Not only does it give the impression that you don’t know what you want or understand the job you’re applying for, but a CV as long as your arm buries your brilliance. “It’s so common and tempting to try to list everything you can do, but when you give equal weight to every experience, you dilute the impact of the really impressive stuff,” says McLean. “A hiring manager doesn’t have time to decode your CV. If they can’t instantly see why you’re right for the role, they’ll move on.”

Andrew Smith, marketing director at Click Consult, suggests thinking of your CV as a piece of marketing. After all, what is a CV if not a tool with which to market yourself?

“Just like a brand carefully selecting the most compelling aspects of a product for an advertising campaign, your CV should only highlight the skills and experiences that are relevant for the role you’re applying for,” says Smith. “Your CV is your personal advertisement and should be designed to attract the attention of recruiters with clarity and impact. Just as marketing campaigns tailor their message to their specific target audience, you should be customising your CV for each job you’re applying for, even if they’re in the same industry.”

Smith suggests using the inverted pyramid technique, a marketing tool that involves having the most important information up front, followed by supporting details and finally background information: “This allows the reader to grasp the essence of the message, even when quickly skim reading,” he says.

Just as in branding and marketing, don’t underestimate how big a role design plays in how impactful your CV is. “A minimalist design isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s a strategic marketing decision that makes your CV professional and engaging. Use bold headings and bullet points instead of long paragraphs, with enough white space between sections to make it easy to read and prevent visual strain.”

Too much detail is the common mistake you’re probably making on your CV – here’s how to fix it