Create a professional CV now!
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YESWhen trying to land an interview for your dream job, you must impress the recruiter. The only way to achieve that is to send a CV that ticks all the boxes.
However, every candidate may face many challenges along the way. There are potential mistakes you must watch out for if you don’t want to end up with a bad CV. Fear not—I’m here to teach you how to avoid writing one and how to convince your recruiters you’re the right fit for the job.
In this article, you’ll find:
- 13 bad CV examples you can learn from.
- How to avoid common errors that can ruin a first impression.
- Comparison of a good CV vs a bad CV to inspire you.
Create an effective CV in minutes. Choose a professional CV template and fill in every section of your CV in a flash using ready-made content and expert tips.
NOYESWe created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.
1. Poor font choice and bad readability
The font you select for a CV has a major impact on its readability. Overly decorative fonts or small sizes will frustrate recruiters and reduce the chances of your application being read fully. An average recruiter only spends around 7 seconds looking at your CV, so it’s best to stick to classic, professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Ensure the font size is between 10 and 12 points for body text, and maintain consistent styling throughout your document.
As you can see, despite having a wonderful work experience and great skills, this CV is hard to read.
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2. Lack of spellcheck and proofreading
Typos and grammar errors immediately damage your professional impression. Use spellcheck and grammar tools to catch mistakes. However, try not to rely solely on them. Reading your CV aloud will help you spot awkward phrasing, repetitive verbiage, or even some typos that spellcheck can overlook. A fresh pair of eyes from a friend or mentor can also help you catch errors you may have missed.
Max Taylor
Data Analyst
0793 456 789
maxtaylor_cv@mail.cm
linkedin.com/in/maxtaylorda
Personal Profle
Detailed-oriented and anallytical data proffessional with over 5 years of expereince transfforming raw data into actionablle insights. Skilled in statistical analysis data visualisation and business intelligence reporting across sectors including finance andretail. Proficient in leveraging SQL Python and Excel to drive data-led decisions Eager to suport datadriven growht in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
I know it’s unlikely that any CV looks this way (I hope). However, you get the idea—avoid typos at all costs!
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3. Overuse of visual elements
You want your CV to stand out, but sometimes less is more. A minimal amount of colour or a simple design can help your document. Excessive graphics, icons, or photos will only clutter the page and make your CV (and you) look unprofessional. Unless you’re a graphic designer, the focus of your CV must remain on your skills and experience, not on your design abilities.
Just as in an earlier example, the overuse of graphic elements makes this CV bad and extremely difficult to read. It’s unlikely any recruiter would read it whole.
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4. Using clichés and buzzwords
These days, everyone seems to be “hard-working” or a “team player”. Such CV buzzwords have become so overused that they no longer carry significant weight. If you don’t want to end up with a bad CV, you must avoid them like the plague. Instead, use concrete examples that demonstrate these qualities, e.g. “Led a team of five to deliver a project 2 weeks ahead of deadline.” Specific, quantifiable achievements and clear language make a far stronger impression than generic buzzwords.
Max Taylor
Data Analyst
0793 456 7890
maxtaylor_cv@mail.com
linkedin.com/in/maxtaylor_cv
Personal Profile
Dynamic, results-driven, and outside-the-box thinker with a proven track record of leveraging data to drive success. Team player and self-starter with a passion for big data, keen to add value in a fast-paced environment. Brings a can-do attitude and a laser focus on delivering impactful insights.
Professional Experience
Data Analyst
Bright Retail Ltd, London
March 2020 – Present
- Worked cross-functionally to synergise reporting strategies and maximise value added from key datasets.
- Led initiatives to streamline data flows and unlock growth potential through out-of-the-box dashboards.
- Partnered with stakeholders to action insights that moved the needle on performance.
- Took ownership of end-to-end data solutions and leveraged best practices in reporting and analytics.
- Consistently delivered best-in-class insights to support business goals.
Junior Data Analyst
Finely Financial Services, Birmingham
August 2017 – February 2020
- Worked in a fast-moving environment with a focus on continuous improvement and value delivery.
- Played a key role in extracting mission-critical data to empower decision-makers.
- Assisted with data deep-dives and quick wins for client presentations.
- Owned key deliverables and ensured stakeholder satisfaction at all times.
- Created reports that told a compelling story through visuals and numbers.
