CV improvement guide
Why Your CV Is Not Getting Shortlisted: 12 Mistakes Job Seekers Must Fix
If you keep applying for jobs but nobody calls you back, your CV may be working against you. Employers and recruiters often decide quickly whether a candidate should move forward. A clearer CV can help you look more serious, more prepared and easier to contact.
1. Your CV does not show the role you want
If your CV looks like you can do anything, employers may not know where to place you. Make your target role clear. For example: sales representative, driver, cashier, cook, baker, cleaner, marketer, receptionist, office assistant or warehouse assistant.
2. Your phone number or WhatsApp number is wrong
This is one of the fastest ways to lose opportunities. Check your phone number carefully before submitting your CV. If a recruiter cannot reach you, another candidate may be contacted instead.
3. Your location is missing
For Lagos jobs, location matters. Employers want to know if you can resume on time. Add your current area, such as Surulere, Yaba, Ikeja, Lekki, Ajah, Ikorodu, Gbagada, Shomolu or Victoria Island.
4. Your CV is too long or confusing
A CV should be easy to scan. Avoid too many pages, heavy grammar or unrelated details. Put your strongest experience near the top so a recruiter can understand you quickly.
5. You do not describe your work experience properly
Do not only write job titles. Add what you actually did. For example: handled customers, managed stock, prepared food, cleaned assigned areas, drove delivery routes, promoted products or recorded daily sales.
6. Your CV has spelling mistakes
Spelling mistakes can make a candidate look careless. Read your CV slowly before submitting. Ask someone to review it if possible.
7. You are using an unprofessional email address
If you use email, keep it simple and professional. Your name is better than nicknames or unserious words. A clean email address helps your application look more credible.
8. You leave out your availability
Employers often want to know when you can resume. If you can start immediately, say so. If you need notice, be honest.
9. Your CV does not match the job
If you apply for a sales job, your CV should show customer service, product knowledge, communication or sales experience. If you apply for a driver job, show license, routes, delivery experience or safety record where applicable.
10. You submit without reading the job post
Before applying, read the location, requirements and duties. If the role does not fit your experience or location, register in the talent pool instead so you can be considered for a better match.
11. You do not prepare after submitting
After applying, keep your phone available and prepare for interview questions. Be ready to explain your experience, location, availability and salary expectation clearly.
12. You do not apply through the correct channel
When a company provides an official application form, use it. Jega Outsourcing Network reviews applications submitted through the website so the team can track candidates properly and contact suitable applicants.
What to do next
Update your CV, check your phone number, add your location, describe your real experience and apply only through trusted channels. If you do not see a suitable current job, register your CV in Jega's talent pool for future opportunities.