is it relevant to the jobs you’re applying for now? Remove outdated software skills (unless niche and required) and jobs from decades ago unless they show crucial foundational experience.

3. Sending a Generic, One-Size-Fits-All CV

The Mistake: Using the exact same CV for every single application. Recruiters can spot a generic CV a mile off. It shows a lack of effort and makes it hard for them to see why you are a good fit for this specific role.

The Fix: Tailor, tailor, tailor! Read each job description carefully. Identify the key skills and requirements the employer is looking for. Then, adjust your CV to highlight your experience and skills that match those requirements. Use keywords from the job description.

• ThePerfectCV Tip: Our CV builder makes it easy to duplicate and tweak your CV for different roles. Some plans even include AI features that can help suggest relevant keywords and tailor your content.

4. Only Focusing on Paid Work Experience

The Mistake: Thinking that only traditional, paid employment counts on a CV. If you’ve been on a break, you might overlook valuable experiences gained through other activities.

The Fix: Include relevant unpaid experience! Did you volunteer, take online courses, manage a complex household budget, organise community events, or work on personal projects? These activities build transferable skills like organisation, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and specific technical skills. Describe these experiences just like you would a paid job, focusing on your responsibilities and achievements.

5. Letting Typos and Formatting Errors Slip Through

The Mistake: Submitting a CV with spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or inconsistent formatting. This signals a lack of attention to detail – a red flag for any employer.

The Fix: Proofread meticulously. Then proofread again. Read it backwards (it helps spot errors!). Ask a friend or family member to review it. Use spell-check and grammar tools, but don’t rely on them solely. Ensure consistent formatting (fonts, spacing, bullet points).

• ThePerfectCV Tip: Using a professionally designed template from ThePerfectCV helps ensure clean, consistent formatting. Our built-in tools can also help catch common errors.

Ready to Relaunch Your Career?

Returning to work after a break is a significant step, but your experience and skills are valuable. By avoiding these common CV mistakes, you present yourself professionally and highlight your strengths effectively. Focus on tailoring your CV, addressing the gap positively, and showcasing all relevant experience.

You’ve got this! Why not start building your updated, polished CV today with ThePerfectCV?