Education
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics with Statistics
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
September 2013 – June 2016
Graduated with 2:1 Honours
Modules included: Data Analysis, Probability Theory, Statistical Computing
A-Levels: Mathematics, Economics, Physics
Eastwood College, Manchester, UK
September 2011 – June 2013
GCSEs (10 including Maths and English)
Eastwood College, Manchester, UK
September 2009 – June 2011
Skills
- Big picture thinking and granular detail orientation
- Best-in-class reporting tools: Power BI, Tableau, Excel
- Hands-on experience with SQL and Python
- Data storytelling and insight-led transformation
- Blue-sky thinking and solution mindset
- Collaborative spirit and stakeholder engagement excellence
- Results-oriented, proactive communicator
Languages
- German – Conversational
Software Proficiency
- Python, MATLAB, and R
- Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL
- Excel (pivot tables, INDEX/MATCH, macros)
- SAS, Tableau, and KNIME
- Oracle Database and SQLite
This bad CV example is incredibly dull, mainly due to the overuse of clichés we’ve heard a thousand times. What’s even more tragic, all of them were meant to make a great impression on the reader. Yawn.
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5. Writing too much
When a recruiter looks at a CV, they want to find the information they’re looking for immediately. Overloading it with excessive detail will only bury these key pieces of information and overwhelm your readers. Long paragraphs, irrelevant duties, and listing every single task or job ever held make it harder to read your CV and to spot your real strengths.
Example
Max Taylor
Data Analyst
0793 456 7890
maxtaylor_cv@mail.com
linkedin.com/in/maxtaylor_cv
Personal Profile
I am a data analyst who has accumulated more than five years of professional experience working in the field of data analysis across a variety of industries and sectors. Over this period of time, I have developed a strong ability to work with data in all of its forms, which includes collecting, cleaning, analysing, interpreting, and presenting it to various stakeholders at multiple levels. My experience has shown me that data is an extremely powerful tool when used properly, and I am passionate about uncovering the hidden patterns and trends that lie beneath the surface of raw datasets. I am now looking for an opportunity where I can continue to use these skills and continue growing my professional development in an organisation that values data-informed decision-making.
Professional Experience
Data Analyst
Bright Retail Ltd, London
March 2020 – Present
In this position, my role has primarily involved working with a large quantity of retail data which is generated on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis by over 300 stores across the country. My responsibilities have included gathering this data from various databases and systems, checking it for errors or inconsistencies, performing detailed analyses to uncover patterns of consumer behaviour, and then creating reports and dashboards to share these insights with other teams.
One of my major tasks was to build dashboards using tools such as Power BI, which I then regularly updated and maintained to ensure that they reflected the most recent data. This required frequent communication with managers and team leaders in other departments, such as marketing and operations, in order to understand their requirements and adjust the reports accordingly.
Another part of my job involved creating SQL queries, often from scratch, to retrieve relevant data from internal databases. These queries varied in complexity depending on the report or question at hand, and I documented all of them to ensure replicability and ease of use for others.
I also prepared monthly reports for senior leadership which contained a mix of graphs, commentary, and recommendations. This involved not only presenting numbers but also providing context and explanation about what the data showed and what actions might be taken as a result.
Junior Data Analyst
Finely Financial Services, Birmingham
August 2017 – February 2020
In this early role, I was responsible for supporting senior analysts by assisting them in their day-to-day tasks. This included cleaning spreadsheets, formatting reports, proofreading presentations, and ensuring that all data was accurate and reliable before being shared externally.
A significant portion of my time was spent using Microsoft Excel to carry out basic to intermediate level calculations and transformations. This required a high level of attention to detail and an understanding of financial terminology, which I gradually developed by working alongside more experienced colleagues.
I was also given the opportunity to help prepare data for audits, which involved checking client data for completeness and working through discrepancies with relevant departments. Although I did not lead these projects, I learned a lot by observing and contributing to the process.
Education
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics with Statistics
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
September 2013 – June 2016
I completed a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Mathematics, with a specific focus on statistical methods and applications. Throughout the course of my three-year degree programme, I studied a wide range of topics that were both theoretical and practical in nature. Modules included Data Analysis, Probability Theory, Statistical Modelling, and Statistical Computing. The course helped to equip me with the analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities that I now use in my current work. I graduated with a 2:1 classification.
