Not getting replies to job applications? Fix these 3 CV mistakes first

Not getting replies to job applications? It’s probably not you.

If you are applying for roles and hearing nothing back, it’s easy to assume you are not good enough.

That’s rarely the truth.

Most of the time, the issue is simpler.

Your CV is not failing because you lack experience.
It’s failing because it reads like a life story, not an advert.

Recruiters skim. Fast.

If they cannot instantly see what role you do, what you are good at, and what results you create, they move on.

Here are the three fixes that make the biggest difference quickly.

1. Your personal profile is too long, too vague, or missing proof

The top of your CV is doing the heavy lifting.

If it is a big paragraph, or a list of soft skills, it gets ignored.

Instead, use a 4-line personal profile.

Use this structure:

I am a [job title] with [X years].
Confident in [3 skills].
Track record of [result with a number].
Looking to [what you will do for them].

Why this works:
It makes the role clear.
It makes your value obvious.
It gives proof, not promises.

If you do not have exact numbers, use a safe range you can stand by, borrow team metrics you have access to, or include frequency like per day or per week.

2. Your bullet points list duties, not outcomes

A recruiter does not care that you were responsible for something.

They care what improved because you did it.

A simple way to upgrade your bullet points is:

Verb + number + what improved.

Examples:
Answered 60 to 80 calls a day with 95%+ CSAT.
Processed 200+ orders a week at 99.5% accuracy.
Reduced response time from 5 minutes to 2 minutes in six weeks.

This style is powerful because it proves you can perform, not just participate.

Quick warning:
Avoid starting bullets with “Responsible for…”
It blends in and says nothing.

3. You are applying and waiting, instead of applying and messaging

This one is uncomfortable, but it matters.

Lots of people apply.
Very few follow up properly.

A short message can bump you to the top.

Two scripts you can use:

Recruiter message:
Hi [Name], I’m a [role] with [X years]. Experience in [skill or area]. Happy to share my CV if useful.

Hiring manager message:
Hi [Name], I saw your [role]. I’m a [title] with [X years], experience in [skill or area]. I can send my CV or a short note on how I’d support [team or task] in week one.

Send these during working hours, not late at night.

A simple 3-day plan if you feel overwhelmed

Day 1: Write your 4-line personal profile.
Day 2: Upgrade two bullets with numbers.
Day 3: Send one recruiter message and one hiring manager message during working hours.

That’s enough to create movement without burning yourself out.

Want the 10-minute reset guide?

If this post helped and you want the exact steps laid out cleanly, I made a free 10-minute guide called Job Hunt Jumpstart.

It includes:
• the 4-line profile template
• bullet upgrades you can copy
• two message scripts
• a simple 3-day plan Job Hunt Jumpstart - Free 10 Mi…

You can grab it below when you are ready:

No pressure. No spam. Just the reset.