Why your CV isn’t getting you interviews
What hiring managers actually look for in 6 seconds
I often get messages on LinkedIn from developers who want feedback on their CVs.
Most of them are experienced and skilled.
But they’re not getting interviews and they don’t know why.
When I look at their CVs, I usually see one huge mistake:
They simply list all the technologies and tasks they’ve ever done.
And that’s a problem because hiring managers don’t read every word of your CV.
They scan it for 6–7 seconds and decide if you’re worth a closer look.
If your CV doesn’t pass that test, it doesn’t matter how good you are.
A real example
A few weeks ago, I was having breakfast when a developer sent me his CV and asked for feedback.
He had more than 7 years of experience.
Worked at serious companies.
So I expected a strong CV. Instead, I got one that honestly made me a little angry.
Why? Because it didn’t tell me anything that matters.
It had a long list of tools
A blurry photo
Spelling mistakes like “WORK EXPIRANCE”
And lines like: “Working as a software engineer in the backend team.”
That’s not information. That’s noise.
The most common CV problem
He had the same issues I’ve seen hundreds of times:
Lists every tech he’s ever touched
Describes general tasks like developing, maintaining, and delivering web projects
Writes “team player” somewhere
Even if you’re great at your job, a CV like this won’t get you interviews.
Recruiters and hiring managers use CVs to screen candidates quickly.
If yours doesn’t clearly show what they’re looking for, they move on.
Want to make your CV stand out?
Here’s what to focus on:
✅ Use the job title you’re applying for
Say “Backend Engineer” if that’s the role. Not just “Software Developer.”
Mirror the job post.
✅ Start with impact
Tell me what you improved or changed. Not just what your title was or how big your team was.
✅ Remove unnecessary information
Skip the photo.
Skip family man, cyclist, musician, etc.
Skip listing every tool you’ve ever touched. No one cares that you used MongoDB six years ago.
✅ Use action + result
This simple formula works: Did X, using Y, to achieve Z
For example: Built APIs with .NET that reduced response time by 40% and improved system reliability
✅ Use keywords from the job description
If the job mentions microservices and you’ve worked with them—say it clearly.
Both humans and software filter for matching terms first. The more alignment, the better your chances.
✅ Make it readable
Use short bullet points.
Leave white space.
Avoid big blocks of text.
The easier your CV is to scan, the more likely it gets read.
The developer who sent me his CV wasn’t lacking experience.
He wasn’t lacking skill.
He just told his story the wrong way.
But here’s the good news:
He took my advice. He rewrote his CV.
Not only did he get called for interviews, he got a new job.
If you're not sure why your CV isn’t working, I’m happy to help.
Follow me on LinkedIn, and you are welcome to send your CV for feedback.
—Gábor
We are not done yet!
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