A-Levels: Mathematics, Economics, Physics
Eastwood College, Manchester, UK
September 2011 – June 2013
These subjects were chosen because they complemented my interest in logic, numbers, and real-world applications. They formed a strong foundation for my later university studies.
GCSEs (10 including Maths and English)
Eastwood College, Manchester, UK
September 2009 – June 2011
Skills
- Data Analysis: Able to carry out thorough and detailed analysis using multiple tools and techniques.
- SQL: Experienced in writing structured queries to extract, join, and manipulate data from relational databases.
- Data Visualisation: Comfortable using tools like Power BI and Tableau to create charts and graphs that make data more accessible.
- Statistical Techniques: Knowledge of probability, regression, and statistical testing, used to support evidence-based conclusions.
- Excel: Confident using spreadsheets to manipulate and present data using functions, pivot tables, and formatting tools.
- Communication: Able to explain findings to technical and non-technical audiences in a way that is easy to understand.
- Collaboration: Willing and able to work with colleagues from different teams and departments to achieve shared goals.
Languages
- German – Conversational (I have studied German and can participate in conversations and understand written content at a basic to intermediate level.)
Software Proficiency
- Python, MATLAB, and R
- Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL
- Excel (pivot tables, INDEX/MATCH, macros)
- SAS, Tableau, and KNIME
- Oracle Database and SQLite
I bet you haven’t read it whole. No one else has. We’re lucky the author of this CV decided not to write anything else. Otherwise, we’d be reading this bad CV example for days.
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6. Writing too little
Being too brief can leave employers unsatisfied. No one has time to guess your key skills or wonder about your experience. A CV that is too short or too vague is also a bad CV. It misses opportunities to showcase the candidate’s achievements and value. Without enough detail, it’s difficult to demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate or how you can contribute to the company.
Max Taylor
Data Analyst
0793 456 7890
maxtaylor_cv@mail.com
linkedin.com/in/maxtaylor_cv
Personal Profile
Data analyst with experience in working with data and reporting. Interested in using numbers to support business decisions. Looking for a new challenge in a data role.
Professional Experience
Data Analyst
Bright Retail Ltd, London
March 2020 – Present
- Worked with data and created reports, improving stock availability by 18%
- Helped different departments with their data needs.
- Used tools to analyse performance.
Junior Data Analyst
Finely Financial Services, Birmingham
August 2017 – February 2020
- Supported the analytics team.
- Worked with spreadsheets and helped with reporting.
- Assisted with preparing data.
Education
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
2013 – 2016
Graduated with a 2:1
A-Levels: Maths, Economics, Physics
Eastwood College, Manchester, UK
2011 – 2013
Skills
- Excel
- SQL
- Power BI
- Teamwork-+
- Communication
Languages
- German – Conversational
This candidate missed the opportunity to add relevant background in the education section. The rest is so vague and generic that it gives the impression of someone who has not yet accomplished anything in the field.
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A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.
7. Inconsistent or poor formatting
Consistent CV formatting is crucial for readability and professionalism. Ensure the document has a clean and organised look. Formatting errors will only make you look careless, and that’s definitely an image you don’t want to present to your recruiter.
Everything a recruiter needs to invite this candidate for an interview is there. But you see how difficult it is to find it in this poorly formatted CV.
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8. Overreliance on AI-generated text
Using AI to write a CV can help you improve phrasing, but should not replace your authentic voice. Overusing AI-generated text risks a generic, impersonal CV that fails to stand out. Always personalise every section with your actual experiences, achievements and style.
Data Analyst CV Example
Max Taylor
0793 456 7890
maxtaylor_cv@mail.com
linkedin.com/in/maxtaylor_cv
Personal Profile
Highly motivated and detail-oriented data analyst with a strong passion for using data to drive business decisions. Experienced in various analytical tools and programming languages, with a keen ability to identify trends, optimise processes, and support data-driven strategies. Committed to continuous learning and dedicated to delivering insights that support organisational growth and success. 4o
Professional Experience
Data Analyst
Bright Retail Ltd, London
March 2020 – Present
- Utilised data visualisation platforms to provide insights into company performance.
- Conducted in-depth analysis on key metrics and presented findings to stakeholders.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support data-related initiatives.
- Cleaned, processed, and managed large datasets using SQL and Python.
Junior Data Analyst
Finely Financial Services, Birmingham
August 2017 – February 2020
- Assisted in the preparation of reports and dashboards for internal use.
