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Simply sending out a CV is no longer enough. A tech professional reveals six common mistakes that push even qualified candidates into the rejection pile
If you are struggling to secure a job despite having the right qualifications and skills, the problem may lie in overlooked details rather than your degree.
Have you been applying for jobs for months, only to receive rejection emails in return? A viral post by a software engineer from Kerala has struck a chord with frustrated job seekers, highlighting why even qualified candidates are repeatedly turned down.
According to the tech professional, recruiters typically spend just six to ten seconds scanning a CV. In that brief window, even a minor error can push an application straight into the rejection pile. He emphasised that if you are struggling to secure a job despite having the right qualifications and skills, the problem may lie in overlooked details rather than your degree.
Drawing from his own experience, the engineer outlined six hard truths that often become the biggest obstacles in the job search process. He urged applicants to abandon outdated methods and rethink their strategy to ensure their CV reaches the shortlist rather than the bin.
Why Applications Get Rejected
Repeated rejection can be disheartening, but addressing a few fundamental mistakes can offer a fresh start. Here are the six main reasons he identified:
- Ignoring Basic Instructions: Many applicants fail to carefully read the job description. For instance, if a company requests a specific code word or a portfolio link in the email subject line and you omit it, this signals carelessness. Recruiters often interpret such oversights as a lack of discipline and immediately reject the application — regardless of the candidate’s achievements.
- Sending The Same CV Everywhere: One of the most common mistakes is failing to tailor a CV to the specific role. Each company has distinct requirements. Submitting the same generic CV to dozens of organisations reduces its relevance, especially when Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used to filter applications. Customising your skills and achievements to match the job description significantly improves your chances.
- Copy-Paste Cover Letters: In the age of artificial intelligence, relying on a generic cover letter can backfire. The techie warned that cover letters copied directly from tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT are often easy to detect. Errors such as mentioning the wrong company name or using robotic language suggest a lack of genuine interest. Recruiters value authenticity, and a missing personal touch can quickly lead to rejection.
- Weak Technical Understanding: During interviews, many candidates limit themselves to textbook definitions. However, employers look for individuals who can demonstrate practical application of tools and technologies. The engineer stressed that companies seek problem-solvers, not candidates who simply memorise theoretical answers without understanding real-world usage.
- Poor Follow-Up And Communication: Fluency in English alone does not guarantee effective communication. Failing to send a thank-you note after an interview, neglecting proper follow-up, replying late to emails or providing incomplete information can damage your professional image. Such behaviour may signal to recruiters that you are not serious about the opportunity.
- Lack Of Online Presence: In today’s digital world, platforms such as LinkedIn and GitHub often serve as a candidate’s professional identity. An outdated profile or invisible portfolio can raise doubts about credibility. Maintaining an active and updated online presence strengthens trust and showcases your work to potential employers.
Time To Rethink Your Strategy
The Kerala engineer’s advice is clear: job hunting is no longer just about qualifications. Attention to detail, personalisation, practical knowledge and professional communication play a decisive role in securing interviews.
By correcting these common mistakes, applicants can improve their chances of moving from rejection emails to interview calls.
March 05, 2026, 11:12 IST
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