Why Your CV Isn’t Getting Noticed (And How to Fix It)

You’ve spent hours polishing your CV, tailoring it to the role, and double-checking every detail — but the applications keep going unanswered. Sound familiar?

At smt recruitment, we review hundreds of CVs every month, and there are a few common reasons why strong candidates don’t get noticed. The good news? Most of these issues are easy to fix.

1. Your CV Isn’t Tailored to the Role

Sending the same generic CV for every application rarely works. Recruiters and hiring managers want to see that your skills match the role — quickly.

How to fix it:

• Highlight the experience and skills most relevant to the job.

• Use keywords from the job description (without keyword stuffing).

• Keep irrelevant roles or details to a minimum.

A tailored CV immediately signals that you understand the role and have the right experience.

2. It’s Hard to Read

A CV that’s cluttered, inconsistent, or overly long will often be passed over. Recruiters spend mere seconds on an initial scan — if they can’t quickly see what’s important, it’s a missed opportunity.

How to fix it:

• Use clear headings and bullet points.

• Keep formatting simple and professional.

• Stick to 2 pages where possible (1 page is fine for early-career candidates).

Clarity and structure make your CV easy to scan and understand — and that’s half the battle.

3. Achievements Aren’t Highlighted

Listing responsibilities alone doesn’t show your impact. Recruiters want to see what you’ve achieved, not just what you’ve done.

How to fix it:

• Focus on results, outcomes, and measurable achievements.

• Use action verbs: “managed,” “delivered,” “improved,” “led.”

• Quantify results where possible: “Increased sales by 20% in 6 months.”

This turns your CV from a job history into a story of your value.

4. Spelling, Grammar, and Small Mistakes

Even minor errors can leave a poor impression. A single typo can make a recruiter question your attention to detail.

How to fix it:

• Proofread carefully, and use spellcheck.

• Ask a friend or mentor to review your CV.

• Keep formatting consistent throughout.

It may seem small, but these details matter.

5. Your CV Isn’t Optimised for Recruiters

Many candidates don’t realise that CVs are read not just by humans, but also by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems scan for keywords and formatting to shortlist candidates.

How to fix it:

• Avoid unusual fonts, graphics, and tables that ATS might struggle with.

• Include relevant keywords from the job description.

• Keep your CV in a simple Word or PDF format.

Optimising your CV ensures it makes it past the first automated scan.

The smt recruitment Advantage

At smt recruitment, we work with candidates to make sure their CVs stand out — both to recruiters and hiring managers. Our experience in reviewing hundreds of applications means we know what works, what doesn’t, and how to help you get noticed.

From formatting tips to highlighting achievements, we can help your CV truly reflect your skills and potential.

Need some help?

Your CV is often your first impression — make it count. Tailor it, highlight your achievements, keep it clear, and avoid mistakes. Small changes can make a huge difference in whether your application gets seen.

If you’re ready to get your CV noticed and land your next role, contact the smt recruitment team today — we’ll help you put your best foot forward.