- Supported data quality assurance and contributed to the development of internal tools.
- Participated in regular meetings to discuss data trends and KPIs.
- Provided analytical support to senior analysts and business managers.
Education
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
2013 – 2016
Graduated with a 2:1
Relevant modules: Data Analysis, Probability, Applied Statistics
Skills
- SQL
- Python
- Power BI
- Tableau
- Data cleaning
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Attention to detail
Languages
German – Conversational
The additional space before the text, the sudden “4o” at the end of the paragraph and the overall generic tone of this bad CV example make it obvious: it was created fully by the AI. And don’t get me wrong, your competitors are likely to use the AI to enhance their CVs. But not adding a human touch to it will be your losing point.
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9. Using an outdated or too basic template
Your CV should look modern and professional, reflecting current standards. Overly basic or outdated templates can make your application seem neglected. Select a clean and simple template that suits your industry and effectively highlights your content.
Remember, your goal is to catch the attention of your recruiter and leave a lasting impression. An overly basic CV layout won’t make it happen.
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10. Failing to tailor your CV to the job
Using a one-size-fits-all CV reduces your chances of passing applicant tracking systems and impressing recruiters. Tailor your skills, keywords, and achievements to fit the specific job description and company culture. This shows you’ve done your research, understand the role and are a perfect match that’s worthy of at least an interview. And that’s the main goal of your CV: to get you that interview.
Max Taylor
Data Analyst
0793 456 7890
maxtaylor_cv@mail.com
linkedin.com/in/maxtaylor_cv
Personal Profile
I am a hardworking and reliable individual with experience in various industries. I enjoy working in fast-paced environments and am eager to contribute to a dynamic team. I have good communication skills and a positive attitude towards learning new things.
Professional Experience
Data Analyst
Bright Retail Ltd, London
March 2020 – Present
- Analysed sales data from over 300 stores.
- Developed and maintained automated dashboards in Power BI.
- Worked closely with the marketing team.
Junior Data Analyst
Finely Financial Services, Birmingham
August 2017 – February 2020
- Supported senior analysts.
- Cleaned and structured large financial datasets.
- Contributed to data audits.
Warehouse Operative
QuickMove Logistics, Birmingham
May 2017 – August 2017
- Managed inventory and prepared shipments for dispatch.
- Operated forklifts and loading equipment safely.
- Followed health and safety guidelines consistently.
Barista
Café Central, Manchester
January 2017 – May 2017
- Prepared and served hot and cold drinks to customers.
- Maintained cleanliness and stock levels in the café.
- Provided friendly customer service during busy periods.
Education
BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies
City College, Manchester
2013 – 2015
GCSEs (9 including Maths and English)
City High School, Manchester
2007 – 2013
Skills
- Customer service
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Basic computer skills
This candidate wants to get a job as a data analyst. Why include irrelevant work experience? Why not focus on relevant aspects of education instead? So many questions, yet even more failed opportunities.
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11. Listing duties instead of achievements
Simply listing your daily tasks doesn’t show your value to employers. Instead, highlight your impressive accomplishments, improvements you’ve made, and measurable results. Numbers pop and catch the eye. That’s why it’s important not only to list your achievements but to quantify them whenever possible.
Professional Experience
Data Analyst
Bright Retail Ltd, London
March 2020 – Present
- Collected data from various sources.
- Cleaned and organised data for analysis.
- Generated regular reports as requested.
- Entered data into databases and software tools.
- Attended team meetings and discussed data needs.
Junior Data Analyst
Finely Financial Services, Birmingham
August 2017 – February 2020
- Assisted with data entry and maintenance.
- Supported the preparation of reports.
- Verified data accuracy.
- Updated spreadsheets and databases.
- Followed instructions from senior analysts.
It’s not impressive at all. Remember this: every worker has duties. But only the best ones have achievements. Believe me, your recruiter only wants who’s best out there.
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12. Unclear and illogical structure and headings
A well-structured CV enables recruiters to locate key information quickly. Use common section headings for everything a CV should include: personal profile, experience, education, and skills. Make your recruiter’s job easier, not way more difficult.
Max Taylor — CV of a Data Analyst for your company
Contact: 0793 456 7890 | maxtaylor_cv@mail.com | linkedin.com/in/maxtaylor_cv
About Me:
I like working with numbers and data. Experienced with computers and software. Enjoy teamwork and solving problems.
