The hiring landscape in 2026 looks very different from what it did even five years ago. With AI-powered screening tools, skills-based hiring, and remote-first workplaces becoming the norm, your CV needs to evolve too. If you’re still using advice from the early 2010s, you might be unknowingly hurting your chances.
You want your CV to get you a job and not get into the trash. Now that you are here, let me walk you through the outdated practices that shouldn’t be found in your CV. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Writing an Objective Statement
Recruiters already know you’re seeking a job since you applied. Generic objective statements waste valuable space at the top of your CV. So don’t write
“Seeking a challenging position in a reputable organization where I can grow and contribute.”
Instead, write a sharp professional summary tailored to the role. Focus on measurable impact and core strengths.
Make it about value, not desire.
Including a Full Home Address
What is your complete street address doing at the top of your CV?
This is unnecessary and potentially risky. With remote work common, employers care more about time zones and work authorization than your exact street. Instead, you should include city and country (or time zone if relevant) email address, phone number, LinkedIn profile. Keep it professional and privacy-conscious.
Listing Every Job You’ve Ever Had
A full career history going back 20+ years is irrelevant. Recruiters spend an average of seconds on initial CV scans. Irrelevant roles dilute your impact. Show how your roles align with your target position, quality beats quantity.
Using “Responsibilities” Instead of Results
Performance data speaks louder than duties. Highlight measurable outcomes: Led a team of 8, increasing project delivery speed by 25%
Resolved 95% of customer inquiries within 24 hours
Grew regional sales by $1.2M in 18 months
Adding Personal Details That Don’t Matter
In many regions, including countries like the United States and United Kingdom, this information is unnecessary and can even create bias concerns. You should keep it professional, focus on skills, experience, and achievements. Only include personal information when it’s legally or culturally required.
Ignoring Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Designing your CV purely for visual appeal and ignoring keyword optimization shouldn’t be a thing. Modern hiring heavily relies on ATS tools such as Workday and Greenhouse to scan and filter applications.
If your CV lacks relevant keywords from the job description, it may never reach a human. Mirror key skills and terminology from the job ad.
Your CV must be both human-friendly and machine-readable.
Using One Generic CV for Every Job
Sending the same CV to 50 employers? Don’t do this!
Tailor your CV for each role, reorder bullet points based on relevance, adjust your professional summary and highlight skills aligned with the job posting. It takes more effort—but significantly improves interview rates.
Including References on the CV
Really, anyone still doing this should be questioned.
Recruiters assume you’ll provide references later in the process. Listing them upfront wastes space and may expose private information.
Overdesigning Your CV
Don’t use complex graphics for your CV:
Multiple columns with tiny fonts
Excessive colors and icons
Skill bars showing “90% leadership”
While creative roles may allow design elements, most industries prioritize clarity and readability. Use clean, simple formatting. Stick to professional, maintain consistent spacing and prioritize readability over decoration
Your CV is a professional document, not a design showcase. Early- to mid-career professionals: 1–2 pages, senior leaders: 2 pages (occasionally 3, if justified)
If it doesn’t demonstrate impact, expertise, or relevance, cut it.
What a 2026-Ready CV Looks Like
A modern CV in 2026 is:
Results-focused
Skills-aligned
Keyword-optimized
Clean and easy to scan
Tailored for each application
Focused on impact, not tasks
It reflects how you solve problems, drive outcomes, and add measurable value.
Conclusion
The job market evolves fast. What worked in 2015 or even 2020 may now signal that you’re out of touch with current hiring practices.
By eliminating these outdated CV habits, you immediately position yourself as modern, strategic, and results-oriented.
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Mariam is an imaginative and meticulous writer who is passionate about crafting compelling narratives and translating concepts into influential content.
