5 Common CV Mistakes for International Applicants (UK/US Jobs) & How to Fix Them

Applying for jobs in a new country, like the UK or the US, is exciting! But it also comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to your CV. What works perfectly in your home country might not hit the mark with recruiters overseas. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the differences.

Many talented international applicants accidentally make CV mistakes that can hurt their chances. Let’s look at 5 common ones and how you can easily fix them, making sure your application stands out for the right reasons.

1. Using the Wrong Format or Length

The Mistake: In some countries, longer, more detailed CVs (sometimes called curriculum vitae in the academic sense) are standard. You might also use a format common locally but unfamiliar to UK/US recruiters.

The Fix: Stick to the standard UK/US business resume/CV format. This usually means:

• Length: 1-2 pages maximum. Be concise and focus on relevance.
• Order: Reverse-chronological order for experience and education (most recent first).
• Layout: Clean, professional, and easy to scan. Avoid overly fancy designs unless you’re in a creative field.

How ThePerfectCV Helps: Our templates are designed based on what UK and US recruiters expect, ensuring you start with a professional, compliant format. Just choose one and fill in your details!

2. Including Too Much Personal Information

The Mistake: Including details like your photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality, or even religion. While this might be normal or even expected in some cultures, it’s generally not done in the UK and US.

The Fix: Omit this personal information. UK and US anti-discrimination laws mean employers don’t want this information early on. Focus solely on your professional qualifications and experience. The only exception might be clarifying your work authorization/visa status if specifically requested or highly relevant.

3. Using Unfamiliar Terminology or Acronyms

The Mistake: Using job titles, qualification names, or industry jargon specific to your home country that recruiters in the UK or US won’t understand.

The Fix:

• Translate Titles: Use the closest UK/US equivalent for your job title or qualification. If your degree isn’t directly comparable, briefly explain its level (e.g., “Equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s Degree”).
• Explain Acronyms: Always spell out acronyms the first time you use them, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.
• Simplify Language: Avoid overly technical terms unless they are universally understood in your field and relevant to the job description.

4. Focusing on Duties, Not Achievements

The Mistake: Simply listing your job responsibilities without highlighting your accomplishments or the results you delivered.

The Fix: This is crucial everywhere, but especially valued in the UK/US. Instead of saying “Responsible for managing social media,” say “Increased social media engagement by 25% in six months by implementing a new content strategy.” Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible (use numbers, percentages, timeframes).

How ThePerfectCV Helps: Our AI-powered tools can suggest powerful action verbs and help you rephrase your responsibilities into achievement-oriented bullet points.

5. Sending a Generic, Untailored CV

The Mistake: Using the exact same CV for every job application, regardless of the specific requirements.

The Fix: Carefully read each job description. Identify the key skills and experience the employer is looking for. Customize your CV to highlight how your background matches their needs. Mirror keywords from the job description (naturally, don’t just stuff them in!).

How ThePerfectCV Helps: Easily duplicate and modify your CV for different applications within your account. This makes tailoring much faster and ensures you always send the most relevant version.

Landing Your International Opportunity

Applying for jobs internationally requires a bit of extra effort to adapt your CV to local expectations. By avoiding these common mistakes, you significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by UK and US recruiters.

Remember to focus on clarity, relevance, and achievements. Keep it professional, tailor it to each role, and ensure the format is what recruiters expect.

Ready to create a CV that opens doors in the UK or US? Try building your CV with ThePerfectCV today and take advantage of our expert templates and tools designed for international success!