Learned:
- University of Leeds — Maths degree (2013–2016)
- Eastwood College — A-Levels in Maths, Economics, Physics (2011–2013)
- Some training courses on computers and Excel.
Worked:
Bright Retail Ltd (Data Analyst) — March 2020 to now
- Doing data work.
- Making reports sometimes.
- Using SQL and Excel.
Finely Financial Services (Junior Data Analyst) — August 2017 to February 2020
- Helped with data stuff.
- Made spreadsheets.
- Attended meetings.
What I Can Do:
- Excel
- SQL
- Python
- Power BI
- Teamwork
Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
- Jawohl!
Random Notes:
- I like working hard.
- I want to learn more.
- Good with computers.
Okay, I’ve shown you some bad CV examples, but this one simply crosses the line. It’s just horrible.
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13. Misusing white space and having a bad CV layout
Avoid cramming your CV with too much text. Adequate white space improves readability and allows the recruiter’s eye to rest. A clean layout with consistent margins (around 2.5 cm) creates a balanced look and makes your CV inviting to read.
This CV would work well if it weren’t for the poor use of white space. The entire layout is poor, making reading truly painful.
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Now that you are aware of so many bad CV examples, I must leave you with one that works perfectly well, so you can learn what to do instead.
Good CV example
Max Taylor
Data Analyst
0793 456 7890
maxtaylor_cv@mail.com
linkedin.com/in/maxtaylorda
Personal Profile
Detail-oriented and analytical data professional with over 5 years of experience transforming raw data into actionable insights. Skilled in statistical analysis, data visualisation, and business intelligence reporting across sectors including finance and retail. Proficient in leveraging SQL, Python, and Excel to drive data-led decisions. Eager to support data-driven growth in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
Professional Experience
Data Analyst
Bright Retail Ltd, London
March 2020–Present
- Analysed sales data from over 300 stores to identify trends and forecast demand, improving stock availability by 18%.
- Developed and maintained automated dashboards in Power BI, increasing stakeholder access to KPIs and metrics.
- Worked closely with the marketing team to measure campaign effectiveness, leading to a 12% boost in ROI.
- Built SQL queries to streamline reporting processes, reducing manual workload by 10+ hours weekly.
- Presented monthly insight reports to senior management, highlighting customer behaviour and revenue drivers.
Junior Data Analyst
Finely Financial Services, Birmingham
August 2017–February 2020
- Supported senior analysts in preparing datasets and generating client-facing performance reports.
- Cleaned and structured large financial datasets using Python and Excel, improving accuracy and usability.
- Contributed to data audits, identifying inconsistencies that reduced reporting errors by 25%.
- Created visualisations to support internal workshops, improving understanding of investment trends.
- Collaborated with IT to ensure data storage compliance with GDPR.
Education
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics with Statistics
University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
September 2013–June 2016
- Graduated with 2:1 Honours
- Modules included: Data Analysis, Probability Theory, Statistical Computing
Skills
- Data Analysis & Visualisation: Proficient in Power BI, Tableau, and Excel for interactive dashboards and data exploration.
- Programming & Querying: Advanced in SQL and Python (Pandas, NumPy), with experience in R for statistical tasks.
- Statistical Techniques: Regression analysis, hypothesis testing, time series forecasting.
- Data Cleaning & Preparation: Skilled in managing messy datasets, handling missing values, and transforming data formats.
- Business Intelligence: Experience generating insights for cross-functional teams to inform strategic decisions.
- Tools & Software: Power BI, Tableau, Excel, SQL Server, Python, R, Git, Jupyter Notebooks.
- Communication: Able to present complex findings to non-technical audiences in clear, actionable terms.
Languages
- German–Conversational
Software Proficiency
- Python, MATLAB, and R
- Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL
- Excel (pivot tables, INDEX/MATCH, macros)
- SAS, Tableau, and KNIME
- Oracle Database and SQLitele
You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.
Thanks for reading, and good luck with creating your CV!
Seeking more guidance? Visit our other articles:
- Hobbies and Interests on a CV
- Extracurricular Activities on a CV
- CV Introduction & How to Write One
- CV Objective & How to Create One (+ Examples)
- CV Outline for the UK: Examples & Tips
- CV Summary Examples & Detailed Guidelines
- Personal Details You Must Add to Your CV
- Should You Add Your Address to a CV?
How we review the content at LiveCareer
Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.
