Five Mistakes That Keep Tech Candidates from Landing Interviews

You’re talented, experienced, and great at what you do — so why does your inbox stay quiet? The reality is that many exceptional tech professionals go unnoticed not because they lack skill, but because small, easily avoided missteps keep their applications from rising to the top.

At TechHeads, we review hundreds of CVs every week, and we’ve learned exactly what separates the applications that get immediate attention from the ones that never make it past the first glance. Here are the five most common — and most fixable — mistakes that quietly cost great candidates opportunities.

1. Listing every technology you’ve used

This doesn’t show hiring managers how you solve problems — it just shows buzzwords. 

Fix it: Focus on outcomes and reflect on your skill level. Instead of: React, Node.js, AWS 

Say: Built a React dashboard that cut data load time by 40% (React: 6 yrs, Node.js: 5 yrs, AWS: 5 yrs). 

2. You haven’t tailored your application

Generic applications are the silent killer of great opportunities.

Fix it: Spend 10 minutes aligning your profile to the job description. Use the company’s language, mirror the skills they emphasise, and show you understand their challenges. Tailoring your message shows intent and earns attention.

3. Your LinkedIn profile doesn’t match your CV

Inconsistent dates, missing projects, or incomplete profiles raise red flags.

Fix it: Make sure your LinkedIn, GitHub, and portfolio align with your CV. Add a professional headline and use your ‘About’ section to tell a short story about your approach to work.

4. You’re underselling your soft skills

Technical expertise gets you noticed; communication, collaboration, and adaptability get you hired.

Fix it: Show how you’ve worked cross-functionally, led discussions, or solved problems creatively. Add soft skill examples alongside technical ones:

“Collaborated with product and UX teams to deliver a new customer feature two sprints ahead of schedule.”

5. You’re skipping the recruiter relationship

Many candidates think applying directly is faster — but in tech recruitment, the right agency can open doors you won’t find on job boards.

Fix it: Build a relationship with a specialist recruiter who understands your niche. Experienced recruiters often have direct lines to hiring managers, giving your CV a much better chance of being seen.

Being a strong candidate isn’t just about skills — it’s about how you present them. Attention to detail, a consistent CV and online presence, and proactive engagement can turn you from overlooked to unforgettable. Great tech professionals don’t just apply; they position themselves strategically, telling a clear story of their value.

At TechHeads, we see firsthand what makes candidates stand out. By avoiding these five common mistakes and shaping your applications with care, you move from just another name in the pile to a candidate recruiters remember — and reach out to.